Provence Luxury

Lavender Field Provence

Provence Luxury Biking and Culinary Tour  

Life may not have begun in Provence but it certainly has been perfected here! Known throughout the world for it’s sleepy hillside villages, shimmering olive groves, endless fields of lavender and delicious Côtes du Rhône wines. There’s no better way breathe in the essence of the ancient countryside than on a bicycle.

We set out amongst rolling hills of truffle oaks and vineyards with a visit to the colorful market of Suze la Rousse where we’ll prepare a cooking class in the towering 14th century chateau. We’ll cycle to our exclusive wine tasting with a legendary Chateauneuf du Pape winemaker, as well as an epicurean’s dream, discover the delicacies of chocolate (via tasting of course!) at the hands of a master chocolatier.

From here it’s on to the Mont Ventoux and our luxury hotel. Optional challenging rides available if you dream of taking on Provence’s greatest climb. Moving onwards we descend into Peter Mayle’s Luberon by way of Venasque and picturesque lavender fields. The awe-inspiring mountaintop village of Gordes awaits us here.

On this our signature trip, we spend unforgettable days riding across the Rhône river valley, tasting through 4 renowned wine regions, under the shadows of Mont Ventoux and over the lavender hills of the Luberon. Every 10 miles the scenery, the terrain, the wine and the food change. Through it all we explore, we experience and we enjoy, never forgetting to finish the day off with a friendly game of Petanque around a bottle of wine.

  
   
Dates September 12th-17th, 2010
Start  & Finish Avignon
Trip Price $3,995 pp ● $1,000 single supplement
Duration 6 Days ● 5 Nights
Level Explore (see details)
Cycling 10-40 miles in the Rolling Hills
Activities Private Cooking Class ● Market Visit
  Exclusive Wine and Chocolate Tastings

Gourmet Restaurants ● Medieval Hillside

Villages ● Lavender Fields Forever

Dine in a 14th Century Chateau

 
Reserve Now! What's Included
   
Village of Gordes Provence
Trip Details

Days 1-2 ● Le Drôme Provencal 

Ride through vast oak forests, famous for their truffles ● Feed the deer in the nature park of your Chateau-Hotel before having a dip in the pool ● Visit the vibrant local market bursting with farm-fresh produce and specialties ● Take a private cooking class in a 14th century Chateau overlooking the valley.

Days 3 & 4 ● Le Mont Ventoux

Visit the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape ● Taste chocolate and wine pairings ● Ride the hilly wine villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras ● Enjoy the windswept views of the Provence valley from your hotel ● Opt to take on Provence’s most famous climb, Le Mont Ventoux ● Cycle through fields of lavender, thyme, and ancient crumbling stone farmhouses.

Days 4-6 ● Le Luberon Valley

Cycle through one of the most picturesque valleys in France ● Visit the medieval hilltop villages of Gordes or the ochre-red Roussillon ● Take in the views from the ruins of the Chateau Marquis de Sade in Lacoste ● Dine in Michelin starred gourmet restaurant ● Ride over a 2000 year old Roman bridge, the Pont Julien ● Enjoy the stunning sunsets poolside from your luxury hotel.
Luxury Hotels and Inns

Chateau de RochegudeChateau de Rochegude

A long-standing Relais & Chateaux, the luxurious Chateau de Rochegude traces its roots to the XII century. Perched atop the village of Rochegude, overlooking the Cotes du Rhone vineyards, the chateau has recently been renovated in the spirit of ultimate peace and relaxation. It has maintained it’s regal feel while staying true to its unique Provencal character and history. Every comfort is provided for here, from strolling through the private 20-acre natural reserve, to sunbathing poolside or relaxing in their spa/hammam (Turkish bath).

 

Chateau de MazanChateau de Mazan

Nestled at the foot of the famed Mont Ventoux and surrounded by lavender fields, this XVIII century chateau has recently been elegantly renovated into a luxurious haven of calm.

The houses most famous owner, the Marquis de Sade, constructed the enclosed garden that now serves as the spot for our evening meal. This decadent setting of softly chirping “cigales”, a gentle breeze and blooming flowers enhances the wonderfully inventive cuisine. Enjoy wandering through the halls, admiring the antique collection, or lounge in the pool after a day's cycling.

 

Hotel du PoeteHotel du Poete

Unique and rare, this old mill perched on the village brook has been transformed into a true gem of a hotel. Located just steps away from the source of the Sorgues river, in the sleepy town of Fontaine de Vaucluse, the Hotel du Poete is a perfect launching point to the Luberon valley.

Start the day with breakfast on the terrace set to the sounds of the brook directly underfoot before cycling out to experience the treasures of the Luberon. Upon returning, enjoy the café culture of this typical Provencal village or go for a soak in their pool or jaccuzzi. Since the hotel has no restaurant, this is an excellent opportunity to discover some of the wonderful restaurants nearby.