Cycle round the Luberon
The landscape of the Luberon epitomises picture-book Provence. The 60 km long mountain ridge with its limestone cliffs and wooded slopes south-east of Avignon has also been recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Rugged cliffs, wild gorges, barren peaks, but also lush nature with pine forests, lavender fields and vineyards characterise the landscape. Picturesque, medieval villages, such as Ménerbes, made famous by the writer Pete Mayle, nestle against the rocky slopes. There is the Little Luberon in the west and the Great Luberon in the east. The highest mountain, the Mourre Negré, is 1125 metres high. The "Autour du Luberon" cycle route, sometimes hilly, sometimes mountainous, runs for almost 250 kilometres around the entire Luberon, on well-surfaced, mostly asphalted country roads away from the main traffic arteries. The Luberon Tour is signposted in both directions. In addition to impressive nature and culture, Provence cyclists can also look forward to excellent wine and delicious cuisine.
Journey:
If you are travelling by train, we recommend starting at Cavaillon, which can be reached via Avignon TGV station; www.bahn.de and
www.sncf.com/de/fahrgaste
Tour combinations: The circular tours "Le Pay d' Aigues", "Le Pays Forcalquier", "Les Ocres". Further tips and map on www.veloloisirprovence.com/fr/luberon.
Accommodation tips:
Auberge du Cheval Blanc in La Bastide-des-Jourdans, www.auberge-chevalblanc-labastide.fr
Hotel Le Manoir in Apt, www.hotel-lemanoir84.fr
Hotel Toppin in Cavaillon, www.hotel-cavaillon.com/de/
Relais du Grand Logis in Mirabeau, www.relaisdugrandlogis.com/fr/index.html
Hotel La Bastide du Bois Bréant in Maubec, www.hotel-bastide-bois-breant.com
Worth seeing:
- Bruoux ochre quarries in Gargas, www.minesdebruoux.fr
- Chateau de Clapier, famous vineyard in Mirabeau, www.chateau-de-clapier.com
- Musée du Tire-Bouchon (Corkscrew Museum) in Ménerbes, www.domaine-citadelle.com
- Bastide du Laval winery and oil mill, www.bastidedulaval.com
Maps and literature:
Overview map with addresses and tour description as pdf for download at www.provence-radfahren.de.
Information: www.luberoncoeurdeprovence.com
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 5/2017.
