You're not a star-chasing cyclist every day. ! This wild and steep gravel adventure is for the most athletic among you!
Star Hunters
Day 1 > Velleron – Sault: 67km / +1440m elevation gain
Here we go for a rather sporty first day! To gently warm up your muscles, you'll start with a dozen kilometers along the Carpentras Canal, up to Fontaine de Vaucluse. Renowned for its famous resurgence (the largest in metropolitan France and ranked 5th in the world!), Fontaine de Vaucluse will allow you to enjoy a coffee break on the banks of the Sorgues, under the hundred-year-old plane trees, facing the watermill. Don't forget to do some shopping for your picnic! You won't come across any more villages until your arrival point in Sault: welcome into the wild …!
As soon as you leave the village, things get serious: a first gravel climb of around ten kilometers (with sections averaging 15%) awaits you! But the effort is quickly rewarded since at each bend, you will discover absolutely sublime views of the “Clause Valley” (from which the word originates) “Vaucluse”)Once on the plateau, the slope becomes gentler and turns into a 5-star track up to the Col de la Ligne.
The last third of today's map will take you to the southern slope of the Gorges de la Nesque (less well-known than the northern slope), from where you will have a sublime panorama of the Gorges and Mont Ventoux which stands out in the middle of the ridge line. Arriving at the Saint-Hubert refuge (note some technical sections, very gravel, even a bit mountain biking), lavender fields stretch as far as the eye can see and will accompany you to the town of Sault: the final stage of your journey.
To spend the night there, we recommend the Camping Provence Ventoux (located 2 km from the city center).
Day 2 > Sault – Bonnieux: 73km / +1100m elevation gain
This second day will take you from the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park to the Luberon Regional Natural Park, with a fairly contrasting profile: rather steep and technical at the start then gentle and rolling at the end.
So, let's get off to a flying start! The morning begins with a technical, steep but superb section, up to Saint-Christol-d'Albion (you might have to push the bike a little, but that's part of the adventure, right?!). Perfect for refilling your water and taking a caving detour if you feel like it: Aven de l'Aze, Trou Souffleur or Aven de Julien... (More information from the ASPA Gite).
The climb continues to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lamaron and the long-awaited SIRENE astronomical observatory, nestled in the heart of the Albion plateau. If you're tempted to sleep under the stars (and under thousands of stars!), take a look at our "Variant" block below!
The SIRENE observatory
The Observatory is open all year round. However, you must book in advance (few places are available in summer, so choose seasonal wings).
Tel: 04.90.75.04.17
Website: www.obs-sirene.com.
And there you have it! From now on, it's time for a long and beautiful descent on the road to the village of Villars, before continuing on a mixed gravel / road section to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt. Give yourself a well-deserved break to visit the old mill, the castle dam... and stock up on supplies! The second half of the map doesn't present any major difficulties, so why not take the opportunity to visit the villages of Roussillon and Bonnieux? Usually packed with people during the summer season, you'll feel like a privileged visitor... The advantage of riding off-season!
Next up: gravel between vines and red stones, and a total immersion in the ochre. A truly enchanting moment. Then, to finish, a cycle path will take you to the Pont Julien, built over 2 years ago by the Romans, before ending with a short climb to Bonnieux. Enjoy a magical sunset from the heights of the castle.
In Bonnieux, we recommend camping The valley.
Day 3 > Bonnieux – Cavaillon: 46km / +560m elevation gain
After the effort, the comfort: time to recover! A quieter day to end the tour, on beautiful secondary roads and old forgotten roads. You will begin with the final difficulty of the day: a small road that climbs for 8 kilometers until it turns into a small dirt track: you will officially enter the heart of the famous and magnificent Cedar Forest! These Atlas cedars, perched at an altitude of 700 meters on the ridges of the Petit Luberon, were sown from the second half of the 19th century and today occupy an area of more than 250 hectares.
Over more than 20 kilometers, enjoy this enchanting bubble, totally immersed in nature, between small gravel paths, majestic cedars and panoramic viewpoints of Bonnieux, the Monts du Vaucluse, and the Ventoux in the background. Arriving at the top, a real feeling of accomplishment: you can almost see the entire route covered over the previous two days!
Once you get back down from the plateau (Be careful, the descent via the Trou du Rat track is quite spectacular: steep and partially paved, be careful!), you will find a section of the Carpentras Canal which will take you straight to Cavaillon station. From there, you can board a TER train, towards Avignon Centre (in just 35 minutes). You can then enjoy the rest of your day to stroll around the Papal City or treat yourself to a gourmet break in the Old Center of Villeneuve lez Avignon !
Velleron
A sporty day awaits you! After a warm-up along the Carpentras Canal, head off on a long gravel climb offering spectacular views of the Monts de Vaucluse and the foothills of Mont Ventoux.
Sault
Famous for being one of the three starting points for the legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux, the pretty village of Sault will be your overnight stop. If you're cycling in spring, you'll most likely be able to enjoy the expanses of lavender fields and their scent filling the air.
SIREN Observatory
Located at an altitude of 1 meters and boasting a 100° panorama, the Sirene observatory is open all year round for stargazing.
For the more athletic among you, treat yourself to a night under the stars, thanks to the exceptional quality of the sky.
Bonnieux
From the observatory, a long descent on the road awaits you. For this second day without major difficulties, you will have the opportunity to discover at your own pace the villages of Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, Roussillon and Bonnieux. Usually invaded by tourists in summer, here you will enjoy the feeling of being privileged... The charm of driving off-season!
Cavaillon
Last day and day of peace! Dive into the heart of the famous Cedar Forest of the Petit Luberon, for a total immersion in nature. You will then return to the Carpentras Canal which will guide you straight to Cavaillon.
If you wish to continue your stay in the Grand Avignon, a TER will take you to Avignon in just 35 minutes!
A palette of experience
Our other micro adventures
Find our other micro adventures to discover the destination Grand Avignon
