Lavender fields, Mont Ventoux, and the essence of Tour de France.
Destinations
In the heart of the Luberon, Apt is surrounded by rolling limestone hills, ochre villages and lavender plateaus, with Mont Ventoux looming to the north. Quiet roads and gentle-to-punchy gradients make it a relaxed base for exploring Provence with the Giant of Provence always on the menu.
Avignon sits where the flat Rhône valley meets Provence proper, so rides roll out through vineyards and plane-lined lanes before tilting up into the Alpilles and the ridges of the Luberon. Mild winters, dry air and a compact old town full of cafes and train connections make it an easy base for long days in every direction — just plan around the mistral.
Bédoin is the classic starting point for Mont Ventoux by its hardest face — 21 km through the forest of Bédoin to the wind-blasted lunar summit. Beyond the Giant, the Dentelles de Montmirail and quiet Vaucluse lanes offer recovery rides amid vineyards and olive groves.
Nice is the winter capital of pro cycling, where riders warm up on the coast then head into the backcountry for the Col de la Madone, Col d'Èze and the balcony roads of the Arrière-Pays. Mild weather, endless climbing and the Col de Turini within reach make it a year-round training paradise.
Find cycling-friendly accommodation in Provence.
4 destinations waiting to be discovered.