Cycling the Luberon of Provence

As told by returning customer Honi Edmondson:

"The Luberon Biking Tour is the second tour that my husband, Mike, and I have taken with Pure Adventures. As with our previous tour, the standard of accommodation, quality of meals and efficiency of luggage transfer cannot be faulted. But what we most enjoy is that the hotels are not large, impersonal and ultra-modern monoliths, but are small establishments that radiate tranquility and charm. We often feel that two or three days are not enough in each of them. Two or three weeks would be better, and we find it hard to move on.

Our especial favorite is the Hotel Des Pins in Bedoin. Nestled among the pines at the foot of Mt Ventoux, it is the perfect base from which to explore the Giant himself, and the surrounding region. To the East are the Dentelles and the vineyards of Beaumes-De-Venise and Gigondas; to the West lie the dramatic Gorges of the Nesque. Whilst the 20+km bike ride along the Gorges may not be as challenging as an ascent of Mt Ventoux, it is still challenging enough. But the spectacular views from the lookout are certainly well worth it – that’s if you can muster up the energy to look! And then there’s the thrill of the 30 – 40 minute descent, hoping that your brakes won’t burn out just as you’re rounding a hairpin bend.

Whist at Bedoin, we also had the excitement of getting caught up in a massive bike event that had been organized by a Belgian company. Apparently this takes place every year, and some 1500-2000 cyclists attempt the three way ascent of Ventoux, either as teams or individual entrants, and on an astonishing variety of bikes. We were amazed to see state-of-the-art light weight racers vying for position with pre-WW2 models with shopping baskets fixed to their handlebars. For avid cyclists such as Mike and myself, this was the cycling equivalent to Heaven. Indeed, my husband was so enthused that he and a friend have determined to enter this event themselves next year. Its things like this, the totally unexpected, that so often make cycling Provence a truly unique experience.

The final tribute that I have to pay is to our Eddy Merckx CHM bikes. They never missed a beat, and were a real pleasure to ride. Needless to say, they were an ideal way to experience the beauty of the French countryside, and often proved to be an opening point for conversation at our many coffee breaks. So much did I come to love my bike, and was so reluctant to part from it, that on my return home I consoled myself with purchasing a new Merckx SXM.”