Backroad cycling France

Discover the charms of the Grand and Petit Luberon on this magnificent Provence bike tour Ref CN25

Beginning in Cavaillon, we head off for a bicycle tour under the emblematic colours of the Luberon, with its ochre soil, fields of lavender, and lush green hillsides. We begin by following the northern edge of the Petit Luberon. The villages and numerous chateaux on our route reflect the rich history of the area, where the local nobility enjoyed several centuries of opulence. The “garrigue”, pine forests, lavender fields, vines and orchards, coupled with the ever-present sound of the cicadas are a constant reminder that were in Provence. The cliffs of Buoux, at the foot of which runs the Aiguebrun, invite us to join the Grand Luberon. Our route then heads north, towards the famous ochre country of Rustrel and Roussillon, with its almost surreal layers of multi-coloured soil. We then move on to the beautiful village of Gordes, perched proudly on a rocky headland. Inspired by the fresh waters that descend from the Monts de Vaucluse, we then gently make our way back to our start and end point in Cavaillon, heads full with memories of charming Provence.  

Self-guided tour: from 315€ - Details Duration : 3 or 4 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 7 reviews
+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    Fairly sporty, enjoying leisure cycling on a fairly regular basis.

  • Tour profile:

    Distance: 35 to 50 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 800 metres maximum accumulated over the day.
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    Fit, riding at least once a week, with occasional trips of at least 50 km.

  • Tour profile:

    Distance: 50 to 70 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 1200 metres maximum accumulated over the day.
This tour is E-bike compatible

Highlights

  • A circuit with a strong "heritage" orientation, enabling you to discover the rich history of the area in detail.
  • The gentle, relaxed lifestyle of Provence: small village squares, beautiful and peaceful countryside, markets full of rich, local produce…
  • The lavender fields and the ochres of the Colorado Provençal.
  • Gordes and Roussillon, considered amongst the most beautiful villages in France
  • Comfortable, quality accommodation in hotels and guest houses

Description

  • Accommodation:

    Standard: 2* & 3* hotels and Chambres d'hôtes
    Comfort+: 3* hotels and Chambres d'hôtes

  • Luggage transport:

    Only your daypack; your baggage will be carried by vehicle

Comments

  • This trip exists in 2 versions: V2=2 wheels / V3=3 wheels
  • Special offers for private groups. Please ask us for a quotation.
  • E-bike rental available for this tour. See details in "Useful information" tab.

Detailed itinerary (3 days)

Detailed itinerary (3 days)

Day 1: Cavaillon - Bonnieux

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 10am at Cavaillon SNCF railway station.

On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

A pretty Provençal town located on the banks of the Durance, Cavaillon belonged to the Comtat Venaissin (independent Papal state), between the 13th and the 18th century.
From here a few pedal strokes take us into the Parc Natural Régional du Luberon. The first village we cross is Robion, a typical Provençal village with its square shaded by plane trees, its fountain, the ruins of a feudal castle, and a chapel perched high on a rocky mount overlooking the village. Our route takes us along the edge of the Petit Luberon, from village to village, and castle to castle, with names that evoke the tormented history of the French wars of religion: Oppèdes le Vieux, Ménerbes, as well as Lacoste and Bonnieux… two enemy brothers! A protestant stronghold, Lacoste witnessed several episodes of repression against the Vaudois of the Luberon during the 16th century. The village is however mainly known for its ruined castle, property of the Marquis de Sade during the 18th century. Previously the property of the Lords of Agoult, Bonnieux was also a Templar base, before becoming papal land for four centuries, on the arrival of the popes in Avignon. With its many private mansions, Bonnieux has retained its air of opulent pontifical town, and is the destination for our first overnight stop.

  • Distance covered: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: approx. 650 m
  • Optional loop: Out and back to the Abbaye de St Hilaire, + 3km
  • Optional loop: Out and back to the Forêt des Cèdres: + 15 km and 250 m altitude gain
Day 2: Bonnieux - Roussillon

On leaving Bonnieux, we head east, in the direction of Buoux. Once past the Combe de Bonnieux, which separates the Luberon in two, we enter the Grand Luberon; wilder, greener and as steeped in history as the Petit Luberon. The Aiguebrun River runs along the foot of the Buoux Cliffs, followed north for centuries by the mule convoys bringing salt from Provence. The valley forms a natural gateway that was closely guarded, overlooked by the imposing Buoux Fort. A short climb takes us up onto the Plateau des Claparèdes, an arid plateau that evokes the austere Provence of the French author Giono. The plateau is home to several "Bories", small dry-stone huts that were used by shepherds for shelter. From the plateau, we gently descend towards the pretty village of Saignon, with superb views of Apt and the surrounding countryside. We then continue our descent to Apt, which we reach by way of the Cavalon cycle track. Capital of the Luberon, the town is worth a visit for its cathedral, its pretty cobbled streets and the Maison du Parc, which offers a wealth of information on the area. From Apt we head into ochre country! Due north, via Villard for the most courageous cyclists, and directly north-east for those who prefer an easier route. The famous "Colorado Provençal" of Rustrel is unfortunately too far to the east of our route (included in the 4-day version). However, we do pass the Mines du Broux which offer guided tours through 650 m of galleries and tunnels, some of which are as high as 15m, in an underground network of more than 40km... The sunset over the ochres of Roussillon is not to be missed. The hues of yellow, red and orange earth on the "Sentier des Ochres" are a photographer’s dream! Considered one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, Roussillon offers a superb setting for this second overnight stop.

  • Level 2: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: approx. 650 m
  • Level 3: approx. 55 km; altitude gain: approx. 950 m
Day 3: Roussillon - Cavaillon

The landscape changes once again after Roussillon. We leave the ochre hills behind us, replaced by the classic Provençal colours of vineyards and orchards. The highlight of today's ride is Gordes, perched on a rocky outcrop where it basks in the Provençal sunshine, with the Monts de Vaucluse as a backdrop. The village is a fine example of traditional dry-stone wall construction, its houses blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. An icon of Provence, Gordes is also considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. From here there are 2 options, descend gently back towards Cavaillon, or take a detour and climb the pretty road that leads to the Abbaye de Sénanque. Sénanque is the most impressive of the "three Cistercian sisters" of Provence. We approach the abbey via a plateau that plunges into the narrow valley of Sénancole, hidden from the outside world and home to the abbey for over 8 centuries.
A few pedal strokes lead us on to Cabrières d'Avignon, then Lagnes. From here there is another opportunity for an extra loop via the pretty village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, source of the Sorgue River. The spring, biggest in France, is set at the foot of a dramatic 230m limestone cliff. A route along back roads through orchards and fields takes us gently back to Cavaillon.

  • Distance covered approx. 30 km; altitude gain: approx. 250 m
  • Optional loop to Abbaye de Sénanque: + 15 km and + 300 m altitude gain
  • Optional loop to Fontaine de Vaucluse: + 7 km and 100 m altitude gain

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end in Cavaillon on the last day at around 4pm.

On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

Detailed itinerary (4 days)

Detailed itinerary (4 days)

Day 1: Cavaillon - Bonnieux

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 10am at Cavaillon SNCF railway station.

On request we can book the previous night’s accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

A pretty Provençal town located on the banks of the Durance, Cavaillon belonged to the Comtat Venaissin (independent Papal state), between the 13th and the 18th century.
From here a few pedal strokes take us into the Parc Natural Régional du Luberon. The first village we cross is Robion, a typical Provençal village with its square shaded by plane trees, its fountain, the ruins of a feudal castle, and a chapel perched high on a rocky mount overlooking the village. Our route takes us along the edge of the Petit Luberon, from village to village, and castle to castle, with names that evoke the tormented history of the French wars of religion: Oppèdes le Vieux, Ménerbes, as well as Lacoste and Bonnieux… two enemy brothers! A protestant stronghold, Lacoste witnessed several episodes of repression against the Vaudois of the Luberon during the 16th century. The village is however mainly known for its ruined castle, property of the Marquis de Sade during the 18th century. Previously the property of the Lords of Agoult, Bonnieux was also a Templar base, before becoming papal land for four centuries, on the arrival of the popes in Avignon. With its many private mansions, Bonnieux has retained its air of opulent pontifical town, and is the destination for our first overnight stop.

  • Distance covered: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: approx. 650 m
  • Optional loop: Out and back to the Abbaye de St Hilaire, + 3km
  • Optional loop: Out and back to the Forêt des Cèdres: + 15 km and 250 m altitude gain
Day 2: Bonnieux - Cereste

On leaving Bonnieux, we head east, in the direction of Buoux. Once past the Combe de Bonnieux, which separates the Luberon in two, we enter the Grand Luberon; wilder, greener and as steeped in history as the Petit Luberon. The Aiguebrun River runs along the foot of the Buoux Cliffs, followed north for centuries by the mule convoys bringing salt from Provence. The valley forms a natural gateway that was closely guarded, overlooked by the imposing Buoux Fort. A short climb takes us up onto the Plateau des Claparèdes, an arid plateau that evokes the austere Provence of the French author Giono. The plateau is home to several "Bories", small dry-stone huts that were used by shepherds for shelter. From the plateau, we gently descend towards the pretty village of Saignon, with superb views of Apt and the surrounding countryside. We then continue our descent to Céreste at the foot of the Luberon. Stage post on the ancient Via Domitia, Céreste has retained its function as an important stopover town since the Middle Ages, with several guest houses and restaurants welcoming passing travellers. And for those who still have some energy, an out and back loop from Céreste offers the chance to visit the pretty and mysterious Prieuré de Carluc (priory).

  • Level 2: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: approx. 750 m (a shorter route is possible)
  • Level 3: Optional loop to Carluc: + 7 km and 100 m altitude gain
Day 3: Cereste - Roussillon

The proximity of the Colorado Provençal, and the importance which the extraction of ochre had on the economy of the area, invites us to head north to Rustrel. But first we need to tackle the climb that takes us over the Col des Quatre Chemins. During the climb we cross Viens, a pretty medieval village built in a spiral shape and perched high on a rocky outcrop. The picturesque network of streets is well worth a visit (and offers a good excuse to take a break from the climb...). A great descent leads us to Gignac and its chateau, then on to the foot of Rustrel, the Colorado Provençal and its ochre earth quarries. We park the bikes and take a short walk through the multicolour Colorado, with its mix of yellow, red and orange earth, a paradise for landscape painters and photographers. Rustrel is a beautiful village with an imposing 17th century turreted castle, at the foot of the Grand-Montagne which peaks at over 1000 metres above sea level. But the day isn't over yet. Far from it! We now set our course due west in order to begin our return journey. For the fittest there's the opportunity to climb once again before descending to Apt, capital of the Luberon with its cathedral, its pretty cobbled streets and the Maison du Parc, which offers a wealth of information on the area. The various routes re-join before arriving at the Mines du Broux which offer guided tours through 650 m of galleries and tunnels, some of which are as high as 15m, in an an underground network of more than 40km... The sunset from Roussillon, with views over the ochres hills is not to be missed! Considered one of the “most beautiful villages in France”, Roussillon offers a superb setting for our last overnight stop.

  • Level 2: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: approx. 650 m 
  • Level 3: approx. 50 km; altitude gain: approx. 900 m
Day 4: Roussillon - Cavaillon

The landscape changes once again after Roussillon. We leave the ochre hills behind us, replaced by the classic Provençal colours of vineyards and orchards. The highlight of today's ride is Gordes, perched on a rocky outcrop where it basks in the Provençal sunshine, with the Monts de Vaucluse as a backdrop. The village is a fine example of traditional dry-stone wall construction, its houses blending perfectly with the surrounding landscape. An icon of Provence, Gordes is also considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. From here there are 2 options, descend gently back towards Cavaillon, or take a detour and climb the pretty road that leads to the Abbaye de Sénanque. Sénanque is the most impressive of the "three Cistercian sisters" of Provence. We approach the abbey via a plateau that plunges into the narrow valley of Sénancole, hidden from the outside world and home to the abbey for over 8 centuries.
A few pedal strokes lead us on to Cabrières d'Avignon, then Lagnes. From here there is another opportunity for an extra loop via the pretty village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, source of the Sorgue River. The spring, biggest in France, is set at the foot of a dramatic 230m limestone cliff. A route along back roads through orchards and fields takes us gently back to Cavaillon. France Bike Trips services end in Cavaillon late afternoon.

  • Distance covered approx. 30 km; altitude gain: approx. 250 m
  • Optional loop to Abbaye de Sénanque: + 15 km and + 300 m altitude gain
  • Optional loop to Fontaine de Vaucluse: + 7 km and 100 m altitude gain

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end in Cavaillon on the last day at around 4pm.

On request we can book the following night's accommodation for you in Cavaillon.

Dates

This tour can be booked anytime from April to mid-November.

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of:

Single-room supplement will be automatically charged in the case of odd-numbered groups.

3-day cycling programme
The price includes:
  • 2 nights in guest houses and hotels of the chosen category in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
4-day cycling programme

The price includes:

  • 3 nights in guest houses and hotels of the chosen category in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
  • 3 breakfasts
  • Daily baggage transfers
  • A carefully designed itinerary
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • Lunch meal and dinners
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Bike rental
  • Insurance, assistance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to change in the programmee due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Supplementary services

Single room accommodation (2 nights) 110 € / 

Single room accommodation (3 nights) 150 € / 

Single room accommodation (2 nights) - Comfort+ version 230 € / 

Single room accommodation (3 nights) - Comfort+ version 300 € / 

Extra nights in Cavaillon:

Extra night in Cavaillon in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 130 € / 

Extra night in Cavaillon in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 70 € / 

Transfer from Avignon or Marseille airport: available on request

On request, we can book all dinners of your trip in restaurants carefully selected by our teams (budget generally between 30 and 35 € per person, starter, main course and dessert. Drinks not included). Meals are to be paid by you upon arrival at the restaurant.

Dinner reservations 25 € / 

Bike rental

Standard bikes and e-bikes are available for rent.

Standard bike (3 days) 90 € / 

Standard bike (4 days) 110 € / 

E-Bike (3 days) 150 € / 

E-Bike (4 days) 195 € / 

Rear pannier hire per unit 10 € / 

Rear pannier hire (pair) 20 € / 

All bicycles are equipped with mudguards, rack, pump and a puncture repair kit. Prices include delivery and pick-up.

Please indicate your height on your trip reservation form.

Electric bikes offer pedaling assistance, greatly reducing the effort needed to cover a given distance compared to a classic "human-powered" bicycle. They offer an alternative solution in two cases: 

  • You do not feel able to complete a level 1 wheel (lowest level) circuit. With electric assistance, this trip becomes accessible. 
  • You would like to complete a circuit with a person who is fitter than you and you are worried that you will be unable to keep up, or that the other person will find your pace too slow.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Cavaillon train station (about 5h by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Lyon airport: join the Lyon train station and head to Cavaillon train station.
  • From Marseille airport : join the Marseille train station and head to Cavaillon train station.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

►See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Groupe size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons  in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided trips.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

Depending on the meals included in your chosen tour:

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Please check the "Dates & Prices" section for meal plan details.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday.

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Equipment provided by France Bike Trips on guided tours:
  • A group first-aid kit
  • A bike repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Baggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, etc.

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

IMPORTANT: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg.

List of equipment to pack in your bag the day of departure:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A bike helmet.
For your upper body
  • Two base layers (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit.
For your feet
  • Comfortable sports shoes 
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not obligatory, but nice during breaks and in the evening...).
For your bike

If you rent a bike from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • 2 spare tubes and a puncture repair kit
  • Lubricant for chain and derailleur
  • A pump
  • A spare derailleur hanger
Various
  • A pair of cycling gloves
  • A bike lock
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or Camelbak)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Average tour rating:

4.9/5 - 7 Reviews
Carol L. | Participant rating:
"Very enjoyable 4 nights in Provence with plenty of variety. Well chosen locations, sights to see and hotels. The trails were quiet and busy roads were kept to a minimum. The tour suited us perfectly. Thanks to France Bike Trips."
Danny K. | Participant rating:
"My tour was perfectly organized by the France Bike Tour team, there were no issues at all and me and my son had an outstanding experience.
Thanks a lot to the excellent France Bike Tour team!"
Valerie M. | Participant rating:
"Tour was a lovely way to see the Luberon passing through some memorable scenery and lovely villages."
Ivan S. | Participant rating:
"-All hotels were great
-This time your app worked very well and guided us every day.
-Bikes were great and the service from Cyclix was exceptional. They couldn’t do enough for us.
The baggage was transferred without any issues."
Peter S. | Participant rating:
"Extremely successful trip. App worked great, route chosen was fantastic, there's no way I could have put together a route as satisfying and fulfilling as that, despite all the other internet resources available these days. Accomodations were superb, and our family made great memories the whole way. Would highly recommend. "
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