This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Cycling the Ochre Region from Roussillon
A stunning route through the Luberon National Park
Roussillon itself is classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (the most beautiful villages of France). Its characteristic red hue is caused by iron oxide deposits in the soil, which originated millions of years ago when Provence was entirely under water.
Setting off from the Place de Mairie in Roussillon we push our bikes down the narrow little side street that leads to Rue de la Fontaine, where we can hop on and pedal south, turning right at the post office and then left past the pharmacy. You’ll come out onto Rue de la Poste and turn right to cycle south out of the village. When you reach a fork in the road, follow the right hand turn signposted for Goult.
This gently descending road allows you to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the distant hills while not having to put in too much effort as you cruise down towards the village of Goult. The D104 is quiet, scenic and sometimes shaded by trees that line the roadside. After about 5-6km you’ll come to a mini-roundabout; take the exit signposted D105 to Goult. When you come to the outskirts of the village follow the Rue de la Fontaine (yep, another one) to reach the village centre. There is a large 17th century chateau in the centre as well as a number of sunny squares with cafes and bars where you can enjoy a refreshment stop.
Our next point of reference is Lumieres, so follow the lively Rue de la Republique south out of Goult to pick up the D105 again. Go straight on at the roundabout and leave the village behind as you pass through a rural residential area, with farmers fields and country estates all around. You’ll come to a T-junction where you turn left towards Lumieres and then shortly after right to cross a bridge. Lumieres is a quiet but charming little place with a few nice cafes and shops; there are a couple of wine cellars where you can pick up some samples of the local appellation.
In no time at all you’ve have cycling right through the village and come out at a junction. Turn left onto the sometimes rather busy D900 in the direction of Apt and at the next junction turn right onto the D106; look out for the left hand turnoff for the Veloroute du Cavaillon, a dedicated cycle path alongside the river of the same name.
After about 5km of easy and very scenic riding we reach Pont Julien, where you’ll see an impressive stone bridge built by the Romans in 3BC. Turn left at the bridge and follow the end of the cycle path to where it meets the D108. Continue until you come to a junction and turn right to follow the D900 in the direction of Apt. You don’t stay on the main road for very long, so keep an eye out for the first turning on your left and take this smaller road towards La Coquillade, following the road round as it bends right then left to meet Route de la Tarachole. The landscape opens out with vineyards and olive groves stretching out on either side of the road. Continue straight on until the road splits and take the left turn along the appropriately named Route Panoramique.
When the road meets the D104 once more, turn left and head towards Les Ferriers, which is not so much a village as a smattering of farm buildings and houses. Continue along this road until you come to the D105 which will take you back to where you started in the centre of Roussillon.
The whole ride is about 22km long and fairly level, with the height difference between the highest and lowest points being barely 150m. It is very scenic and mostly takes in quiet country roads with a good surface. There are plenty of picnic spots along the way and many opportunities to visit vineyards and wine cellars.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
Friendly service, English spoken, and maps available to help you explore Mont Ventoux
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bikes, road bikes, tandems and children's bikes
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Bike and scooter rental in the Luberon region, based in Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Town bike hire
Explore scenic trails with peace of mind, thanks to itineraries and a reliable battery replacement network
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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Town bike hire
Hire a bike for one hour or up to a week in the capital of Provence
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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Town bike hire
Reserve your bike online or visit the store for personalised service and expert advice
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
What to see
If you have time to go for a little hike then look out for the Sentier des Ocres trail near Rousillon. Two loops, each taking between 30 to 60 minutes, guide you through the forest and round a former ochre quarry.
Sights in Provence
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Massif des Ochres du Luberon
Follow the red rock trail that run through the Luberon
A seam of red, yellow & orange rocks runs through a small part of the Luberon, from Roussillon to Rustrel.
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Parc Naturel Regional du Luberon
Discover the Luberon by engaging in a range of outdoor activities
The Luberon park covers the area from Cavallion in the west to Manosque in the east.
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Mines de Bruoux, Apt
An underground tour of the old ochre mines
This area is well known for it's ochre pigment found in the soil, and a tour of the Mines de Bruoux show you the underground caverns that were created.
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Pont Julien, between Bonnieux & Roussillon
Roman bridge crossing the Calavon river that dates back to 3BC
A lovely Roman bridge not far from Bonniuex, on the road towards Roussillon. It dates back to the 3rd century BC when the Romans built a road to link Italy to Hispania.
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Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas
Museum & gallery dedicated chandeliers
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
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Gordes Castle, Gordes
Castle ot the top of the pretty hilltop village of Gordes
This castle houses the town hall of Gordes and a museum containing works by the painter Pol Mara, a Flemish artist who lived in Gordes.
Where to lunch
Lumieres is a little under halfway round and has a small collection of cafes and pizzerias where you can sit outside and enjoy a bite to eat. Goult has a greater range of eateries, including the bustling and very French Café de la Poste in the village centre.
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Autruche Restaurant 
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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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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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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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 Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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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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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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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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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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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Discover Provence by bike with experienced local guides who know the region inside out. Combining premium electric bikes, personalised routes and a friendly, fully supported service, enjoy everything from relaxed vineyard rides and hidden Provençal villages to the legendary climb of Mont Ventoux. With bike delivery to your accommodation, tailored guided experiences and local recommendations, it’s easy to make the most of your cycling holiday in Provence.
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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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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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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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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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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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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Small guest house in beautiful surroundings with an outdoor pool
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
