Gordes Provencal Escape
This Provence bike tour is based in the beautiful village of Gordes from where you can explore the wonderful countryside of the Luberon as described by Peter Mayle in his book, A Year in Provence.
On this cycling tour, you will be given different itineraries starting from Gordes and allowing you to discover the landscapes and villages of Provence and Luberon.
Each day you can choose the ride that suits you best : visiting the beautiful Roussillon en Provence, riding the challenging Mont Ventoux, cycling through l’Isle sur la Sorgue and its famous market… The choice is yours!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Provence
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-night hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-night hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Day 1 : Arrive in Gordes
The meeting point is in Avignon, which is easily reached from Paris by train. We then organize your transfer from Avignon to Gordes. After settling down in your hotel and getting your bike set up, you will be free to spend the rest of the day exploring the charming Provence village of Gordes.
Accommodation : Mas de Carcarille - "Gordes"
Accommodation : La Bastide de Gordes & Spa - "Gordes"
Day 2 : Valley of the Luberon
Option 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Option 2 : 25 Miles - 40 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 800 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 510 Meters
Gordes and the Luberon area in the South of France became famous thanks to the book One Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. Cycle through the villages Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes (where Peter Mayle lived), Bonnieux…
Visit the Castle of Lacoste, one of the homes of the Marquis de Sade, a French aristocrat and author of the late 1700’s famous for his libertine sexuality.
Accommodation : Mas de Carcarille - "Gordes"
Accommodation : La Bastide de Gordes & Spa - "Gordes"
Day 3 : The Ochre Hills
Option 1 : 28 Miles - 45 Km
Option 2 : 39 Miles - 62 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 650 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 780 Meters
This cycle is a nice moderate ride through an area famous for its ochre hills. This ride will take you to the town of Roussillon in the Vaucluse department where the ochre pigment was first invented and developed, using ochre from the mines of the Apt Valley (Roussillon, Gargas, Rustrel).
Accommodation : Mas de Carcarille - "Gordes"
Accommodation : La Bastide de Gordes & Spa - "Gordes"
Day 4 : Bedoin & Mt Ventoux or other options
Option 1 : 22 Miles - 36 Km
Option 2 : 25 Miles - 41 Km
Option 3 : 58 Miles - 93 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 800 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 820 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 1400 Meters
Option 1 - This challenging ride will take you on a hilly route through the magnificent landscapes of the Vaucluse up to the famous Mont Ventoux.
Stop at the picturesque Senanque Abbey on your way. Founded in the 12 century, it is still home to a community of monks, which grows lavender and makes honey.
Continue on through a small mountain chain before reaching Venasque. Located on a hilltop with a splendid view of the area, it is one of France's most beautiful villages.
If you choose to keep cycling, the path will lead you to Carpentras by small quiet roads. Capital of the Comtat Venaissin, Carpentras used to be the home of several Popes during the 14th century and is now famous for its black truffle market.
Option 2 - This ride takes you to Isle sur la Sorgue, a charming village located on the bank of the Sorgue River. On the way you will visit Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Located at the bottom of the Vaucluse Mountains, the village hosts the spring of the Sorgue River, the biggest spring in France.
If you can, make sure to take this ride on a Sunday when you can take part in the market and antique fair of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Option 3 - This third trip goes through the Col de Murs (Murs Pass) on a beautiful mountain road. You will mainly cycle through the forest but will also get the opportunity to stop at the Senanque Abbey.
Accommodation : Mas de Carcarille - "Gordes"
Accommodation : La Bastide de Gordes & Spa - "Gordes"
Day 5 : Departure from Gordes
On the departure day you can take your time and enjoy your last day in Gordes. You will then be transferred to Avignon (transfer included) where you can add extra nights or catch a train to Paris.
Transfer is fixed for 09:30 am unless otherwise arranged by you.
Allow 1 hour travel before your train departure time.
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : Pre-tour Night, Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
Situated at the heart of Luberon, the hotel with restaurant Carcarille conjugates simplicity, authenticity and modernity. This family ancient country-house invites you in the silence and in the rest. The tone is given from the entrance by singulars centenarians cypress which guide the look towards an impressive house in dry stones with the strong character, which comes down gradually towards a nature where push olive trees, vineyard and almond trees. Well-kept and cosy atmosphere, cooking full of local flavors, thoughtful service, will make you live a unique experience of the Provençal lifestyle.
Day : Pre-tour Night, Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
Daniel Jouvance has chosen to create a Spa in the heart of the Bastide de Gordes, a magnificent hotel full of charm, dating back to the 16th century with an unimpeded view overlooking the Luberon and the Alpilles and perched in the heart of Gordes one of the most beautiful villages of France. Over more than 800m?_ on 3 levels, offering a large area entirely dedicated to the calm and well-being of the body and mind. The Bastide de Gordes & Spa is a place that breathes excellence.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (100€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (100€) 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Performance
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 32 Miles - 52 Km Elevation gain 1 : 800 Meters
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Option 2: 25 Miles - 40 Km Elevation gain 2 : 510 Meters
Option 1: 28 Miles - 45 Km Elevation gain 1 : 650 Meters
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Option 2: 39 Miles - 62 Km Elevation gain 2 : 780 Meters
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Option 1: 22 Miles - 36 Km Elevation gain 1 : 800 Meters
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Option 2: 25 Miles - 41 Km Elevation gain 2 : 820 Meters
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Option 3: 58 Miles - 93 Km Elevation gain 3 : 1400 Meters
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Included
- 4 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included in standard version
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- Comprehensive trip literature
- All luggage transfers
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Arrival city is Avignon, which accessible via train from Paris Gare de Lyon (2hrs 45min) or Paris CDG airport (3 hours). Taxi from rail station to hotel is approx. 15 euros. Departure from Avignon; same return travel time to Paris.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1080 € | 260 € | 1660 € |
| Pre-tour Night | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
| Post-tour Night | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
| Upgraded | 2300 € | 1090 € | 3580 € |
| Pre-tour Night | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
| Post-tour Night | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 100 € |
| Premium | 210 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 100 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 25 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Ingrid & Gordon
United States
We had so lucky in regard to the weather! We were very happy with the bikes, the routes, the hotel...and, of course, the food and wine. Only one disappointment thus far and that was the castle at Oppede le vieux. It is under construction at the moment and therefore barely accessible on top. We also didn't realize that we should have left our bikes at the base and wound up carrying them much of the way! Not fun. Also, the Fontaine de Vaucluse was closed due to all the rain last week. No matter. We got very close to it and had a wonderful refreshment at the bar alongside the river. Attached is a photo that expresses our general mood about the trip.
Australia
Hi, everything was perfect. The bike and routes were great. I really liked the area around Gordes. It was a nice hotel and the staff were very friendly and helpful. All in all a wonderful week cycling in Provence...
United States
We had a wonderful holiday. Your rep Theo was right there as we got out of the security area at Marseille airport, he was very very nice, drove us to La Mas, set up the bikes and gave us a very thorough orientation of the maps, GPS etc. The bikes were superb, no problem at all with the cycling, they were really good bikes and I was so glad we had electric bikes, otherwise I don’t think I would have made those ascents. The taxi driver was there for us on our last day right at 10:30 am and was very nice and drove us to Marseille. The routes you chose for us were wonderful, beautiful scenery and we especially enjoyed our last day cycling up through the mountains – the scenery was beautiful. The Mas de la Beaume was lovely and met all our expectations, we met 2 British couples and ended up having dinner with them on our last night which was really fun. Many thanks for all your work in helping us co-ordinate this special trip for us, it was wonderful and I loved Gordes and Provence. I would definitely travel with your organization again and recommend your company without any hesitation to friends.
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions