Lubéron Mountains Cycling Experience, Provence, France is a perfect landscape waiting to be explored. With its deep valleys carpeted in lavender, dense sloping woods crossed by paths and rustic villages, and a variety of wildflowers dotting the green valleys with color, it is the right destination for all lovers of cycling, professionals or not, who like to feel free while walking through paths surrounded by nature, under a warm sun in a clear, deep blue sky.
Lubéron is a perfect landscape waiting to be explored. With its deep valleys carpeted in lavender, dense sloping woods crossed by paths and rustic villages, its climate is sunny and with a variety of wild flowers.
The Lubéron Regional Nature Park was created in 1977, with the idea of merging the conservation of the environment with economic and cultural activities, and landscape development. In December 1997, it was officially accepted by the Unesco into the world network of biosphere reserves.
The habitants of Lubéron built an extensive network of rural roads that became routes for professional cyclists, or for people who, like us, love to pedal under a clear sky surrounded by vegetation.
The towns of Lubéron are known for their great beauty. It is precisely in Roussillon where you can start this great adventure on wheels among rainbow cliffs and red-colored hills. Yes, red, since Lubéron is one of the most important deposits of ocher extracted since the Roman era.
But maybe you would like to visit a medieval castle. If you head west you will appreciate the village of Gordes, located on the top of a hill, and in the heart of the village, you will see an imposing medieval fortress built in the 12th century. The castle is not the only attraction in this town, Gordes is an elegant and picturesque village with winding streets and spectacular viewpoints. Getting to explore the area will an unforgettable experience on its own.
Other bicycle rides
Another option for a nice bike ride is the route that begins in Cavaillon, in the west of Lubéron, and follows the road to Forcalquier, this tour will take you through treasures such as Ménerbes, a beautiful French village located in the department of Vaucluse. This small village preserves the ruins of the abbey of St. Hilaire from the 13th century.
Return to Cavaillon along the southern section of the cycle route, making a 237-kilometer circuit through Manosque, Lourmarin, and Merindol.
Manosque is characterized as a cultural town, literary walks are famous around the city of Jean Giono, and if you go in August and September, you can enjoy literary festivals, traditional of the area.
In addition, you can stroll through its historic center that has been incredibly well maintained since the Middle Ages, and is loaded with centuries of culture: impressive stone monuments, medieval doors that seem taken straight out of a movie, imposing Roman churches, and mansions dating back to the 17th Century.
Sixty kilometers from Aviñon, set on a plain, you will find the picturesque village of Lourmarin, where the house of the famous French writer Albert Camus, Nobel Prize for Literature, who chose the village as a residence. You can also take a walk through the beautiful olive groves, the Roman church of San Andre and the Chateau Villa Medici in Provence.
As in Lourmarin, the olive groves are one of the most beautiful landscapes in the territory of Mérindol. The houses of this village date from the 17th and 16th centuries.
When to go
Mid-April to mid-October is the best option. The region is never as crowded as the nearby Cote d’Azur, but it’s better to go mid-April to June, and September to mid-October for great cycling conditions.
How long
A three-night stay in any one central village should allow enough time to explore by bike.
Planning
The nearest airport is Marseille, and nearest train stations are Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. The nicest villages have small hotels, cottages for rent by the week called gîtes, and chambers d’hotes (B&Bs).
Inside information
Even on the quietest roads, stay to the far right, because the French are very respectful of cyclists, but fast-traveling cars seem to appear without notice. The best roads are often quite narrow.
Websites
Highlights
In Gordes, visit an ancient settlement 2.2 miles (3.6 km) outside the modern village. It consists of rounded drystone structures called bories, traditional to Provence, once used as shelters, barns, and homes.
Both Ménerbes and Lourmarin have been voted among the most beautiful villages in France.
For the ultimate cycling challenge, tackle Mont Ventoux to the north of the Lubéron. This peak is 6.723ft high (1.912m), and has often been on the Tour de France. Watch out for cross-winds, and try the delicious cookies once you reach the top, you’ll have earned them!
Definitely, the Lubéron mountains offer dreamlike landscapes for cycling enthusiasts and those who simply love to pedal. The tranquility of its small towns, the Mediterranean climate and the breathtaking views you can only find in this place, are the perfect combination for a well-deserved vacation.
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