Coquillade Provence, an elegant hotel in the heart of the Luberon, kicks off the summer season with a few cycling adventures to discover the region on two wheels.
At the heart of France’s sun kissed Luberon Valley, Coquillade Provence epitomises the quintessential tranquillity of a Provençal retreat. Located on a 40-hectare estate studded with historical vineyards, cypress tree alleys and 300-year-old olive groves, the 63-room Coquillade Provence, housed within a restored 11th century hamlet, has created a series of tours that will appeal to travellers who like to explore on two wheels.
Vineyard Discovery
On this unique itinerary, head out to enjoy the Autumn landscape with the vineyards of the Luberon on the doorstep. Bike across Coquillade Provence’s own vineyard – Aureto – and catch your breath over lunch with a cheese and cured meat platter, served with Aureto wine pairings. Enjoy an insight of Chateau la Canorgue, well know as a set from A Good Year movie. Then comes Bonnieux, a famous perched village, the Cote du Luberon in the Calavon Valley, and La Maison de la Truffe to discover all the regional wines, from a beautiful panoramic view. Complete the circuit on a high with a treatment inspired by the elements of Provence.
Hilltop Villages & the Provencal Way of Life
Discover three beautiful villages – Bonnieux, Lacoste and Roussillon – before leaving your bike for a delicious lunch and time to admire the work of the local craftsmen. This tour begins early, heading in a loop to discover Bonnieux, with its panoramic view of the Calavon Valley, its ramparts and the 12thCentury towers, before heading to Lacoste. Pass under the medieval ramparts to walk the narrow alleyways filled with stories and admire the Marquis de Sade’s castle, now restored by French designer Pierre Cardin. Finally head to Roussillon to discover the ochre coated facades that dominate the valley, and contrast so beautifully with the green landscapes. This experience can also be topped off with a Deep Tissue Massage at the spa to work out any aching muscles.
Discovery of ‘Les Ocres’
Enjoy an unforgettable cycling tour of the ‘Provencal Colorado’ with its radiant ochre colour and spectacular views. Discover the Okhra Conservatory, a former ochre production factory and the site of Mines de Bruoux, where guests can explore underground through a 40km network of paths and caves up to 15m tall. Cyclists can enjoy a picnic en route before finishing back to Coquillade Provence for a Californian massage and a light leg treatment at the spa.
With a dedicated cycling centre on site, Coquillade Provence is a paradise for every cycling enthusiast. The centre offers the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding vineyards, famous hilltop villages and the Provencal way of life. Bicycles can be hired for a self-guided experience, or guests can enjoy guided bike tours, allowing for a relaxing journey with plenty of time to stop off along the way to taste wine, feast on a locally sourced picnic and the Provencal atmosphere. To recover from a day of exploration, the hotel’s outstanding spa offers a selection of cycling specific massages and reflexology to eliminate toxins and release muscular tension.
Coquillade Provence’s cycling centre proposes a wide range of high-end BMC bikes for rent as well as equipment and accessories available for sale on site, such as clothing, helmets, or sport nutrition.
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