Crédit : © Vincent

Cycling tours in Provence

With ocher land, colorful villages and lanvender fields, Provence mixes styles and colors.

Discover Provence by bike

Between the lavender fields and olive trees or through its vineyards, Provence offers many cycling routes. If Mont Ventoux is a must for seasoned cyclists, the region also offers varied itineraries for all levels, on or off road. Greenways have been developed, occasionally on old railway lines, but most routes are on steep roads in the region.

The region and its inhabitants

From the foothills of the Alps to the Camargue, Provence is steeped in the presence of the Romans in the region as evidenced by many sites: aqueducts, amphitheatres… More recently, famous painters such as Paul Cézanne or Vincent Van Gogh participated in the fame of Provence, its climate (and its particular light) and its quality of life.

Cinema has also strongly contributed to the promotion of the region and its inhabitants thanks to the films of Marcel Pagnol, Fernandel and Roger Vadim.

Nowadays, the cultural life of Provence is marked by the festival of Avignon, essential for theater enthusiast but the music, cinema or art aficionados will not be left out with the numerous events proposed throughout the season .

Roads and bike paths in Provence

Major efforts have been undertaken by the Provence Alpes Côtes d’Azur Region to develop transportation and bicycle tourism. In the coming years, cycle routes in the region should be linked and offer long secure routes. This effort is accompanied by the development of reception facilities and service dedicated to cyclists.

Weather in Provence

Who thinks of Southern France thinks most often of “beautiful and warm”. Indeed, Provence offers the second sunniest region in France behind … Corsica!

The vegetation is of course a reflection of the Mediterranean climate: olive groves, lavender, vineyards … as well as wildlife with evidently the cicadas that offer a particular sound environment.

In summer, the rain is scarce and the heat is at the rendezvous with variations due to various influences: alpine by the north-east and the nearby Alps but also by the west with the Cevennes, but also maritime by the South.

Points of interest

Discovering Provence requires making choices as there are many things to discover. To guide you, here are some suggestions:

  • Avignon, its famous bridge and the Palais des Papes: both fortress and palace, the Palais des Papes is the oldest Gothic building. Dating from the Middle Ages, it will surprise you. The other point of interest on this stage of Provence by bike is the famous Roman bridge in Avignon.
  • Orange and its ancient amphitheater: testimony of the Roman era, the ancient theater of Orange is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located not far from the Rhône, it is the best preserved ancient theater in Europe.
  • Mont Ventoux: a major stopover for any athletic cyclist who has come to discover Provence by bike, this difficult mountain culminates at an altitude of 1910 m. It was highlighted by the Tour de France.
  • Vaison la Romaine: this small town in Provence is known for the wealth of its ancient sites, its medieval town and its castle. Visiting it is a journey through centuries of history.
  • The many Roman bridges and aqueducts in the region: over the kilometers you travel, the masterpieces of the past still bear witness to a time when Roman works made it possible to connect the villages and roads of the past.
  • The Camargue by bike: a real paradise for slow tourism, the Camargue offers a great stopover for nature lovers. The pink flamingo, mascot of the natural park, enthralls the cyclist.
  • The many castles of the Lubéron: if your cycling trip in Provence takes you to the Lubéron, you can take advantage of a vast choice of visits and discoveries of the castles of the region, built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
  • Vineyards and cellars (a significant part of which are certified Organic Agriculture): between sea and mountains, man has shaped the territory over the centuries to plant vineyards there. Make the most of your adventure to taste wines!
  • The Carrières de Lumières of Baux-de-Provence: this former industrial quarry was opened in the 19th century. The stone of Baux was extracted there until 1936 when the place was closed. Now a cultural space, discover immersive exhibitions in the heart of this unique place.