While planning your holidays in the Luberon, you’re probably wondering if there are accessible cycling routes in a region that might seem quite hilly… 45 kilometers long, the Calavon Cycle Route is an ideal cycling facility for families and budding cyclists who want to enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Calavon in a typical Provençal setting, in complete safety.
Do you enjoy bike rides and want to know more about this developed path? In this article, we will tell you all about the Calavon Cycle Route!
The Cycle Route's Itinerary and Its Stages
Charming small villages, archaeological remains, markets with the scents of Provence… The Calavon Cycle Route will have you cycling with your head in the clouds! Between nature and breathtaking landscapes, you will discover the true richness of the Luberon on your bike! Your journey will begin in Cavaillon, a city renowned as the gateway to the Luberon Regional Natural Park and where melon is a must-try if you visit its historic streets. Its famous Saint-Jacques Hill also hosts climbing routes and hiking trails, accessible on foot from the city center.
With an elevation gain not exceeding 300 meters, the Cycle Route is an ideal way to visit the perched villages of the Luberon, such as Gordes, a postcard-perfect village, Lacoste and its Marquis de Sade’s castle, Coustellet, a lively hamlet renowned for its farmers’ market, Ménerbes, Goult, Bonnieux… Besides these towns, the Calavon Cycle Route allows you to cross the Calavon plain, cultivated plots where you’ll find vineyards, cherry trees, almond trees, lavender, olive trees, and cereals with numerous wheat fields. These are embellished by pretty farmhouses reminiscent of the 19th-century farmhouses of the region. In short, the Cycle Route passes through a plethora of landscapes, combining key stages such as the Pont Julien and Apt, before ending in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon, a charming hillside commune that enjoys a breathtaking view of the Grand Luberon.
Difficulties and Types of Terrain on the Cycle Route
The Calavon Cycle Route is practical and accessible for everyone: in other words, the route is pleasant and easy, although some sections can be a bit uphill, meaning you can cycle peacefully and safely amidst the Luberon landscapes.
The path is mostly gravel, which makes it easy for strollers if you decide to walk there with your family, and some segments are off the dedicated path, particularly around Beaumettes and Coustellet, but also Apt.
Access and Starting Points
Besides Cavaillon, which is the initial starting point of the Calavon Cycle Route, you can join the path from various places, such as Roussillon, which is ideal, especially if you are staying there during your stay in the Luberon, or Les Beaumettes, the only village directly crossed by the Cycle Route; it also makes an excellent stop for walkers, with its small square lined with plane trees, its colorful facades, and its local restaurant where you can eat in the shade of a trellis. Another original starting point: the Petit Luberon Cedar Forest, a forest not far from Bonnieux where 160 years ago, seeds from the Algerian Atlas were sown! Today, these majestic trees offer an exceptional walk or bike ride over more than 10 kilometers.
Recommended Stops and Villages Along the Cycle Route
The Calavon Cycle Route is perfect if you want to discover the Luberon in depth; besides the places mentioned earlier, other, more unique ones, can be reached from the path, such as the Goult Dolmen : revealed in 1994 during a violent flood of the Calavon, this prehistoric remnant dating from the Neolithic period was delicately reconstructed stone by stone only 500 meters from its discovery site. Less than a kilometer from this dolmen, you can discover the Goult-Lumières station, a place testifying to the railway heritage that can be discovered along the route, because it’s worth knowing that the greenway was developed on the former right-of-way of the Cavaillon-Apt-Volx line, and six other stations punctuate the 45 kilometers of the Cycle Route: Robion, Coustellet, Les Beaumettes, Bonnieux, Apt, and Saignon-Caseneuve.
On your route, you will also cross what is considered the most popular spot on the greenway: the Pont Julien, an 80-meter Roman structure dating from the 3rdrd century BC now reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. Our advice: pack a picnic and settle on the banks overlooking the Calavon. Finally, as you pass through Apt, take the opportunity to get closer to the city center to enjoy its market and put together your future picnic; with its stalls colored by the various seasonal fruits and vegetables, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!
Tips for Cycling on the Cycle Route
- Don’t forget to properly prepare your bike before setting off on the Calavon Cycle Route: inflate your tires, bring a helmet, and a first-aid kit in case of a problem; it goes without saying that if it’s hot, you should take a water bottle filled with water and some sunscreen, as some segments are directly exposed to the sun.
- Take your time : whether to visit or take a break, the Calavon Cycle Route is the ideal opportunity to spend time with family or friends. You can picnic by the water before swimming (in summer), or simply relax in the shade of the trees.
Follow the Calavon Cycle Route and Discover the Luberon at Your Own Pace
In summary, the Calavon Cycle Route is a magnificent, safe greenway suitable for the whole family and all levels, promising an unforgettable experience through colorful and varied settings representative of all that the Luberon has to offer.
So, convinced by the Calavon Cycle Route? Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence is here to help you have a successful holiday, and it’s just a click away! Visit our website, prepare your bike, and let our teams book you the best accommodation in the Luberon!