La Veloroute du Calavon

Easy family cycle along purpose build cycle path in the Luberon

Imprint: Updated 19 April 2017

Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.

The 'Veloroute du Calavon' is currently the only purpose build cycle path in the Provence area but there are plans for expansion and hopefully other similar family friendly routes will soon be available. Cycling alongside fields of lavender and poppies this is truly a Provencal experience. Gradients are not too challenging (no more than 2%) with a smooth hard surface, and the route is safe for younger family members as the track is reserved for non-motorised vehicles (except for a stetch of 2.5km at Le Chene).

The route is well sign posted along the way with good distance markers so you can choose to cycle as much or as little as you want. And depending which end you start from...you will be either gradually gaining height or gradually loosing it. I would choose the latter!

So starting at Saint Martin de Castillon follow the route west towards the town of Apt, a beautiful Provencal market town since Roman times. This is one of the larger towns that you will pass through, although there are plenty of pretty villages along the way to stop and enjoy the views, medieval buildings and abbeys.

Continuing westwards towards Le Chene and on to Pont Julien you will notice the purple fields and the wonderful scent of lavender. When you reach Pont Julien it is worth taking a break to ejoy this amazing feet of Roman engineering; a stone built arch bridge over the River Calavon which dates back to 3BC. Originally the bridge was part of the Via Domitia, an important Roman road connecting Italy to France. It was used for car traffic up until 2005 when a replacement was built to ensure this amazing bridge was preserved. That adds up to around 2000 years of continuous use!

Currently the cycle path ends in Les Beaumettes, although the extension plan means that it should eventually carry on to the town of Cavaillon further west. The pretty village of Les Beaumettes also has lots on offer, from 18th Centrury castles to Roman villas, cave houses in the ruins of a chapel and the usual Provencal style markets.

Distance : 28km
Time : 1.5 - 3hrs
Vertical Gain : 170m

Find transport and further information here.

What to bring

IGN Map 3342OT (Manosque Forcalquier Pnr du Luberon) covers this area.

Water - One of the biggest problems in Provence in the summer is the heat. Fit two bottle cages to your bike and take 750ml bottles with electrolyte drinks.
Sun Cream - The hot southern summer sun means you will burn quicker here than at home. And remember the backs of your hands if you are not wearing cycling gloves!
Windbreaker - Although it may be warm in valleys temperatures can drop rapidly as you climb, weather can chage quickly and the fast descents can cool you down fast.
Snacks - Energy Bars and gels are a very good idea if you are planning a day on the roads.
Mobile Phone - Being able to contact someone to pick you up if your chain breaks is helpful.
Money - You may need it in an emergency or just for a beer at the end of the day.
Basic Repair Kit - You can't fix everything by the side of the road but not all breakdowns require the day to end.

Cycle hire

Road bike hire

This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
Mountain bike hire

This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
Town bike hire

This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Town bike hire

This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux

Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
Town bike hire

Location
Avignon

Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.

What to see

Apt Cathedral

Distance from location
9.5 km

This cathedral, also known as Sainte Anne d'Apt, is believed to be built on the site where Saint Auspice was buried.
Les Agnels Lavender Distillery

Distance from location
9.9 km

This family run lavender distillery situated on the scenic drive between Buoux and Apt, offers guided visits of the lavender distillation and manufacture of essential oils, floral waters.
Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron

Distance from location
11.4 km

This small museum can be found in the centre of Cucuron and houses the collection of a local photographer & prehistorian, Marc Deydier who lived from 1845 to 1920.
Fort de Buoux, Apt

Distance from location
11.8 km

The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.
Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas

Distance from location
13.6 km

This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt

Distance from location
13.9 km

Built on a rocky bluff at 400 metres above sea level is the remains of a Medieval fortress which offers great views of the surrounding Vaucluse and Alpilles mountains.

Where to lunch

La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant

Location
Avignon

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.
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour

This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
L'Autruche Restaurant

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.
L'Epice & Love Restaurant

Location
Avignon

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.
Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux

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.
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant

This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.

What to do

Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, 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.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime

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.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer

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.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, 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.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux

This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus

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.

Where to stay

Hotel des Pins, Bedoin

Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin

This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
La Madelene B&B, Malaucene

This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault

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.
Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene

Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin

This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.