Bloomingdales: Travel Perks

DuVine Provence Bike Tour

DuVine Provence!

Provence – Lavender Fields and Hilltop Villages of the Luberon…

Tour Highlights: 

• Browse the weekly market in Gordes, where local producers offer pints of perfect berries, fragrant soap, loose lavender and spices, and heaps of olives
• Ride through emblematic Provençal scenery, from hill towns and lavender fields to the rocky Alpilles
• Delve into the olive oil industry of Les Alpilles and taste the oil produced by century-old trees planted around the Château des Baux
• Browse the boutiques and galleries of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence
• Learn to cook classic Provençal dishes during a lesson in our friend’s home kitchen

Eat: Picholine olives, tapenade, ratatouille, Provençal bouillabaisse, confectionary Calissons d’Aix, fromage de chevre, and slow-cooked lamb.

Drink: Outstanding local wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Côtes de Provence; pastis (a traditional anise-flavored apéritif).

Itinerary

DAY 1) Welcome to Provence

Meet our guides at the Avignon TGV train station, and the adventure begins! After a short transfer into the countryside, we’ll start in style at our luxurious hotel with a true Provençal welcome lunch. Get fitted on your bike, and we’ll set out on a beautiful first ride through the villages of Gargas, Villars, and Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt. Cruise past vineyards and fruit orchards while admiring the region’s tranquil landscapes and timeless architecture. Tonight delight in a bienvenue from the chef as he prepares a dinner featuring produce grown on the property.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Avignon, Gargas, Villars, Saint Saturnin
Accomplished: 17 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 255 meters
Accommodations: La Coquillade or Mas des Herbes Blanches

DAY 2) Essence of The Luberon

Today we’ll ride on through the forested heart of the Petit Luberon, peering out across the valley floor with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards. Enjoy views from the wealthy and picturesque village of Bonnieux, and stop for a cappuccino in Lacoste. We’ll learn about Côtes du Luberon wines in a domaine near Ménerbes, then enjoy a lovely picnic prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we spin to Roussillon to admire the local artists’ colorful creations in the town’s many galleries. Later, transfer to the small village of Joucas and meet our dear friend Veronique. In her home kitchen, we’ll learn to cook classic Provençal dishes, then sample our creations on Veronique’s charming terrace.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bonnieux, Lacoste, Menèrbes, Baumettes, Roussillon, Gargas
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 700 meters
Longer Option: 39 miles / 62 km
Accommodations: La Coquillade or Mas des Herbes Blanches

DAY 3) To the Top of the World

Our morning ride will take us on small country roads that lead to one of the most beautiful villages of the Luberon—Gordes. Explore the village’s outdoor market and scenic terraces created by its impressive position in the Luberon Valley. Next, climb to the high plateau of the Luberon and reward yourself with incredible views and a well-deserved lunch in the village of Murs. A downhill ride will take us back to our hotel for some well-deserved rest. Dinner this evening is at one of our favorite local gems.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Roussillon, Joucas, Gordes, Venasque, Murs, Gargas
Accomplished: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 910 meters
Shorter Option: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain : 634 meters
Accommodations: La Coquillade or Mas des Herbes Blanches

DAY 4) Foothills, Villages, and Crossing the Durance

Today we’ll warm up with a ride on a bike path that leads us to the foothills of the Luberon Mountain and past quaint hilltop villages. Pedal through Cavaillon before crossing the Durance River, then rest your legs during lunch in the town square of Eygalières. This afternoon, we encounter the natural beauty of Les Alpilles mountain range as we ride through its limestone massif dotted with Aleppo pine and cypress trees. Arrive at an olive mill where the owners share their passion for this local liquid gold. We’ll learn about each step of the process, then taste the nuances in the different oils they produce. The remainder of the afternoon is yours for a massage or a round of golf at our luxurious five-star hotel. Your guides can offer excellent suggestions for this evening’s dinner on your own in town.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Oppede, Maubec, Robion, Les Taillades, Cavaillon, Orgon, Eygalières
Accomplished: 41 miles / 66 km, elevation gain: 445 meters
Shorter Option: 29 miles/ 47 km, elevation gain: 350 meters
Accommodations: Domaine de Manville or Ostou de Baumanière

DAY 5) Les Alpilles

Begin the day riding on quiet roads surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and the undulating mountain range of Les Alpilles to Domaine de la Vallongue. We’re treated to a tasting of organic wines from a small producer in Eygalières before continuing to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Explore the town’s vibrant boutiques and galleries and sit down to a well-deserved lunch. Our afternoon ride will take us to the famous hilltop fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence. We’ll visit a former stone quarry that has been transformed into a cutting-edge exhibit of world-famous painters, then take a stroll through town. Tonight, share a memorable meal together at our hotel’s gourmet Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mouriès, Aureille, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence
Accomplished:  29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 395 meters
Longer Option: 35 miles / 56 km, elevation gain: 538 meters
Accommodations: Domaine de Manville or Ostou de Baumanière

DAY 6) Au Revoir!

For your final morning, enjoy a quiet breakfast and relax or go for a last ride in the Alpilles countryside, dotted with olive groves and graceful cypress trees. Once showered and changed back at the hotel, your guides will see you off at the Avignon TGV train station.

Meals: Breakfast 
Accomplished: Optional ride of 10 miles / 16 km

*DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.

ARRIVAL DETAILS 

-Airport City: Paris or Marseille, France

-Pick-Up Location: Avignon TGV Station or Avignon city center hotel

-Pick-Up Time: 11:30 am

DEPARTURE DETAILS 

-Airport City: Paris or Marseille, France

-Drop-Off Location: Avignon TGV Station

-Drop-Off Time: 12:00 pm

INCLUSIONS + DETAILS 

Accommodations

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