The Luberon Valley (6/10)
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While
the Luberon Valley (about 45 minutes directly east of Avignon) is a wonderfully
diverse and fascinating area for General Interesting tourism, (see
Non-cycling Interest Below), as a cycling destination we do
not recommend it as a cycling region. (unless your group are all very strong riders happy to
stay in the hills.)
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Route Variety 4/10
Since the main road is off limits, and the the V-shaped topography further limits the variety of routes possible in the area. After about one or two days, cyclists will find themselves repeating routes. And even if they head up into the h hills on the north and south side, there are really still only two additional routes. |
Hills: 8/10
Hills are almost unavoidable here as the valley serves as a funnel between two plateaus. There are really only two ways out of the valley - north to Murs or south to Bonnieux and Lourmarin. That said, strong, confident cyclists will enjoy these two routes (though again, they would likely have to repeat the same base routes several times during a week). The climbs out of the valley are spectacular and challenging. |
Cycling Safety 5/10
Furthermore, the flattest road (the N100 that runs right east-west from Avignon to Apt) might be tempting but it serves as something of a superhighway through this valley. While French drivers are among the most respectful in Europe, traffic in the Luberon Valley is fast and drivers impatient. |
Non-cycling Interest: 9/10
All that said, the Luberon remains a top Provence destination for non-cycling activities. There are vibrant open air markets (the Sunday market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is not to miss), renowned picturesque hill towns such as Gordes, Rousillon and Lacoste, many top rated restaurants and excellent wineries. |
Weather and Seasons 9/10
Should you choose the Luberon, the weather is typical of all of Provence (mostly warm or hot, dry and sunny). It is the most reliable weather system in France. The cycling season therefore is the longest in France too.
While summers are really too hot for comfortable riding, good weather can be had from April until the end of October. And even into November. |
