Provence

[dimrub]

Hi folks!

I'm contemplating a cycling trip in Provence next year, during the first week of April. An approximate route is starting in Avignon, passes through the Luberon park, "Provence Vert", Fayence, Grasse, reaches Nice then finishes with a loop to Monaco and back. Here's the Komoot collection. I'd be happy to get some feedback on it from those of you who have been there:
- Does the choice of dates make sense?
- Does the route make sense - in terms of scenery, effort (well, that's highly subjective, but I'd be happy to hear some subjective takes on this), and amount of cars on the shared roads?
- Any changes you would have made to it?

 

[Webbo2]

April might be a bit on the cool side.

 

[Richard Fairhurst]

The route from Apt to the Durance valley is really lovely.

Are you not tempted to head towards the Verdon gorges after Manosque? They're hard work but spectacular, and you can then descend to rejoin your route around Bargemon.

The D19 east of Fayence isn't great (too much traffic) but there's no easy way round it. There is an intermittent gravel cycle track along the road for some sections, but it's rough and not much fun. The D2562 either side of Val de Tignet is also busy but bearable.

 

[blackrat]

Looks very nice and also looks very hilly. Short days though, so is it going to be mostly sight seeing? Will you be camping?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

We did a very similar route last year, in late April. Our tour had overnights in Pertuis, Sillans la cascade, Bagnols en foret and Nice. It's a wonderful time to be there. Look out for the orchids in flower.

The Col d'Èze you have in is definitely worthwhile, we loved it.

We had planned the gorge du Verdon mentioned above, but took a lower route due to the weather forecast.

I don't have any wisdom on the "best" route, but stick to smaller roads and it'll be wonderful.

Cork Oak forest near Bagnols en Fôret, and tongue orchids:

 

[mjr]

- Does the choice of dates make sense?
- Does the route make sense - in terms of scenery, effort (well, that's highly subjective, but I'd be happy to hear some subjective takes on this), and amount of cars on the shared roads?
- Any changes you would have made to it?

- you'll be too early for lavender, if you care.
- day 1's route looks OK, traffic-wise.
- I'd deviate north a bit out of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to visit the waterspart, where the river branches north and south, then head to Fontaine de Vaucluse to walk up the gorge, as far as allowed, and have an ice cream if it's warm enough, cake if not if possible. Then head to Lagnes and regain your route.

 

[dimrub]

Fantastic, thank for the suggestions so far, I'll try and incorporate them into the route!

We do not plan to camp, so light loads, looking forward to those beautiful hills. And yes, pretty short days - I'm trying to moderate my urge for mileage based on the last few trips, where I missed many of the out-of-saddle attractions due to racing against the clock.

 

[mjr]

Talking of out-of-saddle stuff, there's a tower in Isle town centre, maybe the treasury tower, which you can climb for a good view that I think includes Mont Ventoux. I can check the name if it's not obvious. I don't remember if there was a charge.

 

[dimrub]

Talking of out-of-saddle stuff, there's a tower in Isle town centre, maybe the treasury tower, which you can climb for a good view that I think includes Mont Ventoux. I can check the name if it's not obvious. I don't remember if there was a charge.

That would be lovely, thanks!

 

[mjr]

That would be lovely, thanks!

It seems that is the name but it was open for the exhibition this summer called Exposition "Tour de Ville" : jusqu'au 31 août 2025 - INSULA – https://patrimoine.islesurlasorgue.fr/2025/05/20/exposition-tour-de-ville/

It has opened previous summers but you'll need to watch the expositions page of that site to see if it opens for your trip. Or just rock up and find out! It's right in the town centre, with the market in the streets around it.