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Luberon Valleys & Villages (10 nights)The Luberon is quintessential Provence. It lies below the woodland and limestone cliffs of the Luberon massif, a sunny plain whose undulations are crowned by ancient villages of honey-coloured houses that cluster around crumbling châteaux and shaded squares. Our route here takes in the very best of the enchanting landscapes so beautifully captured in Pagnol’s Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources.
Starting point: La Bastide St Georges (3*), Forcalquier. A beautifully appointed hotel 1km from the centre of the medieval market town of Forcalquier. Each bedroom is individually decorated with plenty of elegant touches. Most boast their own terrace overlooking the garden and the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by olive trees. Day 1: for your first day of cycling, we suggest a circuit across undulating countryside to the charming village of Lurs. Perched on a rocky spur, it boasts a ruined castle, a pretty belltower and sweeping views over the broad valley of the River Durance. In clear weather, you can even make out the Alps lining the horizon to the north. For a shorter day without the ascent, it is possible to take a short cut avoiding Lurs. (22km or 28km) Accommodation: La Bastide St Georges, as above.
Accommodation: Auberge de Reillanne (2*), Reillanne. Converted from a fortified manor house, Madame Balmand's much-loved auberge offers spacious, rustic bedrooms, good country cooking and plenty of space to sit and relax in the pleasant gardens. Day 3: you pass the fascinating chapel and ruins of an erstwhile large religious settlement at Carluc Priory, before dropping down to the country town of Céreste. A pleasant lane winds along the valley of the River Calavon where there is an option to climb to St Martin-de-Castillon, 120 metres above the valley floor, with great views to the black hills of the Grand Luberon. (21km)
Day 4: the day starts by climbing to the hill-top village of Saignon, from where you follow a ridge covered with lavender fields, down to the hamlet of Buoux for lunch (pay locally). Follow the side of the gorge with the option of exploring the 120-metre-deep Aiguebrun Ravine and Seguin, a hamlet where half the buildings are built into the rock face. This is a dramatic spot and has been the home of hermits and refugees from religious wars. Close by is the Fort de Buoux, worth a visit before you continue on to Bonnieux. (22km) Accommodation: Hotel César (inn), Bonnieux. This small hotel is run by Monsieur Ramillon and his wife, with fine views over the valley. Your stay here is on a bed and breakfast basis so you can choose between the hotel’s own excellent restaurant (pay locally) or the many restaurants and cafés of Bonnieux.
Accommodation: Les Sables d'Ocre (2*), Roussillon. Most bedrooms have a terrace overlooking the gardens or the outdoor pool. Dinner is included at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation: Les Sables d'Ocre, as above. Day 7: there is plenty to see during this short and scenic cycling day - you pass a magnificent Roman bridge, cycle through the historic centre of Apt, and make a short climb to a plateau before a breathtaking route leading to Saignon. (21km)
Day 8: you make use of the cycle path along the Calavon Valley before taking narrow lanes toward Céreste. Keep an eye out for birds of prey. From Céreste you head to Carluc Priory before reaching Reillanne. (28km) Accommodation: Auberge de Reillanne, as above. Accommodation: La Bastide St Georges, as above. Recommendations for extra nights: any one of the hotels would make a good choice. Take the Train and break your journey for a night in Paris on the way, staying at one of our favourite Parisian hotels. Read one traveller's experiences in her personal travel diary. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Ancient Périgord (grade 2), Classic Provence (grade 2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airport: Marseille Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
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Nights: 10 (or 
Day 2: you head out cross country to Mane where you can visit the ancient priory at Salagon, before heading out onto the plain to join the Via Domitia (the Roman road from Italy to Spain) near one of many well-supplied staging posts. Follow the valley of the Largue with several attractive, but gentrified, old mills, before heading up into the country town of Reillanne. (20km) 
Accommodation: Hotel Lou Caleu (2*), near St Martin-de-Castillon. This traditional French hotel has been converted from an old stone farmhouse. The two focal points are the outdoor pool, which is very welcome on a hot summer's day, and the restaurant, which serves good regional cuisine.
Day 5: there is much to see along today’s ride, which is quite hilly. After all, many of the region’s villages chose their perched placements for safety reasons. You are rewarded by some of Provence’s most beautiful villages - Lacoste, Ménerbes, Roussillon - all of which deserve to be explored at length. This will also grant you welcome rests and opportunities for refreshment before continuing along the way. A winding descent after Ménerbes is followed by an ascent up the north side of the valley to Roussillon. (29km) 
Day 6: today’s pleasant cycle follows quite country lanes that meander through farmyards and lavender fields on the way to the spectacularly beautiful town of Gordes. You will be enchanted by the narrow cobblestone streets and quaint shops - take time out to explore and relax. From Gordes, you have the option of heading to the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey, one of Provence’s most revered monuments, or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can choose to return to Gordes from the abbey via a beautiful country road that climbs high to the summit plateau in the middle of a forest, before the return to Roussillon. (26km, 35km or 40km)
Accommodation: Auberge du Presbytère (2*), Saignon. Located right in the centre of this pretty village by the fountain and ancient wash-house, the Presbytère has been converted from three adjoining houses and exudes character - bedrooms (some of which have a small balcony) are individually decorated, with terracotta or wooden floors, beamed ceilings and wicker and antique furniture. The Provençal cuisine is excellent.
Day 9: we suggest a reasonably challenging route for your last day of cycling on a completely different route to that of your outbound journey. Your efforts to reach the quaint and authentic villages of Villemus and St Martin des Eaux will be rewarded by magnificent views of the valley below and pleasant descents. (25km)