4 Natural Parks to explore in Provence for maximum gravel fun - the Alpilles, the Luberon, the Gorges du Verdon and the mighty Ventoux.

With an average 300 days of sunshine a year and jaw dropping scenery, Provence may just about have it all for gravel riders. With various Natural Regional Parks in the region, it’s one of the most diverse areas you’ll find in France. We’ve chosen 3 of the parks for starters that connect together nicely for a great bike adventure - the Alpilles, Luberon, Verdon and Ventoux. Landscapes to lose yourself in, villages to explore, rocky ridge lines to admire and olive groves to ride through, you won’t want to finish! Join us in one of our fave destinations to be wowed by the sights and serenaded by the cicadas, for a bike trip like no other.

Mont Ventoux - the famous Giant of Provence that’s full of surprises!

Mt Ventoux, the emblematic summit of Provence topping out at 1912m, attracts cyclists and nature lovers from all corners of the globe to its famed slopes in the Vaucluse. The ever-changing landscape goes from dense pine and oak forests to bare rocks as you head uphill, lending the summit a unique lunar feel. With flowing, winding roads and hairpins a-plenty, and of course the awesome gravel trails that crisscross Mt Ventoux’s flanks, it’s a real playground for ALL cyclists in search of something  to aim for. Add the beautiful provencal villages dotted through the surrounding countryside to the mix and you have the ideal place for an unforgettable gravel adventure.

If you’d like to explore this dream gravel destination with a local guide, then join one of our unique GravelUp trips!

A couple ideas of great gravel routes to ride near Mt Ventoux:

• The summit of Mont Ventoux: absolutely! Its lunar landscapes and lack of vegetation make it an extraordinary pass, offering a 360° view of the region.

• The Nesque Gorges: not to be missed! They offer spectacular views of the cliffs and rock formations, with a view of the summit of Ventoux.

• Brantes: a beautiful village perched in the north of the department, on the border of the Drôme Provençale. The village stands peacefully facing the slopes of Mont Ventoux.

• Sault and its lavender fields: The lavender typically blooms from late June to early August, peaking around mid-July.

The Alpilles - wild beauty in the heart of Provence for fans of gravel!

Why head to the Alpilles for your next gravel trip?

Ahhh, the magic of the Alpilles! Nestled just south of Avignon, the Alpilles Natural Regional Park is surely one of the most beautiful in France. It’s made up of limestone crags rising high above the unspoilt towns of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Fontvieille and Eygalières, as well as the beautiful village of Baux-de-Provence. About as ideal for gravel riding as you can get.

If you’re looking for authentic landscapes and beautiful scenery, coupled with a peaceful atmosphere and delicious local delicacies to try, then the Alpilles is THE place to go for a gravel adventure. You’ll find rolling hills, olive groves and craggy ridge lines to admire as you roll through the stunning countryside. Get ready for adventure!

Here’s some gravel route ideas to get you started in the Alpilles:

• Les Baux-de-Provence: perched on a rocky spur, offers a breathtaking panoramic view and houses impressive historical ruins.

• Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: famous for its cobbled streets and Provençal atmosphere, where Van Gogh created some of his most famous works.

• Mont Gaussier: near Maussane-les-Alpilles, offering a combination of gravel roads and trails through olive groves and orchards.

The Luberon - great gravel between lavender fields and hilltop hamlets.

The Luberon is a top choice for your next gravel getaway!

Straddling the departements of Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in south-eastern France, the Luberon Natural Regional Park is a real gem. With over 185,000 hectares of space, the variety of landscape and culture you’ll find is second to none. It’s an ideal region for those looking to explore and push their boundaries on a gravel bike. You’ll find hamlets hugging hillsides punctuated with airy cliff-bands, which rise up above rolling lavender fields and orchards. And for something totally out there, the Roussillon Ochre quarries lend a Colorado and rodeo feel to the area. The icing on the cake - it’s blissfully quiet!

Here’s some route ideas in the Luberon to whet your gravel appetite:

• The Colorado Provençal in Rustrel: explore the old ochre quarries with their gravel trails surrounded by colorful landscapes sculpted by erosion.

• The village of Gordes: nestled on a hill, Gordes is renowned for its dry stone medieval architecture and panoramic views of the Luberon Valley.

• The ochres of Roussillon: discover the red ochre formations and the streets of Roussillon on foot, then continue your exploration on gravel trails through the surrounding hills.

• The trail of the old Cavaillon-Apt railway line: this route offers a unique experience by following an old railway line transformed into a gravel path, allowing you to traverse varied landscapes, tunnels, and bridges.

Gravel in Verdon - an unforgettable adventure!

Why riding gravel in Verdon should be your next trip…

Nestled between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var, Verdon is THE jewel in the crown of Provence. Well known for its incredible gorge, which is more like a Grand Canyon, the area spans some 180,000 hectares and offers a spectacular landscape. Your efforts on the winding roads, and airy trails, will be infinitely rewarded by the breathtaking view points high above the canyon over the Lac de Sainte-Croix. The best views are to be found from the Balcon de la Mescla and the Route des Cretes, so ride on!

Some ideas for gravel routes in the heart of Verdon.

• Route des Crêtes: A scenic route offering breathtaking views of the Gorges du Verdon. Ideal for gravel riding with its dirt paths and winding roads along the cliffs.

• Sentier Martel: Traverse this famous hiking trail that winds through the gorges, offering spectacular landscapes.

• Plateau de Valensole: Explore the gravel paths through the vast lavender fields and plateaus of the Verdon, providing stunning views of the region.

• Tour of Lake Sainte-Croix: Circumnavigate the lake on gravel, following trails and roads that offer magnificent views of the turquoise waters and surrounding hills.

Handy advice to help you plan your gravel adventure in Provence

A little bit of planning goes a really long way when it comes to making the most of any gravel adventure, particularly one in Provence… So here’s some handy tips to help you set off in the right direction!

• Choose the right kit.

First and foremost, make sure your bike is up to the terrain you want to ride in Provence. You’ll need sturdy tyres and powerful brakes to deal with the terrain.

If you don’t have a gravel bike yet, or would like to test an Origine bike before buying, then you can hire one from our rental fleet. You’ll have the ideal steed for your adventure.

In terms of kit for yourself, you’ll need the right clothing for the time of year you choose to go. Remember summers in Provence can be very hot, so you’ll want thin breathable layers and a lightweight wind shell for those early mornings.

• Plan your route

Whatever adventure is on the cards, a map and/or a GPS navigation device is essential. Following road signs is one thing, but the backroads and paths you’ll be taking on a gravel bike won’t be signposted and it’s easy to get lost. When planning your route, make a list of the points of interest that you’d like to see, this will build the journey for you. All that’s left to do is connect the dots with some awesome trails!

• Stay Safe

The riding in Provence can be challenging and demanding at times, so make sure you have some fitness before you take on an adventure here. 

Adapt each day's riding to your fitness and how you feel day by day. Ease your legs and lungs (and bum!) into it, they will thank you in the long run! Better to enjoy a shorter ride than go over the edge on a route that’s too long. 

Lastly, make sure you have a comfy helmet as you’ll be wearing it every day, and a small first aid kit as you may find yourself off the beaten track. 

• Don’t forget to hydrate!

In summer as the mercury rises it becomes really important to stay hydrated. Make sure you can carry enough water, with at least 2 bottles and even a hydration vest running style. Electrolytes are a great idea for replacing the salts that you'll lose through sweating, and don’t forget those all important snacks too!

Exploring Provence with GravelUp - a top notch gravel bike adventure

As unwavering bikepacking fans, here at GravelUp we understand exactly what you need for a great adventure. We explore some of the most beautiful parts of France and Europe with our tailor-made trips - you can choose the level, duration and destination that suits you best.

We take care of everything during each and every adventure to ensure you have the best experience possible - including comfy accommodation, hearty breakfasts, trail snacks, rejuvenating meals, relaxation and culture. All our trips are guided and we have top notch gravel bikes available for hire too. 

So all you need to do is start the adventure, we’ll take care of the rest!

→ Find out more on our Pyrenees Destination page

→ Contact us for a made to measure adventure.