Provence and Lubéron

And so when God created the sun, the earth, the mountains and seas, and put them into place, he realized that a little of each element remained. So he gathered the bits together to make a paradise and Provence was born' A nice and nearly true story, isn't it? On this bike tour you’ll discover Provence and the Lubéron national park - a land of light, colors and scents, thus, many well-known painters have lived in Provence: Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Cézanne, and Chagall among others. The Mediterranean climate is pleasant; the sun shines more than 3000 hours a year. People live outside, even during the winter, play "Pétanque" and drink their "Pastis" or “Noisette” on the terrace. Peter Mayle lived in the Lubéron and wrote an amusing series of books which could make ideal holiday reading! Provence has not only an easy way of life, but it’s also one of the richest cultural regions in Europe. Numerous monuments testify to a long and great past since the Greek and Roman period going back to the Middle Ages and, even into the last centuries. Highlights of this tour include: Avignon: the famous Pope's Palace (World Heritage Site), the medieval town and its imposing wall; Orange: Has the best kept Roman monuments such as the theatre and the triumphal arch, Vaison la Romaine: is divided between a roman city and a medieval town on the hill. You’ll cross the famous vineyards of the Cotes du Rhone, the lavender fields when you approach the Lubéron - well known by Peter Mayle - with a two night stay in the lovely town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Beautiful landscapes await you such as Fontaine de Vaucluse supposedly the deepest river resurgence in the world, as they still don't know how deep the spring is! Gordes is a typical little village in Provence. S√©nanque abbey, with Fontenay in Burgundy, is one of the best conserved Cistercian abbeys in Europe surrounded by lavender fields. Roussillon: this village is known for its splendid ochre rocks. Also don’t miss the Mont Ventoux descent from 1900m above sea level! Lastly, we have to mention the quality of wine and food! During the cycle tour you will discover good Provencal dishes and their delicious Mediterranean flavors.