Around the Luberon by bike

Your panniers filled with fine local produce, such as delicious little Cavaillon melons, get on your bike to head off from this richly historic town and draw closer to the Durance Valley. Riding along beside little canals, you enter an exceptionally rich ecological environment, offering natural shelter for many species of birds that you can observe more closely at the Durance Ornithological Observatory in Mérindol. After a lovely stop at Lourmarin, a village dominated by its château, this stage ends at Cucuron. With its comical-sounding name, this village was built across two mounds. Stop beside its beautiful ornamental pond to sip a drink in the shade of centuries-old plane trees.

This stage of the Autour du Luberon cycle route takes you to Manosque to discover the place that inspired that fine regional author, Jean Giono. To reach the town, the cycle route circles around the south side of the Luberon Range, leading you across wide open spaces and hills covered in forest and a colourful variety of crops. As you tackle the climbs and descents, you encounter one village after another; two that stand out are La Bastide des Jourdans and Pierrevert, the latter the area’s wine capital. Entering the département, or French county, of Haute Provence, views open out onto the Durance Valley with the Alps in the background rising so majestically into the deep-blue southern skies.

From Manosque, a town indelibly linked with atmospheric regional author Jean Giono, to Forcalquier, historic capital of a medieval county still signalled by its citadel, this stage of Autour du Luberon takes you into the heart of this part of Provence’s heritage, with lively villages to explore too. Orchards and olive groves mark the landscapes and history of the Durance Valley. As to the Canal de la Durance, it reflects the vital importance of harnessing the water supply in Provence. The silhouettes of mountains form a splendid backdrop to this cycling adventure. The way leaves the valley at Villeneuve, meandering through fields and peaceful countryside up to Forcalquier. Here, enjoy the architectural heritage and museums. Extend your exploration of the area by embarking on a cycling circuit via the surprising geological site of Les Mourres and the enchanting villages of Fontienne, Saint-Etienne les Orgues, Cruis and Sigonce, leading to the foot of the Montagne de Lure (alt. 1825m).

Between Forcalquier and Apt, the Luberon countryside is dotted with discreetly charming villages, a delight to discover by dismounting and pushing your bike through the picturesque lanes. At Saint-Michel l'Observatoire, its Provencal skies considered the purest in France, make the most of the opportunity to learn much more about the stars at its astronomy centre. In Reillanne, the square bell tower on Saint-Denis Church watches over the village. Do stop at Carluc Priory, set in restful, shaded surrounds marked by holm oak. After Céreste, you join Le Calavon’s greenway, leading you to Apt, capital of the Luberon area, and the place where your day’s trekking ends.

In Apt, the Luberon’s capital, do taste the local speciality, energy-packed, renowned fruits confits (candied fruit) that have largely contributed to the town’s accreditation as a Site Remarquable du Goût (a French award for places combining culinary and tourist attractions). Leaving Apt, be it on an ordinary bike or on an electric one, the route takes you along quiet little country roads through the heart of perched villages. In Bonnieux, from the Belvédère Lou Badareù, it’s easy to see, laid out below you, the cycle route you’ll be following, going via the villages of Oppède-le-Vieux and Lacoste, their château ruins bearing witness to their rich medieval past. At unmissable Ménerbes, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, enjoy a sunny pause, soaking up the gentle Provençal atmosphere. Then relish tastings at the wineries and olive oil mills dotted along the route to Cavaillon, France’s melon capital!