DAY 3. Mazan to Sault via Mont Ventoux or via the Gorges de la Nesque

RIDE: 41 km | Ascent: 920mOr: 61 km | Ascent:: 1930 m

Very exciting day on the bike today. This is France’s epic cycling climb, that all road cyclists will love. If you are keen to take on a mountain, give the cycle up the Giant of Provence,Mont Ventoux a go! It is one of the most famous climbs in Europe and has been part of the worldwide known Tour de France 15 times now.

Scene of many a TdF battle, it is impressive at 1909m high and you can see its windswept recognizable summit for miles around in Provence, its stark white communications tower, always illusive and higher up then you would wish as you cycle up to it! The sobering memorial to TdF rider, Tom Simpson, who died there, is worth a stop on the way just to remind yourself, at what a dramatic stage Mont Ventoux is. However, once at the top, what a view and a gorgeous descent through the fir tree forests that crowd its base.

Chapeau!

Or, if you wish another beautiful option, cycle through the Gorges de la Nesque, a very picturesque winding road through rocky tunnels and beautiful viewpoints. The gorges, home to wildlife such as boar, deer and many types of raptors is a very alluring bike ride to experience and you will enjoy this surprisingly quite wild landscape carved millions of years ago by the raging river below.

Your home for tonight is Sault, a very little town atop a bump in the landscape, and just 26km away from the top of Mont Ventoux. Surrounded by fields of purple lavender, it seems its cobbled streets, are lusciously aromatic.

DAY 4. Sault to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

RIDE: 60 km | Ascent: 610 m

A rolling day through this most traditional of Provence’s villages, awash with clear sunlight, scented vineyards, lush orchards and green gardens. Who wants to go back to reality when this too could be yours! Dreams abound here in Provence of this bucolic life and especially on this trip. Enjoy this very entrancing cycle ride highlighting some of the best of Southern France’s allure.

Arrive in ancient Venasque, one of France’s most “beautiful villages” and oldest, this striking white stone village hugs a hillside, located in the Monts de Vaucluse region and is a nice stop for a snack.

Continue cycling to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, a charming town set in a steep valley. It’s an emblematic spot in Provence. Cycle along the River Sorgue, which has one of the highest flow rates in the world. Its lovely old town with its 11th-century Romanesque church and a medieval castle perched on a rocky peak whose ruins overlook the village is a delight. As is the paper mill which still produces paper and has done, since the 15th century!

DAY 5. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse to Gargas

RIDE: 38 km | Ascent: 720 mOr: 53 km | Ascent:: 1,020 m

A great day of cycling today with a first stop in the gorgeous village of Gordes. If you haven’t decided yet to sell up and spend the rest of your days here, you might now! It is located just at the heart of the Luberon Regional Nature Park, and is a picture postcard village full of charm. It’s a very striking spot, where in the warm summers, the close-set stone homes provide shadowy shade in the quaint cobbled stone narrow alleyways. Enjoy amazing views from its iconic 11th century castle set high above the spreading patchwork quilt of lavender and green fields.

Another place that shouldn’t be missed on the way is Sénanque Abbey, really a must-see monument. Cistercian monks still live there, and follow St. Benedict’s belief, that “Idleness is the enemy of the soul” and so are busy with their apiary, lavender fields, etc and sell their essential oils, olive oil and honey to passers-by in order to help in the upkeep of the Abbey.

You will now note, the change in the soil colour to shades of a deep reddish orange to pink, which is pleasingly photogenic and is evident through places like Menerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux. Arrive in Roussillon, set atop the countryside, with homes, colourfully pastel with their shutters and scenic streets. A lovely spot to sit in the main square and have a drink and watch the world go by.

Cycle next to your magnificent hotel in Gargas where you can enjoy your last moments of tranquillity in this wonderful cycling country!

DAY 6. Onwards travels from Avignon

Awake to birdsong in this pretty spot before your transfer to Avignon to finish this trip and to make your onward journey to other parts of La Belle France.

Merci and à bientôt!