Now home to one of the UCI World Cup Trials events, Pra Loup has stepped up a gear and is not only improving mountain biking in the area but has creating a strong platform in the Alps of Haute Provence for all biking skills and disciplines.
Pra Loup Bike Park, Pra Loup
Downhill trails, bike park, pump track and freeride area in Haute Provence
The area may not be huge and has a vertical descent of only 300m but the trails are well made and fun to ride. With gondola access up to 2,000m to the start of the DH trails, plus all the unmarked and natural tracks that make up the fantastic freeride area this small resort has a lot to offer.
The black DH trails are intense, quick, demanding and require good technical skill, but there are also less demanding red and blue runs which are great introduction to downhill riding. The green trail is a wide, playful track that offers a chance for the family to explore the terrain together. With the addition of the bike park, pump track and junior pump track and many workshops available this is a good destination for the more adventurous families.
Throughout July and August, the gondola is open daily from 09:15 - 17:00. Trail map available here.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Geoparc de Haute Provence, Digne les Bains
A UNESCO accredited site bordering the French Alps and Provence
This unique natural area was designated as a 'Geoparc', the first of its kind, by UNESCO in 2000 and has since become the model for the development of Geoparks across the world.
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St Pancras Chapel, Digne-les-Bains 
St Pancras Chapel, Digne-les-Bains
Small hilltop chapel with great views from the top
St. Pancras chapel was restored by a local team of volunterrs. It overlooks the town of Digne les Bains and offers a panoramic view of the various surrounding peaks.
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Gres d'Annot, Annot 
Gres d'Annot, Annot
An unusual & impressive goeological formation in the village of Annot
35 million years ago the "Grès d'Annot" were born, a result of submarine avalanches composed of silt and sand.
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The Citadel, Entrevaux 
The Citadel, Entrevaux
A hilltop citadel overlooking the old village
To get to this citadel which overlooks the pretty Medieval village of Entrevaux entails a pretty steep walk up 156m vertical over 800 metres of paved road.
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Motorbike Museum, Entrevaux
Vintage and classic motorbike collection split over 2 floors
This little museum is jam-packed from floor to ceiling with a great collection of vintage and classic motorbikes.
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Cathedral Notre Dame des Pommiers, Sisteron 
Cathedral Notre Dame des Pommiers, Sisteron
Cathedral of Sisteron, now known as Church of Notre Dame des Pommiers
A Roman Catholic church that was once a catherdral and is now a national monument in France.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
One of the finest restaurants in Arles with two Michelin stars
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
Delicious food and wine at reasonable prices in a charming setting
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Impressive B&B in a great location with plenty of outdoor space
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a swimming pool and a view of Mont Ventoux
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a restaurant at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
