The Grand Tour of the Luberon
Discover Provencal charm
© Brönner Thorsten - Vaucluse Tourisme
© Vaucluse Tourisme
© Brönner Thorsten - Vaucluse Tourisme
© Mouton C - Coll. ADT Vaucluse Tourisme
© Hocquel Alain - Vaucluse Tourisme
© Hocquel A - Coll. ADT Vaucluse Tourisme
© BRÖNNER Thorsten - Coll. ADT Vaucluse Tourisme
© Hocquel A - Coll. ADT Vaucluse Tourisme
Highlights
The scents of Provence
The Luberon Regional Natural Park
The perched villages of the Luberon: Roussillon, Lourmarin, Ansouis, Ménerbes ...
The Provencal Colorado and its ochre
The rich Provencal gastronomy
The perched villages of the Luberon by bike
From the town of Cavaillon, welcome to the gates of the Luberon! Take a tour of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, on an itinerary with exceptional varied landscapes.
Hop on your bike and set off to explore this magnificent region and its friendly people. Cradled by the song of the cicadas, intoxicated by the sweet scent of lavender, garrigues and cedars, and overcome by the beauty of the Provencal landscapes, your cycling tour to discover Luberon is exceptional.
All along the route, you cross pretty perched villages with Provencal charm. Lourmarin, Ansouis, Ménerbes and Beaumont de Pertuis are among the most picturesque. On your way, you also have the leisure to admire medieval castles, bories (dry stone huts typical of the South East of France) as well as many chapels. Indication of the importance of water in this arid and hot region, you will also find on your way, many fountains and washhouses.
The Luberon offers a range of landscapes. Abrupt cliffs, winding gorges, cedar forests, olive and lavender fields, expanse of scrubland and of course ocher cliffs especially in The Provencal Colorado. So many different environments and atmospheres gathered in a small territory.
Witnesses to the Provencal way of life, wines (AOC Côtes du Luberon and Côtes du Ventoux, Coteaux de Pierrevert) as well as gastronomy (candied fruit from Apt, goat cheese, honey, olive oil, fruits and vegetables …) are a must! Thus, you will combine the pleasure of athletic effort with that of the table to make your cycling trip in the Luberon, a tour full of flavors!
Leisure or 
Fit 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
Make the most of your day’s fitness by heading to the hilltop village of Vitroles en Luberon, nestling between the Luberon mountains and the Aigues valley.
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
Before reaching Apt, you’ll head to Rustrel to discover the Colorado of Provence. With its fairy chimneys, canyons and twenty or so shades of ochre, it’s the most spectacular ochre site in the region. One of our favourites!
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!
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.
Starting from 880€/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.
Starting from 1095€/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.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 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
- 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
- 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
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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.
All-terrain bikes SPORTAluminium frame, confortable and ergonomic this bike will fill every needs for your touring around the Luberon. 27 Speeds -> 3 Chainwheels 26x36x48 9 rear Speeds 11×32 Supplied equipment per bike Bag Carrier, Front bag, Cyclometer Repair kit with 2 Chambers, 2 Tire levers, 1 Tool set and 1 Pump Bottle Cage with bottle |  |
Electric touring bikeAluminium frame, confortable and elegant with Bosh motor and 400wh batterie. 9 Speeds -> 1 Chainwheels 1×18 and 10 Sprockets 11×36 400 Watts Batterie Supplied equipment per bike Bag Carrier with bags, 1 Front bag, 1 Cyclometer, Front and rear light, 1 Bottle, 1 Lock, 1 Helmet Repair kit with 2 Chambers, 2 Tire levers, 1 Tool set and 1 Pump |  |
RoadbikeCarbon frame, very light this bike will fill your need of speed and performance while remaining comfortable on all the roads of Luberon. 22 Speeds -> 2 cranks compact 34×50 Sprocket 11 speeds 11×32 suitable for mountain Supplied equipment per bike helmet basic kit reparation a lock |  |
Kid bikeFor kids up to 1,50m 21 Speeds -> 3 Chainwheels 24x34x42 and 7 Sprockets 14×28 Supplied equipment per bike 1 anti-theft device, 1 helmet Repair kit. Water bottle holder with water bottle |  |
Getting here
Departure city : CAVAILLON
Coming by car
- at 6h from PARIS
- at 5h from BORDEAUX
- at 2h30 from LYON
Parking*
- Parking MJC – CAVAILLON
Coming by train
- Cavaillon train station - 3h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Avignon airport
- Marseille Provence airport
Arrival city : CAVAILLON
Coming by car
- at 6h from PARIS
- at 5h from BORDEAUX
- at 2h30 from LYON
Coming by train
- Cavaillon train station - 3h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Avignon airport
- Marseille Provence 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
Duration 8 days and 7 nights
Level Leisure ou Fit
Departure date From March 15th to November 15th
Destination
Mediterranean Cycle Route
Provence
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
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.
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.