France : Provence

Hilltop Villages of Provence with e-bike

Trip code: C07PE 4 (2 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1+ & 2

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Printed route
directions

Complimentary
e-bikes

SUMMARY

  • Visit the picturesque hilltop villages of Provence in a more leisurely way - riding an electric bike to help you up the hills
  • Discover the Abbey of Senanque, surrounded by lavender fields, and the colourful ochre cliffs near the village of Roussillon
  • Enjoy visits to glorious Gordes and wonderful views of Mont Ventoux and Dentelles de Montrail

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • E-bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • GPS route directions and maps

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This tour has been designed to give you a taste of the picturesque perched villages which pepper Provence's breath-taking, lavender-scented Luberon area. Ride at your own pace with the help of the e-assist. You will be amazed to ride easily the hilly landscape of the region and enjoy spectacular views. Cross vineyards, stop in charming provencal villages, ride on scenic roads and simply enjoy the true Provence now accessible with a limited effort.

Take time to enjoy the real Provence 'Art de Vivre' following our immersive itinerary and enjoy the essence of Provence.

This tour will give you many opportunities to explore Provence's secrets. Immerse yourself in the Provence's gastronomy by strolling in the local markets which are filled with fresh, local products. Rich in colours and scents, discover the local products and experience this special atmosphere!

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Fontaine de Vaucluse

Fountain de Vaucluse is a charming village with the biggest spring in France and the fifth largest in the world. Enjoy the Provence style hotel and relax in the peaceful garden of this former mill, underneath hundred year old trees, or taste a glass of local rose wine by the pool.

You stay at Hotel du Poete.

hotel details



Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Owned by a celebrated wine producer and occupying a converted water mill by the River Sorgue, is the wonderful Hotel du Poete. Offering modern rooms and a peaceful atmosphere while at the same time being centrally located in the popular village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming surrounded by millstreams which have been turned into a tranquil water garden.

Day 2: At Fontaine de Vaucluse (53km/32.9mi)

After breakfast, ride along country lanes where a mixture of climbs and freewheeling takes you through some of the most beautiful villages in Provence. First there's Oppede le Vieux. From here you'll freewheel down before another short climb to Menerbes, made famous by the books of Peter Mayle, and a great place to stop for lunch. Then it's on to Lacoste to explore the ruined castle, once a mighty fortification and now a spectacular viewpoint.

You stay at Hotel du Poete.

hotel details



Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Owned by a celebrated wine producer and occupying a converted water mill by the River Sorgue, is the wonderful Hotel du Poete. Offering modern rooms and a peaceful atmosphere while at the same time being centrally located in the popular village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming surrounded by millstreams which have been turned into a tranquil water garden.

Day 3: At Fontaine de Vaucluse (49km/30.4mi)

The first stop of the day is in Gordes - Explore the village, discover the cobblestones streets and the winding passageways in the lower part of the town. Outside Gordes, do not miss the Village des Bories, with scenic views over the village and Senanque Abbey surrounded by lavender fields, one of the Provence's icons.

Continue to the village called Roussillon. This multicoloured village is set on top of an ochre hill and is well known for the ochre cliff right in front of the main square. In Roussillon do not miss to hike the ochre trail and then lose yourself in the small street to the top of the village from where the view on the Luberon countryside is amazing.

Ochre are the treasure of the Luberon. Stretching on nearly 25km, the ochre landscape is very special from this area. Their shade infused this part of the Luberon with their colours from the whitest to dark red contrasting with the Provencal blue sky and the green of the pine trees.

You stay at Hotel du Poete.

hotel details



Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Owned by a celebrated wine producer and occupying a converted water mill by the River Sorgue, is the wonderful Hotel du Poete. Offering modern rooms and a peaceful atmosphere while at the same time being centrally located in the popular village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming surrounded by millstreams which have been turned into a tranquil water garden.

Day 4: At Fontaine de Vaucluse

Today you can relax and explore the village. Find the crumbling ruins of the castle of the Bishop of Cavaillon, a museum about the Resistance and a number of lovely cafes and restaurants.

Alternatively you can spend your day in L'Isle sur la Sorgue which is just few km ride from your hotel. Surrounded by the River Sorgue, this is a charming town to potter around, its narrow streets filled with quaint cafes, little antique shops, old bridges and water wheels, not to mention a bustling market every Sunday.

You stay at Hotel du Poete.

hotel details



Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Owned by a celebrated wine producer and occupying a converted water mill by the River Sorgue, is the wonderful Hotel du Poete. Offering modern rooms and a peaceful atmosphere while at the same time being centrally located in the popular village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming surrounded by millstreams which have been turned into a tranquil water garden.

Day 5: Fontaine de Vaucluse - Mazan (47km/29.2mi)

Leave the beautiful Regional Natural Park of the Luberon and ride to the Comtat Venaissin area and the foot of the Mont Ventoux.

Ride to L'Isle sur la Sorgue, then through apple country where you'll see orchards aplenty. Following the lanes brings you to the mediaeval town of Pernes-les-Fontaines where you can explore the numerous ancient stone fountains and lavoirs.

Then, ride along cherry orchards to popular St-Didier and continue up the hill to the medieval settlement of Venasque (one of the prettiest villages in France) with its three Saracen towers. You'll then follow lanes and tracks up past Malemort-du-Comtat and then dropping down into the medieval village of Mazan with its church wall that is made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi.

You stay at Jardin de Mazan.

hotel details

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.

Day 6: At Mazan (42km/26.1mi)

Day devoted to the Dentelles de Montmirail area, a jagged limestone mountains chain, famous for the picture postcard landscapes.

Pedal through orchards fields, vineyards and tree-lined roads with wonderful views of Mont Ventoux. Then, leave Les Dentelles behind as you head for the village of Beaumes-de-Venise with its muscat wines and olive oil museum. Then it's a gentle ride along quiet lanes, past olive groves at the foot of Mt Ventoux, heading south through the vineyards to the mediaeval village of Mazan.

You stay at Jardin de Mazan.

hotel details

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.

Day 7: At Mazan (46km/28.6mi)

A day in the Comtat Venaissin area at the foot of the Mont Ventoux.

Ride to the lovely village of Bedoin, which is one of the three gates to access to the Mont Ventoux and is the starting point of the classic climb for Tour de France. Explore the lively village of Bedoin, named for the 8th century Bedouins who settled there and home to the imposing church of Saint-Antonin, with its unique Spanish style - so different from any other in Provence.

Follow established cycle routes to the Chateau Pesquie, which offers everything from a stroll in the vines, to a guided cellar tour, to a tasting, to a full picnic lunch in the gardens.

You stay at Jardin de Mazan.

hotel details

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.

Day 8: Leave Mazan

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse; Jardin de Mazan, Mazan.

hotel details



Hotel du Poete, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


Owned by a celebrated wine producer and occupying a converted water mill by the River Sorgue, is the wonderful Hotel du Poete. Offering modern rooms and a peaceful atmosphere while at the same time being centrally located in the popular village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the hotel also has an outdoor swimming surrounded by millstreams which have been turned into a tranquil water garden.

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £592.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Marseille airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

had problems with my cell but nothing to do with HW who lent me another.



as in the past i find a 30% charge for being solo excessive

Jonathan Francies, 30 Apr 2024

 

Lovely cycle routes -navigation app was good. Each route was through different landscapes mostly on quiet lanes. Hotel de Poete was great with very helpful friendly staff. Chateaux de Mazan was a beautiful building but was disappointing. It felt very corporate and service was poor. E-bikes were good and made cycling up the hills easy.

Susan Thomas, 14 Sep 2023

 


Self-guided cycling

7 nights,
twin centre

Level: 1+ & 2

Flights
available

9.0Kg CO2e

Printed route
directions

Complimentary
e-bikes

7 nights from £1629

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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