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.
La Veloroute du Calavon
Easy family cycle along purpose build cycle path in the Luberon
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
Bike Hire in Provence
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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.
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Enquire 
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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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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Enquire 
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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Road bike hire
Bike delivery, guided tours, and everything you need for cycling in Provence
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Apt Cathedral
Cathedrale Sainte-Anne in the centre of the Luberon
This cathedral, also known as Sainte Anne d'Apt, is believed to be built on the site where Saint Auspice was buried.
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Les Agnels Lavender Distillery
Guided tours of a working organic lavender distillery & museum
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.
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Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron 
Musee Marc Deydier, Cucuron
Small museum with Roman, neolithic & local cultural exhibits
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.
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Fort de Buoux, Apt
Ruined fort with great views of the Luberon
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.
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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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Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt 
Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt
Medieval castle ruins & 17th century windmills
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
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'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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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.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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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.
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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.
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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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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
A quiet little B&B with a swimming pool overlooking the village of Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
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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.
