Forcalquier / Apt

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.

The Cycle Route

This is a cycling stage involving many shifts in altitude, so a good electric bike is a great plus. Following a descent to Dauphin, the route soon crosses the D4100 road, so take care there. Then the way climbs to La Croix du Chêne beyond Saint-Michel l'Observatoire. After a second descent, to Le Largue, it’s possible to make a detour to the perched village of Aubenas-les-Alpes, or then continue on by tackling another ascent to reach the road to Reillanne. After Céreste, the route is less hilly. To reach Apt, ride along the Le Calavon greenway, running beside the river of the same name, providing a gentle way to reach this stopover town. 

Links : EuroVelo 8 - La Méditerranée à vélo ; Forcalquier Lure à vélo ; Collines de Manosque ; Lavandes et vieilles Pierres

Don't miss

• Forcalquier: the Citadel; the Couvent des Cordeliers; the geological site of Les Mourres; la Biscuiterie (for biscuits); Caves de Régusse (wine shop); France Montgolfière (for hot-air ballooning). 
• Nearby, in Mane : Musée ethnographique et jardins de Salagon (set around a priory)
• Dauphin: accredited as a Village et Cité de Caractère for its historical riches
• Saint Michel l'Observatoire: the astronomy centre; the historic centre 
• Céreste: Carluc Priory; the Roman bridge; the historic centre 
• Saint-Maime: the historic centre 
• Reillanne: église Saint Denis (a church)
• Apt: Cathédrale Saint Anne; the historic town centre; Cave de Sylla (winery); Maison du Parc/Musée de  géologie (on local nature and geology).