Provence
Mont Ventoux
Experience quiet country roads, vineyards, lavender fields, and medieval hilltop villages.
If your idea of a Provence cycling vacation includes lavender-scented roads, morning café stops, climbs to perched stone villages, warm baguettes, rosé at sunset, and a slower pace of life—you’re right on. On this cycling trip, we’ll ride quiet country roads through vineyards, olive groves, and the rolling hills of the Luberon and Vaucluse. Our favorite routes, ranging from 40–70 miles, offer options for long spins, scenic detours, and legendary climbs like Mont Ventoux. Off the bike, we’ll enjoy wine tastings, explore local markets, cook with a French chef, and relax in charming villages that feel frozen in time. We’re based in Venasque, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled between the Luberon and Mont Ventoux, this charming hilltop village offers ancient stone architecture, stunning panoramic views, and a peaceful Provençal atmosphere.
Highlights
- Daily guided and fully supported road rides through the stunning landscapes of Provence
- Conquer the legendary climb of Mont Ventoux (we’ll support you then entire way)
- Explore charming hilltop villages like Gordes, Roussillon, and Lourmarin
- Ride the dramatic Gorges de la Nesque
- Visit the postcard-perfect Abbaye de Sénanque
- Savor chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring authentic French cuisine and local wines
- Airport/train station pickup and drop-off in Carpentras for a seamless travel experience
Food
Each morning begins with a French breakfast at our cozy chateau—think fresh croissants, fruit, and strong coffee. For lunch, The Cycling House team prepares healthy, satisfying meals. In the evenings, enjoy authentic Provençal cuisine, whether dining at local restaurants or sharing a chef-prepared meal at our home base. Expect seasonal ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and of course, plenty of rosé for those that want it.
Accommodations
Chateau Maison Vindasca – Welcome to our home base in Venasque — officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled between the Luberon and Mont Ventoux, this charming hilltop village offers ancient stone architecture, stunning panoramic views, and a peaceful Provençal atmosphere. Our homebase sits right in the heart of the village, just steps away from local shops, cafés, galleries, and artisan workshops — all within a 2-minute stroll. It’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and soak up the magic of Provence after a day on the bike.
ITINERARIES
Provence Road
Bienvenue!
Welcome to Provence!
Our team will arrange a shuttle pickup from the Carpentras Train Station at 11:00 a.m. After registering for the trip, please email us your arrival and departure details, including flight numbers.
Upon arrival at our château, you’ll have time to settle in and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch.
In the afternoon, our mechanics will build guest bikes or fit riders to their rentals. Once all bikes are ready and everyone has arrived, we’ll head out for a relaxed shakeout ride to kick off the week.
Shuttle Pickup: 11am, Carpentras Train Station
Today’s Ride: Arrival Spin
22 miles, 1000′ climbing
Villages du Luberon
Ride through the heart of Provence, linking together its most iconic hilltop villages — Roussillon, Ménerbes, and Lacoste (coffee stop), then on to Bonnieux. Finish in the storybook village of Lourmarin, where we can enjoy a leisurely lunch before our transfer back.
Today’s Ride:
44 miles, 3400′ climbing
Gorges de la Nesque
Cycle one of Provence’s most breathtaking roads, winding through the dramatic canyon of the Nesque. Pause for coffee in the quaint village of Monieux (one of our all-time favorite cafes!). For those with extra energy, there’s an optional extension to the charming village of Sault — though it makes for a longer day in the saddle.
Today’s Ride:
47 miles, 4600′ climbing
Abbaye de Sénanque, Gordes & Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
A stunning loop through Provence’s most iconic landscapes, including the postcard-perfect Abbaye de Sénanque and the hilltop village of Gordes. Enjoy a coffee break in the riverside village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. For those wanting an easier day, we can offer a shorter 30 km route focusing on Sénanque and Gordes — or even treat it as a rest day, completely off the bike.
Today’s Ride:
30 miles, 3600′ climbing
Mont Ventoux
Take on the legendary “Giant of Provence.” We’ll decide whether to finish in Malaucène after the thrilling descent or return to Bédoin for a celebratory pint at the classic Flandrien Café and enjoy a delicious stop at a local boulangerie — both equally rewarding after conquering Ventoux.
Today’s Ride:
46 miles, 6,600′ climbing
Final ride details coming soon
Coming soon
Today’s Ride:
Au revoir! Departure Day
On our final day, we’ll depart at 8am and 9am for transfer to the Carpentras Train Station.
Today’s Plan: Departure Day
8am and 9am shuttle back to the Carpentras Train Station
DATES & PRICES
- 2026
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May 4 - 10 Road - 7 Day$5,475 / Person Fully Booked - Join Waitlist
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Sep 12 - 18 Road - 7 Day$5,475 / Person Fully Booked - Join Waitlist
DETAILS
What’s Included
- 7 days/6 nights accommodations (double occupancy)
- Transfer from/to Carpentras Train Station on arrival and departure days at specified time.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for 7 days
- Mechanical support (including bike build and breakdown)
- Professional trip guides
- Daily sag support
- Ride nutrition products
- High-quality ride photos
Optional Activities:
- Coming soon
What’s Not Included
- Airfare
- Bike rentals – $400
- Gratuity for guides
- Alcoholic drinks with meals
- Mid-ride café stops
- Personal shopping
- Single occupancy (+$)
Being Prepared
Tire notes and gearing: Here
Packing List: Here
Questions?
BIKE OPTIONS
Rent A Bike
Traveling through the airport with a bike—and paying for it to fly—is not everyone’s idea of a fun way to start a vacation. Fortunately, we offer high-quality, full carbon bikes on all of our trips across the United States and Europe. Want to just show up and ride? Just bring your shoes, pedals, helmet, and saddle (if you want), and rent one of ours.
Bring Your Own
Your bike is yours—we get it. Bringing your own bike has obvious advantages in terms of individual comfort. Before your trip, we suggest getting a tune-up at your local bike shop so it’s ready to roll for your week of riding. Once you arrive, we’ll be sure to have our mechanics build it and help with any necessary tweaks. Check out some helpful resources here:
Skip The Bike
If you or your travel partner want to enjoy the trip and explore a new destination without a bike, drop us a line and we’ll discuss options. Some trips are better suited for non-rider participants than others.
