The Lavender route

Between Baronnies, Ventoux and Luberon by bike

Highlights

Sault, "the land" of Lavender
The ochres of Luberon
The gorges of Toulourenc
The variety of landscapes
The beautiful Provencal villages: Roussillon, Gordes, Fontaine de Vaucluse ...
Orange and Vaison la Romaine, Roman heritage
The sweet perfume of lavender that scents your stay

A cycling holiday that carries the sweet scent of lavender

Starting at Orange, you discover the lavender route by bike. A fragrant and dazzling stay of natural beauty

The Lavender Route is a cycling trip to discover splendid landscapes between the Baronnies of Provence, Ventoux and Luberon. While the decor is sumptuous, the relief is quite steep. Consider the electric bike option for this challenging trip.
Intoxicated by the sweet scent of lavender and dazzled by the beauty and variety of the Provençal landscapes, your cycling trip on the Lavender route promises to be exceptional.

Known for its calming and healing properties, lavender is the emblematic flower of Provence. This cycling trip celebrates this flower that carries fresh and lively scent, cultivated for its essential oil and used in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes. There are 150 species of lavender around the world. Two are cultivated in Provence: fine lavender which grows at a height of 700 meters above sea level (in the Sault region) and lavandin which grows in the plains or on the plateaus at low altitude.
Between mid-June and the beginning of August, at the time of flowering the fields are decorated with mauve and violet, the unique fragrance intoxicates travelers. Along the way, distilleries and museum visits teach you more about lavender, its properties and uses.

All along the route, you also go through pretty villages with Provençal charm. Roussillon, Sault, Fontaine de Vaucluse, L’Isle sur la Sorgue and Pernes les Fontaine are among the most picturesque. Stop to stroll their alleys, admire the flamboyant facades and browse the shops of local craftsmen.
History buffs will be won over by Orange and Vaison la Romaine, two towns with considerable Roman heritage.

If lavender is the star component of this stay, the landscapes are not only limited to it. The Luberon and the Provencal Baronnies offer the traveler a very diverse picture. Winding gorges, limestone plateaus, cedar forests, olive groves, expanses of scrubland and of course ocher cliffs, especially on the Ocher Trail in Roussillon.
Like a landmark, Mont Ventoux, from its height of 1,909 meters, is visible most of the time. Your getaway on the Lavender route allows you to do the complete tour.

Witnesses of the Provençal art of living, the wines (AOC Côtes du Luberon and Côtes du Ventoux, Coteaux de Pierrevert) as well as the gastronomy (candied fruits from Apt, goat cheese, honey, olive oil, fruits and vegetables …) are a must. Thus, you combine the pleasure of physical effort with that of the table to make your bike trip on the Lavender route a tour full of flavor!

Carte La route des Lavandes à vélo
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

ORANGE

Welcome to Provence

You meet up with our guide at your hotel for a briefing before you start your trip! Enjoy a free evening in Orange, its magnificent Theater Antique and many restaurants.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From ORANGE to VAISON-LA-ROMAINE 44km 302m Niveau Loisir

This first day is relatively easy, only the Mistral could play tricks on you! Your itinerary first takes you to the Romanesque Piolenc chapel and the charming village of Sérignan du Comtat. Homeland to Pierre-Henri Fabre, it makes an ideal stop to enjoy its architectural and natural heritage. You then head to the Dentelles de Montmirail massif where the village of Séguret is perched. Classified among the “Most beautiful villages in France”, enjoy its medieval character as you walk in the cobbled streets, lined with old houses. It offers a magnificent view on the Rhone valley and the Comtat plain, covered with vineyards.

  • For a few more km 54km 483m Niveau Forme

    You enter the Massif d’Uchaux area. A unique atmosphere emerges from this land with its Mediterranean forest, a gorgeous green setting where all your senses are solicited. You then reach the village of Rasteau which is of Côtes du Rhone designation, well known by wine lovers.

Day 3

From VAISON-LA-ROMAINE to SAULT 49km 1000m Niveau Forme

Between Vaison la Romaine and Sault, the stage is hilly. At the start of the route, you cycle through the Toulourenc valley. Adorned with gorges, this valley located in the heart of the Baronnies is one of the most beautiful in the region. The ascent of the Fontaube pass is demanding. Rest assured, the effort is quickly rewarded by the beautiful panoramas that you embrace from up there. The arrival in the village of Sault is sumptuous. Erected on a limestone plateau, Sault is surrounded by forests and lavender fields.

  • For a few more km 68km 1194m Niveau Expert

    You make a nice detour via Buis les Baronnies for an even more challenging variant in the regional natural park of Baronnies Provençales.

Day 4

SAULT, BOUCLE DU PLATEAU D'ALBION 33km 402m Niveau Loisir

This stage allows you to survey the vast plateau of Albion. Take advantage of this day to discover the geological specificities (limestone pavements, pit caves sinkholes) offered by this karst region. The colorful and fragrant fields of lavender also accompany your pedal strokes throughout this trail in the heart of nature. Back in Sault, why not visit a lavender distillery?

  • For a few more km 69km 1072m Niveau Forme

    You reach the city of character of Simiane la Rotonde. Surrounded by lavender fields, this small hilltop village is sumptuous.

Day 5

From SAULT to COUSTELLET 50km 571m Niveau Loisir

From the hilltop village of Sault, you take the road to the Luberon Regional Natural Park. The stage is hilly and magnificent in this enchanting setting. In peace, you pedal, lulled by the song of the cicadas and intoxicated by the scent of lavender. As you progress, the famous ochres of the Luberon magnify the landscape by giving it an orange tinge. In Roussillon, the Ocres trail is the opportunity for a beautiful stroll. In this astonishing setting with flamboyant colors, you have the impression of being transported to the heart of Colorado.
The Luberon is also very pretty villages. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Roussillon is a little jewel built on ocher cliffs. On your way, Saint Saturnin des Apt is also not to be missed.
At the end of the stage, you reach the village of Coustellet. On site, do not miss the Lavender Museum.

  • For a few more km 65km 795m Niveau Forme

    You discover the city of Apt, the world capital of candied fruit. . The range of candied fruits is wide: melons, apricots, clementines, pineapples, oranges and even cherries.

Day 6

From COUSTELLET to ORANGE 70km 293m Niveau Forme

You leave Coustellet to reach Orange. It is a fairly flat route that lies before you today.
At the start of the day, Fontaine de Vaucluse is a must. Admire its source which springs at the foot of a cliff 230 meters high.
Nicknamed “the Comtadine Venice”, L’Isle sur la Sorgue is one of the most attractive towns in the region thanks to its antique dealers, boutique shops, galleries and its art center …
Located in a fertile plain, Pernes-les-Fontaines, nicknamed “the Pearl of the Comtat”, it is the former capital of the Comtat Venaissin (part of the Papal States). The city has exceptional historical heritage due to its rich history.
Carpentras, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, is the last interesting stop before Orange. Papal land from 1229 to 1791, the city offers dapper ocher facades, cool alleys and beautiful fountains. Finally, you cycle on Via Venaissia. This pleasant cycling route guides you to Orange.

  • For a few more km 85km 508m Niveau Expert

    You reach the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. Take the opportunity to enjoy a tasting in its many cellars and visit the wine museum. You will better understand why this precious nectar was once called “Pope’s wine” and later gained a worldwide reputation.

Day 7

ORANGE

End of stay after breakfast

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example

Starting from 810€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hotel le Burrhus vu depuis la place Hotel le Nesk Ventoux à Sault Le Mas des Grès - Four à Chaux-Isle sur Sorgue

Starting from 1070€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hotel Arène Orange Façade de l'hôtel le Beffroi Hostellerie du Val de Sault

Starting from 1355€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with topo maps
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Touring Bike

    SCOTT SUB SPORT 20

    Reassuring and comfortable geometry.

    Shimano 27-speed

    Disc brakes

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd

    Ebike

    EBIKE SCOTT SUB TOUR ERIDE

    All the pleasure of cycling without too much effort and accessible to all.

    Shimano Disc Br-MT200 brakes

    Bosch ActivePlus 500w motor

    Weight 25.60 kg

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd
    Vélo electrique scott eride

    Child bike

    CHILDREN’S BIKE: 8 to 10 years old; 135-145cm

    Agile and handy bike and 100% safe for nice family rides

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    Vélo enfant scott 24"

    Getting here

    Departure city : ORANGE

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking souterrain Place Pourtoules – ORANGE

    Coming by train

    • Orange train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    Arrival city : ORANGE

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Orange train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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