Overview
Perfect Provence Bike Tour
We’re running Provence as a private and custom tour this year. If you have a group of 5 or more, contact us.
Provence packs a lot of good riding into a small area. Over seven days you’ll ride quiet roads through the Luberon, climb to hilltop villages, pass vineyards under the Dentelles de Montmirail, and finish with Mont Ventoux. The tour is fully supported, and the daily distances are moderate, so most afternoons you’re off the bike with time to spare.
We start in Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, then head north to the valley below Mont Ventoux. We spend the last few days there, riding from two bases, Mazan and Malaucène, so we can cover as much of the region as possible.
We choose each hotel ourselves. You’ll stay in a restored farmhouse near Gordes, an 18th-century chateau in Mazan, and a former silk farm in Malaucène, at the start of the northern climb of Ventoux.
Most rides finish in time for a long late lunch, and a few include picnics on the road. We pick dinner restaurants for their variety, local ingredients and atmosphere.
Total Tour Length: 430 km (267 mi)
Total Climbing: 8000 m (26,000 ft)
HighRoad Provence cycling tour is one of our ‘Moderate‘ bike tours. Distances range from 55km to 90km (34 to 56 miles), and apart from epic Mont Ventoux, there are not many long climbs. Riders should be experienced and have good confidence in their fitness and abilities on the bike.
We will only be offering HighRoad Provence as a private and custom tour this year. Contact us if you have a group of 5 or more.
INCLUDED
Tour Price
- Double occupancy: €4900
- Single supplement: €700
- Deposit: €500 per person
Accommodation and Dining
- 7 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches and 6 dinners
- Energy bars, gels, snacks and water on your rides
Support
- Pick up and drop off at Marseille airport
- All baggage transport
- Expert guides to see to your needs
- GPX files of all routes for every cyclist
- Support van that will be on the road with you, offering assistance, encouragement, and food and drinks
- 44|5 Cycling Tours jersey and water bottles
NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation to France
- Alcohol outside dinner
- Hotels before and after your tour
- Personal expenses, such as mini-bar, telephone or souvenir purchases
Day to Day
A typical day on your Provence bike tour begins with a healthy buffet breakfast, followed by a ride in this lovely area of southern France. Most rides will end back at your hotel or a local restaurant for a post-effort lunch and we will have a few picnics on the roads as well. You will always have a few hours in the afternoon to relax and explore your surroundings before we meet for a dinner of delicious local fare.
Transfer to Hotel and Shake-out Ride
Ride: Luberon Villages. Approximately 66 km and 1100 m of ascent
Gordes to Mazan. Approximately 80 km and 1100 m of ascent
We leave the Luberon and cross the Vaucluse mountains to Mazan, our second base. This is the first real climb of the tour and the first col, the Col de la Liguière. From here we’re in Ventoux country for the rest of the week. We stay at the Chateau de Mazan, and dinner is a few steps away in a 16th-century Florentine-style mansion.
Dentelles de Montmirail. Approximately 54 km and 900 m of ascent
Mazan to Malaucène. Approximately 89 km and 1500 m of ascent
Ventoux Northcountry . Approximately 64 km and 1000 m of ascent
Ventoux Day: Approximately 55 km and 1750 m of climbing
Transfer to Marseille airport
Accommodations
Your accommodation for your HighRoad Provence bike tour begins with a luxury ‘jas’ (traditional sheep/goat farm) just outside Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Your 2nd hotel, in Mazan, is a recently-renovated 18th century chateau once owned by the Marquis de Sade. Our last hotel, situated in a village that has become an absolute mecca for cyclists, has lovely grounds and is ideally located for amazing rides around Ventoux.
Jas de Gordes, Gordes
We begin our Provence bike tour at the Jas de Gordes, a traditional Provençal country house on the outskirts of Gordes. Surrounded by lavender, thyme and rosemary and next to old borie (traditional dry stone Provençal outbuilding), you’ll find a heated pool where you can relax after your bike rides.
Chateau de Mazan, Mazan
The Chateau de Mazan’s most famous resident was the Marquis de Sade and his family up until 1850. The rooms are large, modern and bright and the grounds are calm and meticulously maintained. Your chateau is also located in the heart of the village of Mazan, with all commerce just a few minutes walk away.
Domaine des Tilleuls, Malaucène
This former silk farm is situated at the beginning of the northern climb of Mont Ventoux, in the village of Malaucène. Its Medieval town center plays host to a market on Wednesdays, and offers plenty of restaurant choices, not to mention a bike shop or two. Domaine des Tilleuls has welcomed many cycling legends over the years, including Eddy Merckx.
Dates & Prices
Tour Dates – Custom dates only this year
Tour Availability – Places available
Price Per Person – €4900
Single Supplement – €700
Not the best date for you? Contact us to create a custom trip.
Travel Details
Arrival Airport – Marseille (MRS)
Pick-up Point – Airport or airport hotel. 2:00 pm
Departure Airport – Marseille (MRS)
Flight Time – Book a flight out for early afternoon or later
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it, apart from Mont Ventoux?
HighRoad Provence is one of our ‘Moderate’ tours. Daily rides run from about 55 to 100 km (34 to 60 miles), and most days have roughly 900 to 1,500 m of climbing, mostly rolling terrain with few long climbs. Ventoux is the exception: about 21 km at an average gradient of 7.5%.
Can I skip a climb or ride only part of a day?
Yes. A support van is on the road with you every day, so you can ride as much or as little as you like and jump in whenever you need a rest.
Why are only six dinners included on a seven-night tour?
One evening is free so you can choose your own restaurant in Malaucène.
Which flights should I book?
We pick you up at Marseille airport (MRS) at 2:00 pm on the first day, so plan to land before then. On the last day, book a flight out for early afternoon or later.
When is the best time to ride in Provence?
We ride here all year round, but we think that spring and autumn are overall the most enjoyable time to be on a bike in Provence.
Can I rent a bike for this tour?
Yes. We don’t rent bikes ourselves, but we work with several rental partners and can help you choose and reserve one. See our full FAQs for what rental bikes come with.
Gallery
What our Guests have to say about our HighRoad Bike Tours
Best Tour Company
I have been riding with John and Gerry, the co owners of 44|5 Cycling Tours, since 2014. Since then I have been back to France every year to ride with them. I have done their tours in the Cevennes Mountains, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. I have done their Provence Breakaways and Ventoux Breakaways. I… Read more “Best Tour Company”
Rich - California
One of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever ridden
Having just completed my first (of hopefully many more) tours with Gerry through this region, I can attest to this being hands down the most rewarding and immersive “French” riding experience. This is truly one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever ridden. Only been back for a couple of weeks and already working on… Read more “One of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever ridden”
Dave - USA
Incredible Trip
I want to personally thank you both for an unbelievable, unforgettable, incredible trip. The roads were beyond belief, by far the most entertaining, best riding roads I’ve even done on a bike trip. And the food, the food…. every meal a delight. Even the simple and wonderful pizza al fresco or bistro lunch. Roadside picnics… Read more “Incredible Trip”
Rich - California