Cycling through vineyards and lavender fields
Distance: 40-60 km average per day. Altitude: 100-500 hm average per day. Not too steep and not too long slopes on not very difficult terrain. The daily distances are sometimes a bit longer, up to approx. 60 km per day.
This tour will take you through the main places of the Luberon, the Alpilles’ chain and the “Côtes du Rhône” vineyards. Small villages, noteworthy sites and monuments, they became famous for their beauty and now, they are a must!
Nevertheless, we are not proposing you a classic discovery for tourist in hurry, by bus or car, but a slow and progressive way to discover it that will enable you a more authentic approach. Far from the main roads, following the rate of your bike, you’ll go from Gordes to Les Baux de Provence, from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Châteauneuf du Pape, from Venasque to Roussillon, and you’ll take a great pleasure to reach those famous places by unusual paths. Nevertheless, we are not proposing you a classic discovery for tourist in hurry, by bus or car, but a slow and progressive way to discover it that will enable you a more authentic approach. Far from the main roads, following the rate of your bike, you’ll go from Gordes to Les Baux de Provence, from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Châteauneuf du Pape, from Venasque to Roussillon, and you’ll take a great pleasure to reach those famous places by unusual paths. In addition the sun, the light, it was not by accident that Van Gogh found his inspiration here. Cycle in his footsteps.
Your journey begins in elegant Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz, a charming seaside town where the Atlantic Ocean, the colourful fishing harbour and Basque art de vivre come together. After your individual arrival, you have time to explore the narrow streets, browse the boutiques, relax on a sunny terrace or enjoy a gentle stroll along the beach.
In the early evening we gather for a friendly apéro, a relaxed moment to meet your fellow travellers and introduce the programme for the days ahead. Afterwards, you sit down to a refined dinner in a carefully selected restaurant, where the pure flavours of Basque cuisine take centre stage.
A warm welcome, a good glass of wine and your first taste of Basque hospitality set the tone for a week of striking landscapes, memorable encounters and unforgettable cycling experiences.
After a generous breakfast, we ride into the authentic Basque hills. Ascain and Sare offer classic village charm, Espelette greets us with its iconic red peppers, and Cambo‑les‑Bains adds a touch of elegance. We finish in Itxassou at the foot of the Pyrenees — a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Pays Basque.
Today’s stage is one of the highlights of the trip. From Itxassou we ride deeper into the Basque hinterland, following quiet winding roads through green hills, traditional farms and wide mountain meadows. The Pas de Roland leads us along the Nive River toward the slopes of Mondarrain, and on to the peaceful Col de Gorospil with its sweeping views over the valleys.
Along the way we pause in a typical mountain restaurant to enjoy Basque hospitality and local flavours. A beautiful descent brings us to Ainhoa, one of France’s most charming villages — an ideal ending to a day where nature, culture and adventure come together.
After yesterday’s mountain stage, today we slow the pace and enjoy the gentle beauty of the Basque interior. From Itxassou we follow the scenic Nive valley past green hills, traditional farms and characterful villages. Bidarray and Ossès offer classic Basque charm before we enter the Baïgorry valley, where the first Irouléguy vineyards appear on the steep slopes.
Here we discover this small but remarkable wine region, with time for a local tasting or simply to enjoy the peaceful landscape. Our day ends in Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry, one of the Basque Country’s most beautiful villages, surrounded by mountains and rich in tradition. A relaxed stage where nature, culture and gastronomy blend effortlessly.
Today we ride the queen stage of the trip. From Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry we climb the legendary Col d’Ispeguy, a beautiful ascent through quiet forests, open valleys and wide mountain meadows. At the top, on the natural border between France and Spain, we enjoy sweeping views over the Pyrenees and both sides of the Basque Country, with a stop at the traditional Venta on the pass.
We descend into Navarra, where the landscape shifts again, and visit Amaiur (Maya), one of the most atmospheric villages of Spanish Basque Country. The return ride brings us back over the same mountain world, ending with a long, scenic descent into the Baïgorry valley. A memorable day that combines challenge, culture and the raw beauty of the Basque mountains.
Our final cycling day begins in Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry. Instead of heading straight to Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port, we first make a last loop through one of the most untouched valleys of the Basque Country. We follow the quiet Nive valley toward Banca and deeper into the remote Vallée des Aldudes, a landscape of farms, forests and wide mountain meadows where life still follows the rhythm of nature. After this final taste of the Basque hinterland, we return toward Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port. This historic pilgrimage town, with its cobbled streets and old ramparts, forms a beautiful transition from the mountains back to the lively Basque world. From here we board the scenic train through the Nive valley to Bayonne, a relaxed intermezzo after days on the bike. Reaching the Atlantic again, we follow the coast past Anglet and elegant Biarritz to Bidart, a charming village with its traditional fronton at the heart of local life. During the festive farewell dinner we close the journey as we began it: together, at the table, with the flavours of the Basque Country.
A route from ocean to mountains and back again — a week that reveals the true soul of Baskenland.
France
The tour doesn't have any major difficulty. Most of the roads are tarred, very quiet with small traffic. Sometimes short paths will be suggested but they are easy one.
Daily kilometers are from 48 km to 68 km.
In summer, temperatures are more than 30°
NOTE No special physical shape are required, you have to be able to ride about 5 hours everyday.
Prices are per person in 2022
2-person room
Single room (traveling together):
Single room solo-traveler:
Extra night in Avignon (incl. breakfast)
per person in a 2-person room
Prices on request
Bike rental
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 20,- per booking.
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Included
4 nights in 3* hotels and 3 nights in 4* hotels (in double room, bath or shower / WC)
7x Breakfast
5x Dinner (except days 1, 7, 8)
Transport of luggage
Detailed description of routes and maps (free loan)
Use of GPS device and GPS tracks
Not included
Reservation costs € 20,- per party
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Drinks, lunches, and personal expenses
Entrance fees
Bike rental
Travel and cancellation insurance
Special details
To be booked with a minimum of 2 people
The road-book must be returned at the end of the tour
This tour will be operated by our local partner
Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions
No bike insurance available for this tour
Program is subject to change without notice
Arrival by train
Avignon lies on the TGV line from Paris to Marseille, about three hours from Paris, Gare de Lyon. It is also served by numerous local and regional services. Local and regional trains call at the central station, outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town. TGVs call at Avignon TGV, about 2 km out of town. A regular bus (“TGV Navette”, links the TGV station with the square outside the post office, just opposite central station. A weekly Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Avignon operates every Saturday in the summer. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.
Arrival by plane
Avignon airport (AVN)
The airport is located 8 km south of the town centre. The only way to get to the city from the airport would be by taxi.
Marseille-Provence airport (MRS)
This airport is located 80 km south of Avignon. To get to Avignon, take the navette (shuttle bus) from the airport to the Marseille-St. Charles train station. From there, take the train to Avignon.
Nîmes-Arles-Camargue airport (FNI) .
This airport is located 50 km west of Avignon. To get to Avignon, take the navette (shuttle bus) from the airport to the Nîmes train station. From there, take the train to Avignon.
Your room is available from 12.00 a.m. on the day of arrival. Breakfast is served between 8.00 am and 9.30 am. Dinners (5x) are included except the dinner in Avignon. Coffee, tea and other beverages during dinner are not included in the arrangement. They can be paid at departure.
Please note that the listed hotels are only hotel samples and subject to change. You will find your definite hotel in the hotel list, which you receive after booking/before departure.
Located a 10-minute walk from Avignon's center, ibis Center Pont de l'Europe offers free WiFi, meeting rooms and a terrace. It is a 15-minute walk from Pont d'Avignon and the Popes' Palace.
Le Mas D'aigret is located a 5-minute walk from the old town of Les Baux de Provence, in the heart of the Alpilles. It offers a garden with an outdoor pool and a furnished terrace.
Located in the Luberon Natural Regional Park and located by La Sorgue River, Hotel Restaurant du Parc sits in a 6000-m2 property with vegetable patch.
The bikes VTC are equipped with luggage rack, 1 big and waterproof pannier, 1 new flask (0,5L), an odometer, 1 repair kit / group (tyre levers, repairing patch and glue, inner tube), 1 pump / group,
1 lock / bike, helmet. We give 1 handlebar bag / 4 pax to hold the road book (on the handlebar of the other bike, we install the GPS holder).
Trekking Comfort, 24 speeds
Modern E-bike with Bosch engine 500 watt. Average weight 25 kg. Unisex Bike
Accommodation
Your room is available from 12.00 a.m. on the day of arrival.
Breakfast is served between 8.00 am and 9.30 am. Dinners (5x) are included except the dinner in Avignon. Coffee, tea and other beverages during dinner are not included in the arrangement. They can be paid at departure.
Welcome
At the store “Provence Bike” in Avignon (close to the hotels), a representative will meet you to hand over your bicycle and itinerary for this tour.
Equipment
Luggage Transfers
A car will take the luggage from one hotel to the other between 9.30 am and 5 pm. (we cannot guarantee the luggage will be delivered before 5 pm **). You do have to bring their luggage to the reception before 9.30 am. Passports, plane or train tickets and valuables must stay with you (don’t leave them in the luggage!) **The clients who wish to receive their luggage at a specific time, while the stay or in
Avignon at the end of the tour, will have to precise it when booking. A supplement will be invoiced.
Transfer day 8
On day 8 (8:00 am – 7:00 pm). From Isle/Sorgue or Fontaine de Vaucluse to Avignon. included in the price.
Itinerary
A preloaded GPS and a road book in English (1 GPS & 1 road book / 4 pax) will be given to the customers the day of arrival. Documents and GPS have to be returned at the end of the trip.