Cycling In France >> The Luberon, a Week in Provence (8 nights) |
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Level 2 - suitable for everyone with some cycling experience and a reasonable level of fitness |
Overview
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A special area of Provence beloved by film makers and British émigrés
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Superb ride through rural Provence on waymarked cycle paths and by-roads |
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Enjoy the wonderful style and ambience of the picturesque villages en route |
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See what enticed so many Brits to set up home in this region |
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2 star hotel and chambres d’hôtes accommodation . Five evening meals included |
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Extra nights option in nearby Avignon |
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The Luberon is the area of Provence to the east of Avignon. It is defined by the 30 mile long Massif du Luberon – a huge fold of rock lying east-west and rising to 4,100 feet. Either side of the Massif is the inviting territory of this tour. Film buffs who enjoyed Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, two magical films shot in the Luberon, will delight in seeing some of the locations used in the films. Above all it is the countryside and the beautiful villages which set this region apart. Fields of lavender, vineyards, and forested hillsides are all characteristic.
Cavaillon is the start of your holiday from where you quickly skirt south of the Massif to open country and the first few villages of the tour - Mérindol, Lauris, Lourmarin, and Cucuron. Even the names sound delightful ! The route continues east towards the small town of Manosque, and then Forcalquier, before you turn west and begin the journey along the north side of the Massif to Céreste and Apt. A detour from Apt takes you to the remarkable village of Roussillon, perched high amidst orange ochre cliffs, some eroded into bizarre formations.
The final leg of the journey back to Cavaillon takes you through more typical Luberon villages like Bonnieux, Ménerbes, and Lacoste – the latter two associated with Peter Mayle of A Year in Provence fame, and Pierre Cardin respectively.
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Climate and Terrain
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Terrain & Distances
Route is on cycle paths and minor roads, and is waymarked throughout by the local authority. There are long stretches on the flat, but also some hills, particularly on days 3 and 4. Daily distances are not high, however, allowing you to cycle in the cooler times of day.
Cycling distances: 16-24 miles ; 26-38 km
Climate
Average temperature range from 16°C (61°F) in March to 30°C (86°F) in August. Rainfall is light in high summer.
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