Located in the southeast of France, Provence sits on the border of Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s largely regarded as one of the most beautiful cycling destinations in the world. Cycling in Provence perfectly combines natural wonderment with historical landmarks to visit. Whether you’re admiring the incredible Roman architecture or enjoying the stunning vineyards in the region, Provence is a place to remember.
There’s great flexibility with each of our cycling routes in Provence. You can veer off the well-trodden paths, enjoy the scenic country roads and take in the lovely landscapes. It is one of the most photogenic areas of the world with delightful lavender fields, maquis-covered hills, olive groves, vineyards and pine forests.
Our cycle experts have created a guide to the best Provence cycling routes.
St Rémy Round Trip to Baux-de-Provence – 42km
The main introductory ride on our cycling tours usually starts in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It starts on a traffic-free cycle road, which is ideal for getting familiar with your bike. You will pass lovely Provencal villages and climb up an easy hill to Baux-de-Provence. This is a fantastic hilltop fort and village with stunning views to enjoy. You can then make your way back into St-Remy by heading down a slightly twisty descent. A fun diverse ride.
We recommend stopping off at Baux-de-Provence to enjoy the amazing castles in the area. These medieval landmarks have spectacular panoramic views of the entire valley. There are also reconstructions of siege machines if you’re interested in military history. The machines could propel 50-100kg rocks up to 200 metres and it took 60 troops to operate. This is a very popular spot in the village.
Roussillon to St Rémy – 54km
This is one of the longer Provence cycling routes on our cycle tours. The miles are worth it though because you will take in some truly spectacular views along the way. It is also traffic-free cycling for the majority of the way, so you won’t have to dodge cars on your route. You start by descending from the Oche cliffs of Rousillon into the beautiful Luberon. Here, you find the iconic lavender fields of the region.
You will then reach the amazing Roman bridge at Pont Julien and take the fantastic Veloroute du Calavon. This is a purpose-made cycle path that takes you most of the way back to St Remy on a gentle downhill. The decent back has fantastic views of the famous hilltop towns in the area on your back home for the day.
On your route, we recommend eating at the La Table d’Yvan in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This is a traditional French restaurant based in a 19th-century farmhouse. If you ask for a garden table you’ll be able to take in the beautiful setting amongst the olive tree and hackberries. The menu changes every day based on fresh ingredients sourced from the local market. You can expect dishes such as herb-crusted rack of lamb or duck cooked with raspberries.
Mazan to Chateauneuf du Pape – 36km
Take a lovely ride into the Cotes du Rhone region by using this Provence cycling route. You can set off through lush small vineyards and take in the views, whilst you head towards the town of Carpentras.
The next part of the route is a smooth ride on the traffic-free cycle path to Jonquieres. Guests love to turn off to the iconic vineyards in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and sample the delicious wine. Alternatively, you can ride through to the beautiful Roman city of Orange.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the main highlight of the cycling route with some great opportunities to try the different wines from the region. The wine is steeped in history which is why it holds such a prestigious name now. The vineyards have hundreds of years of experience and they know how to perfectly distil each bottle.
A Selection of Our Provence Cycling Holidays
Provence has been a Cycling For Softies destination for many years and continues to be one of our client’s most popular choices to go on holiday. It’s a fantastic location to explore by bike and there’s a great blend of history and natural beauty to admire.
Around the Alpilles
This is a self-guided tour of the amazing garrigue, olive groves and vineyards that run through this stunning area of Provence. You will also stay in some of the best 4 and 5-star hotels in the region to. The tour is designed to have a leisurely pace with short and easy routes you can take.
On this Provence cycling route, you will experience the buzz of St-Remy-de-Provence as well as the fortified village of Baux-de-Provence. In addition, you will also visit the lovely small village of Eygalières. You will definitely experience the finer side of life in a relaxing area of France.
Take a tour through Provence with garrigue landscapes, olive groves and vineyards setting the backdrop to this stunning region. With shorter distances and easier routes giving a real leisure cycling experience, you can truly relax in the indulgent 4 and 5 star hotels, as well as taking in the sights.
Provençal Discovery
On this tour, you will use the excellent E-bikes on these Provence cycling routes. The E-bikes allow you to get around Provence with ease and speed. You can easily glide up the hilltop towns of Gordes and Roussillon then head to the Luberon Valley and the Cotes du Ventoux. On top of this, you will stay at the best 3 and 4-star hotels en route and visit the best restaurants. This is a self-guided tour with a lot of flexibility
Explore Provence with ease on this E-Bike tour and glide up to the stunning hilltop towns of Gordes and Roussillon whilst soaking up the sights sounds and sensations as you pedal.
Côtes du Rhône in Luxury
This self-guided tour explores the Côtes du Rhône where you will see some of the region’s finest landscapes, charming towns and incredible hotels. You will cycle between two beautiful chateau hotels before a final stop at the amazing Crillon le Brave accommodation.Â
Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most highly rated hotels.
Avignon & Côtes du Rhône
Another one of Cycling for Softies’ self-guided tours explores Avignon and Côtes du Rhône. On this trip, you will visit the spectacular scenery of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. Another highlight is the city of Avignon where its rich history of the catholic church is clear to see. If you’re a history buff you’re in for a treat.
Explore the Côtes du Rhône by pedal power and sample some of the region’s finest landscapes, most charming towns and most delectable wines.
Starry Nights in Provence
The Provencal region has true natural beauty and inspired a lot of Vincent van Gogh’s career. Our route will have a unique experience of starry nights in St-Remy-de-Provence. You will also take in the colours and culture of Arles and explore the delightful Provençal countryside. On this trip, you will stay in amazing 5-star hotels at the end of each ride.
This pocket of Provencal perfection inspired Vincent van Gogh through the most productive period of his career, with the beauty of the region, both natural and cultural, captured in more than two hundred of his works.
Luberon Valley Vistas
This self-guided tour showcases the dazzling colours and aromas of Southern France. The holiday starts in the vibrant artistic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence before heading through lovely vineyards, lavender fields and orchards into the heart of the Luberon. You can choose one of our e-bikes to effortlessly head through this tour.
Discover the beauty and glamour of Provence. Your tailor-made tour journeys through vineyards, lavender fields and rustic streets.
Bike & Boat | Provence & Camargue
This tour is a week cruise to explore the beautiful rivers and vineyards of Provence and Camargue. Each city is full of hidden landmarks and glorious Provençal wine. One of the highlights is seeing Flamingos and other wildlife at the Camargue Regional Nature Park.
Our bespoke, luxury Bike & Boat holiday itineraries enable you to explore the very best of Provence & Camargue. Float by night and cycle along the paths by day as you discover the beauty of France in a whole new way.
For more information about our Provence cycling routes, give us a call on 020 7471 7760.