The Grand Tour of the Luberon

CAVAILLON

Arrival in Cavaillon on your own. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore the historic center of the city. Known to be the melon capital, Cavaillon also has a well preserved rich heritage with its Roman arch, its synagogue or its cathedral.

From CAVAILLON to CUCURON 45km 654m

From Cavaillon, you go east. This stage allows you to ride in the Durance valley with a view to the southern slope of the Luberon mountains. Here, nature is bountiful. Admire the cedars, pines and olive trees that line the road.
Along the way, you cross, among others, the localities of Mérindol and Puget. The arrival on Lourmarin is more demanding with a small hill to reach the village. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin deserves a stopover. Finally, via a small road through the vineyards and the garrigue, you reach the village of Cucuron where you spend the night.

From CUCURON to GRAMBOIS 32km 400m

You continue your tour towards the East by traversing the South of the Regional Natural reserve of Luberon.
At the start of the day, you pass Ansouis, a hilltop village, classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Capped by its medieval castle, it overlooks the surrounding vineyards. Before reaching Grambois, a cooling break at the Etang de la Bonde pond is in order.
Finally, you reach Grambois. Clinging to a steep hillside, the village overlooks the Eze valley.

From GRAMBOIS to MANOSQUE 28km 453m

This hilly stage between Grambois and Manosque takes you from Vaucluse to the Alpes de Haute Provence. Over the kilometers, the Luberon continues to reveal its secrets. Halfway through, stroll through the maze of alleys of Beaumont le Pertuis. The houses nestle against each other, in a tangle of roofs.

• For a few more km 47km 710m

From MANOSQUE to SAINT-MICHEL L’OBSERVATOIRE 47km 718m

The first kilometers, on the banks of the Durance are flat. It’s perfect for warming up. After the village of Villeneuve, you leave the valley in the direction of Forcalquier. The route is more steep and challenging. Your efforts are rewarded by the beauty of the Luberon landscapes. Further along, you can also see the Lure mountain which dominates the landscape from the top of its 1,826 meters. End of stage at Saint-Michel l’Observatoire.

From SAINT-MICHEL L’OBSERVATOIRE to APT 45km 457m

This course is simply magnificent between the Vaucluse mountains in the North and those in the South. At the start of the stage, the small hilltop village of Reillanne is sumptuous. Then, you take the Calavon greenway. Until Apt, you ride on a descending profile. What a delight to let yourself be carried without too much effort, the joys of freewheeling!

• For a few more km 58km 851m

From APT to CAVAILLON 45km 556m

From Apt, you ride towards Cavaillon. You follow the large cedar forest that lines the Luberon mountains. Before Cavaillon, you set off to explore the villages of the Luberon mountains: Bonnieux, Lacoste, Oppède le Vieux. Do not miss Ménerbes which holds the label most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the village is surrounded by vineyards and offers a sumptuous panorama over the valley. For foodies, a visit is essential to the truffle and wine museum …

• For a few more km 55km 667m

  Before reaching the villages of the Luberon, make a detour to the sublime village of Roussillon. It’s a climb but your efforts are rewarded by the beauty of the village and the view on the plateau.

CAVAILLON

End of your stay in the Luberon after breakfast. If you did not have the opportunity to do so on the first day, save some time to stroll around Cavaillon and learn more about its rich history.
Have a safe journey home!