Discover Provence by E-Bike: Sault, Roussillon, Avignon, & More - 14 Days

Highlights

• Follow the lavender roads at the heart of the hinterland Provence
• Ride along secured off-the-beaten path roads across two nature parks
• View Roman ruins in Vaison-la-Romaine
• Visit the landscapes that inspired famous French painter Cezanne
• Tour a UNESCO World Heritage Site in medieval Avignon

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paris

Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights! This elegant capital boasts centuries of history, art, fashion and, of course, romance. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel by private car. 

Paris is alive with activity day and night. It's the perfect city to indulge in a little shopping, with department stores like Lafayette and Printemps housing some of the best local designers around, and small boutique shops filled with unique high-quality wares. 

Colorful streets and historic monuments invite visitors to stroll downtown, while narrow streets and cozy coffee shops create a romantic atmosphere. For art lovers, spending time at Paris' smaller museums is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as the city has one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Alternatively, lazing around in the parks or at a sidewalk cafe on a sunny day is equally blissful. 

Settle in and explore the streets near your accommodation. Enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif along the Rives de Seine while you enjoy the sunset. Take in the city views of the Pont Neuf, the tip of Île de la Cité, and the Pont des Arts as you watch the people and boats going by. After drinks, make your way to a local French restaurant for a three-course dinner next to your hotel.

Day 2: Paris to Montelimar, Bike Pick-Up, & Route to Grignan

After a full day in Paris, take the 3-hour train ride to the South of France. Arrive in Montelimar and meet your e-bike specialist, who will go over the details of your trip (including how to operate the bikes) before sending you on your way. 

Today is your first day of traveling by bike. Hit the road heading south through the heart of the Drôme Provençale en route to the hilltop village of Grignan. Your ride today is a beautiful introduction to Provence, with a route of 29 miles (46 km) taking you alongside rolling hills and hilltop villages. 

Arrive in Grignan in the late afternoon, then enjoy a lazy evening by the pool or with a leisurely stroll through town. The region is famous for its summertime lavender production, which turns whole hillsides into carpets of purple flowers. 

Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant with a typical Provence flair. There's no shortage of South French flavors here—olive oil, lamb, Picodon (provencal cheese), thyme, rosemary, and more make for a mouthwatering meal.

Day 3: Free Day in Grignan, the Gem of Drôme Provençale

Spend a peaceful day exploring the hilltop village of Grignan on your own today. The town sits in the Rhône Valley, at the so-called "Gate of Provence." 

Make sure you visit the Chateau de Grignan, with architecture that combines medieval and Provençal elements. From the castle, you'll be able to enjoy views of Mont Ventoux, the Montmirail Dentelles, the Rhône River, or even the Baronnies Mountains. 

Other must-sees include local museums and the abbey, but don't limit yourself to the main sights—hidden gems, like little cafes and small churches, are often located away from the main street. 

For dinner, opt for a quiet meal in a cafe, or go shopping for a picnic spread before enjoying the sunset from a city square. 

Day 4: E-Bike from Grignan to Vaucluse-la-Romaine

Head out from Grignan in the morning for your 36 mile (58 km) ride. You'll follow several small roads away from the main thoroughfare and head into the countryside. Just before arriving at the plateau, you'll cross the "Enclave des Papes," a Vaucluse corner of Drôme County that dates back to the time of the Avignon popes. 

Once you reach the Vinsobres Plateau, the rest of the day's biking will take you through quiet vineyards and endless lavender fields. On the horizon, Mont Ventoux is a distinct landmark. After a few hours, you'll reach the village of Vinsobres, best known for its Côtes-du-Rhône cru. Stop here for a wine tasting at the local Bistrot before continuing on the road. 

Your destination today is Vaison-la-Romaine, known for its Gallo Romans architecture and superb wines. 

Check in with your bike specialist time in Vaison, then enjoy dinner before heading to the hotel for an early night.

Day 5: Free Day in Vaison-la-Romaine

Take it easy today as you explore the medieval village of Vaison-La-Romaine. The town sits at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, surrounded by hilly vineyards and olive orchards. From its Roman ruins to its medieval streets and modern atmosphere, Vaison combines millennia of history. 

Check out Vaison's many archaeologic sites, as well as its four theaters and numerous art galleries. Stroll through the medieval town (called the "high town"), which clings to the steep hill along with the ruins of the 12th-century castle. The walk to the top is well worth the view of the surrounding countryside. 

In the town center, on either side of the main tourist office, sit the ancient sites of Puymin and Villasse. Together, they form France's biggest archaeological dig. It's easy to visit both sites, along with the Theo Desplans Archaeological Museum on the Puymin site, in a few hours this afternoon. 

Other places to see include the Cathedral Notre Dame de Nazareth and its cloisters, the St. Quenin Chapel, the Roman Bridge, and the 9 Damoiselles Garden and its 81 blocks of stones, all carved with poetic glyphs by Serge Boyer.

Day 6: E-Bike from Vaison to Sault & Mount Ventoux

Head out from Vaisone-la-Romaine in the morning and head south-east towards Sault, a 41 mile (66 km) ride away. You'll spend the day navigating the country roads around Mont Ventoux, known as the "giant" of Provence.

Start the ride off in the Touloutenc Valley to reach the hilltop village of Brantes. Stop here for a picnic lunch with a view, then continue your trip, arriving at Montbrun-Les-Bain in the afternoon. Pause here to soak your tired muscles in the thermal hot springs while enjoying the mountain views. 

End your day with one final push up several mountain passes to reach Sault by dinnertime.

Day 7: Free Day in Sault, the Land of Lavender

Spend the day in Sault enjoying the surrounding landscapes. The area is famous the world over for its lavender fields, and if you visit while they bloom (in June and July) you'll see whole hillsides turn purple. 

This fortified medieval village sits in the hinterland of Provence, between the Drôme Provençale and the French Alps. From here, you can access day hiking and tours to Mont Ventoux, the Gorges de la Nesque, or the Toulourenc Valley. 

Spend some time getting to know the city's historic center and medieval streets. For a walk outside of town, follow the Lavender Road, a 3 mile (5 km) marked trail with informational signs and scenic views. The walk takes about 90 minutes as it winds through the fields. 

For a taste of authentic Sault sweets, head to the Boyer Nougat Factory, the town's gastronomic showpiece. Tours of the factory are free, and visitors can learn about the production and packaging of the white and dark nougat, as well as macaroons and galettes. 

Just outside the village, you'll find several traditional distilleries which offer demonstrations and guided tours. Options include the Aroma’plantes Distillery, the Vallon des Lavandes Distillery, the Lavender Farm, the GAEC Champelle, and the Loge aux Lavandes. 

After visiting the distilleries, make your way to Savonnerie en Provence Soap Works, where traditionally-made soaps and cosmetic products are produced from local essential oils. You can even try your hand at making your own soap and cosmetics during a workshop.

Day 8: E-Bike from Sault to Roussillon & the Luberon

Head south again today as you travel through the Val de Sault on your 40-mile (65 km) bike ride. Travel down the plateau, arriving in Luberon near Aix-en-Provence. Here you'll find no shortage of markets, artist galleries, and village festivals. If your legs need a break, visit the flower market and the Provençal food market to find plenty of local specialties such as macarons, calissons, goat’s cheeses, olive oil, honey, and local wines. 

Reach the village of Roussillon in the afternoon. Check in to your accommodation, then head to dinner in town.

Day 9: Free Day in Roussillon & Outstanding Ochre

Spend the day exploring the village of Roussillon, which sits in the middle of one of Europe's biggest ochre deposits. Follow the Ochre Path or visit the Conservatory of Ochre and Applied Pigments, which is located in an old ochre processing factory. You can also explore the town on the Art Trail, which leads you on a historical and cultural tour of Roussillon. 

The landscape has inspired countless artists, and there's plenty of art galleries, exhibitions, craft workshops, and jewelers in town.  Enjoy all this and more as you walk from the lower town to the summit of the Castrum (the town's castle,) where you can enjoy a picnic as you take in the panoramic views.

Day 10: E-Bike from Roussillon to Fontaine de Vaucluse

Continue your exploration of Provence's small towns and country roads today on your 36-mile (58 km) cycle. Along the way, you'll pass by more medieval villages, such as Bonnieux and Ménerbes. This region is truly the old Provence, and the stone walls and cobbled streets of these towns represent a culture and history that dates back to antiquity. 

After lunch, head to Gordes. This is arguably the most beautiful of all the hilltop villages in the Luberon. Its fortified castle dominates the skyline of Gordes, and from its winding, cobbled streets, you can look out to wide views over the valley and surrounding hills.

Your destination tonight is Fontaine de Vaucluse, a village that's famous for its spring (the biggest in France and 5th-biggest in the world.) In the evening, explore the town and eat dinner to the sound of rushing water.

Day 11: Free Day in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, the World of Waters

You'll spend today in the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, famed for its powerful natural springs. The town is a popular destination with travelers, and there's plenty of places to eat and shop. To avoid the crowds, get an early start in the morning. 

The path to the spring source starts on the northern edge of the Place de la Colonne. Along the first part of this walk, you'll find the majority of the tourist amenities: cafes, ice cream vendors, and souvenir shops. After a while, however, the path quiets down, and you can enjoy the tranquility of the water as it flows through the gorge. 

Back in town, the village gardens and riverbanks are an excellent place for an afternoon stroll. Fill your day exploring medieval ruins and historical monuments, and shopping for traditional local crafts—glass, crystal, stationery, sweets, jewelry, and pottery.

Day 12: E-bike from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Avignon

Today is another biking day, with 30 miles (48 km) between you and your destination. From Fontaine, ride to l’Isle Sur la Sorgue—a typical Provence town with a great Sunday-morning market. 

From here, continue riding along the Durance River, passing by the village of Caumont sur Durance. In the afternoon, you'll reach the Rhone River and follow it to Avignon—the City of Popes. 

Drop off your bikes at your accommodation, then head out for dinner. This concludes the biking portion of your trip.

Day 13: Full Day in Avignon, City of the Popes

You'll have the day to explore this medieval city that housed the Pope in the 14th century. While here you can visit the soaring Palais des Papes—the largest Gothic palace in history and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of the palace, which includes the private papal apartments with their frescoes, is a must. Pont Saint-Bénézet medieval bridge, which is the subject of the famous song Sur le Pont d’Avignon, is also worth a visit. 

You'll also have time to explore the city's squares and the medieval bridge along the Rhone River. Head to Place de l'Horlog, the city's historic heart, to see the City Hall, the 15th-century belfry, the theater, and the still-functioning Belle Époque style carousel. During the 1st century BCE, the plaza was used as Avenio's (then-Avignon) forum by the Romans. It's a great place to sit at a cafe and spend the afternoon people watching and enjoying various street performers. 

For dinner, head to the city's well-preserved historic center to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Day 14: Au Revoir, France

After breakfast, take a private car or train transfer to the airport to catch your flight home. A bientôt!