Lourmarin - Gordes - Lourmarin

The road cycling route starts in Lourmarin, one of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon region, known for its charming streets and the stunning Renaissance castle. This starting point immediately offers an authentic Provençal atmosphere, with sprawling olive groves and vineyards surrounding the village.

From Lourmarin, you cycle north into the Combe de Lourmarin, a narrow, picturesque passage that connects the southern and northern parts of the Luberon. The ascent is steady and offers stunning views of the rugged rocks and dense forests. The road winds upward and takes you to Bonnieux, a picturesque village on a hill with white stone houses and narrow streets. A short stop at the Church of Bonnieux is definitely worth it for the panoramic view over the valley and the surrounding landscape.

After Bonnieux, you descend towards Lacoste, a charming medieval village known for the castle of the Marquis de Sade. The route remains gently undulating but is less strenuous, allowing you to enjoy quiet roads and vast lavender fields.

You then cycle to Lumières, a small and peaceful village that provides a beautiful transition between the hills of the Luberon and the next challenging climbs.

After Lumières, the climb up the Côte de Gordes follows, a serious challenge that is certainly worth your effort. Gordes is one of the most famous villages in the Luberon, built against a rock wall. The cobbled streets and the village's beautiful location offer an impressive view of the valley. Here, you can take a short break to catch your breath and enjoy the breathtaking views of the region.

After Gordes, the ascent to the Col des Trois-Termes begins, a calm and gradual climb through a beautifully wooded landscape. The col forms a natural boundary between different municipalities and is a popular spot for cyclists who enjoy the tranquility and stunning scenery.

After passing the summit, you continue to the village of Murs, a charming and quiet spot amid greenery, perfect for a short breather.

After Murs, the road gently descends, and you cycle past Lioux, with its impressive rock wall on the right, and then on to Font Jouvale. This part of the route is less intense and provides an opportunity to recover after the climbs.

You proceed to Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, a picturesque village with narrow alleys and a rich history. The charming watermills and ancient ruins make this an interesting place to stop for a moment.

From Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, you cycle towards Gargas, a village famous for its ochre mines. Here, you can strongly feel the atmosphere of the Luberon region, with characteristic Provençal landscapes surrounding you.

You then reach Apt, one of the larger places along the route, known for its markets and ancient Roman history. From Apt begins the final serious climb of the day: the Col du Pointu. Although less steep than previous climbs, this col presents a final challenge before returning to Lourmarin.

After descending from the Col du Pointu, you pass by the Priory of Saint Symphorien, a historical site nestled in nature. The road to Lourmarin becomes flatter and offers a peaceful conclusion to the ride, allowing you to enjoy the Provençal landscape with vineyards and fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

After a long day in the saddle, you finally return to the beautiful Lourmarin, where you can relax and reflect on the ride at a terrace in the village center.

Distance and Difficulty:

Total Distance: Approximately 98 km

Difficulty Level: Hard, with several climbs such as the Côte de Gordes and the Col des Trois-Termes, and challenging sections through the Luberon.

Conclusion:

This road cycling route through the Luberon is a challenging but extraordinarily beautiful journey. The mix of demanding climbs, varied landscapes, and picturesque villages makes this an unforgettable experience. With highlights such as Gordes, the Col des Trois-Termes, and views over the Luberon, this ride puts your legs to the test, but also makes your heart race with the beauty of the region.