Provence Cycling Holiday - the B&B

Provence Cycling Holidays run hosted, self-guided bike tours from a single base: their family-run, 17th century farmhouse B&B, built from white Gordes stone near Coustellet in the heart of the Luberon. Hosts Neil and Natalene Cowell have lived and ridden here year-round for almost 20 years, and they keep numbers small, with no more than eight cyclists, so the service stays personal. Guests stay six nights with five full days of riding, returning each evening to the same room, pool and garden, so there's no daily packing.

Each morning riders choose from a directory of more than 30 tried and tested routes, pre-programmed into a Garmin GPS, with the hosts helping match distance, climbing and sights to each rider's mood and ability. Routes follow quiet backroads through hilltop stone villages, lavender fields, orchards and vineyards, with stops at favourite cafés, farmers' markets and wine châteaux. Two sections of the local cycle network feature, including a 30 km converted rail trail, and new rides can be designed on the spot.

The Luberon suits all levels: gentle days of 30-40 km across the river plain are easily managed, while the northern hills offer tougher road riding for keen cyclists. Quality Trek hybrids are supplied, with e-bikes, road bikes and tandems available at extra cost. Breakfast is included daily, along with two relaxed three-course dinners cooked by the host, with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Highlights:

• Hilltop stone villages such as Gordes, Roussillon and Bonnieux
• Lavender fields in bloom (June to July) and the Abbaye de Sénanque near Gordes
• Vineyards, wine châteaux and authentic farmers' markets
• The 30 km converted rail trail via the Roman Pont Julien
• Host-cooked Provençal dinners and a pool at a 17th century farmhouse
• Daily choice of 30+ GPS routes tailored to your ability

Surface and terrain:
Mostly quiet, sealed country backroads with little traffic, plus two 30 km sections of local cycle route, including a converted rail trail. Terrain varies from the flat river plain and Rhône delta to rolling foothills, with tough climbs in the northern hills for those seeking them.

Weather:
Warm and sunny Mediterranean conditions. Average maximums: April 21°C, May 23°C, June 27°C, July 30°C, August 33°C, September 24-27°C. October 24°C. July and August are hot, with long evenings.

Suitable for:
All abilities, from "cycling for softies" to keen road cyclists, with daily rides ranging from 20 km on the flat to challenging hill days. It suits couples and small groups who want a relaxed single-base holiday focused on villages, food and wine. E-bikes are available for less confident riders.

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I loved this tour - Neil and Nat are so flexible and accommodating and the location is magical. Read my account at 'My Week in Provence'.
Bruce (CTG Editor)