Cycle L'Isle sur la Sorgue to Bonnieux
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/ Pont JulienPhoto: Macs Adventure Ltd -
/ Luberon Valley Cycle PathsPhoto: Macs Adventure Ltd
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/ Cafe de la gare in RobionPhoto: Macs Adventure Ltd
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
The route is largely on marked cycle routes, so when cycling on the road please beware of traffic and cycle on the right-hand side of the road if there is no cycle lane. Whilst drivers in France are respectful of the 'velo', please do be mindful of other road users at all times, obeying local road signs and any change in road conditions. Beware of traffic especially when entering and leaving the towns where the traffic flow tends to be highest.
Before starting your ride it’s always worth inspecting your bike for any damage. Check for any damage to the frame, components or wheels. Ensure there are no loose cables and that the tyres are inflated and the brakes are working. Always wear a helmet when cycling. If you are doubtful of the condition of your rental bike please call the office or the local bike hire on the number provided in your information pack.
Tips, hints and links
Food & Drink
There is a fairly large store in the centre of L’Isle sur la Sorgue to stock up on water and fresh breads and cheeses before your first day’s cycle. Further out of the centre of L’Isle sur la Sorgue there are a couple of larger supermarkets and a small shopping centre. Bonnieux is a small hilltop town with various restaurants scattered throughout and a small shop in the centre. As with most places in France, shops and restaurants often close midday for a few hours, so bear this in mind if you’ll be arriving between 12 & 3 as you may need to bring some food with you or wait until the shops open.
Points of interest
L’Isle sur la Sorgue
This ‘Island City’ is your starting point for the Pedalling Provence tour. On your first night, take the time to walk through its winding centre streets and exploring the historic architecture. There are markets each Thursday and Sunday, plus this town is well known for its antiques and art collections. Take a stroll along the canals and choose from one of the many restaurants along the river, enjoying a nice dinner before you set off on your ride the following day.
Pont Julien
This Roman bridge was built in 3BC and served as an important road connecting Italy to Roman territories in France. It was used, uninterrupted, until 2005 when a replacement bridge was built to preserve the approximately 2000-year-old structure. When I visited in late October, the banks were dry, making it the perfect place to have some déjeuner. The bridge sits just before the turn off to Bonnieux and is a great spot for a rest before you make the final steady climb up to your hotel for the next couple of nights. There is also a public toilet here should you need it!
Bonnieux Viewpoint
Once you’ve checked into your hotel in Bonnieux, take a walk up to the top of the town to see the 12th Century Church of St Saveur (or the Vielle Église as it’s now known). There is a viewpoint located just below the church, offering panoramic views of the Luberon Valley. The climb is well worth it for the view, even if your legs are a bit tired!
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - Starting at the roundabout on the opposite side of the water to "Le Terrasses Lousa et David " head STRAIGHT over the bridge towards Grand Hotel Henri.
0.10 km - Head STRAIGHT ON at the next two roundabouts, passing Grand Hotel Henri on your left.
1.10 km - At the next roundabout, TURN LEFT (taking the 2nd exit) and following the green cycle sign.
1.20 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON this path for the next 1.15km.
2.30 km - At the stop sign, TURN LEFT, following the sign to Petit Palais. STRAIGHT ON this path.
4.90 km - At the crossroads, TURN RIGHT, following the cycle signs.
5.90 km - At the stop sign, TURN LEFT.
6.50 km - At the stop sign, STRAIGHT ON following signs for "Robion". Follow this road for a couple of kilometres, ignoring any turns and crossroads. Beware as this does cross busier roads at times.
8.90 km - At the roundabout, STRAIGHT ON (taking the 2nd exit). Sign posted for "Robion"
9.90 km - TURN LEFT off of the main road, onto the dedicated cycle path. The cycle path is denoted by a green sign with a runner and cyclist, and green markings on the road. Follow the cycle path until it ends.
13.30 km - BEAR RIGHT, leaving the cycle path and joining the main road. STRAIGHT ON this road for the next 350m.
13.80 km - TURN RIGHT at the junction when you reach the small town of Coustellet. There are small groups of shops to your left, right and in front of you. Then TURN IMMEDIATELY LEFT.
14.40 km - BEAR LEFT and rejoin the dedicated cycle path. Follow the cycle path for the next few kilometres.
18.00 km - Once the cycle path ends, TURN LEFT following the cycle signs which will take you under the main road and up the other side. As you come up and out of the tunnel, BEAR RIGHT to meet the junction.
18.10 km - BEAR LEFT onto the road, following the cycle signs and road sign to Apt.
18.30 km - At the roundabout, STRAIGHT ON (2nd exit). You will see cycle signs pointing you in this direction, and there are green triangles on the road which denote the national cycle route.
18.80 km - When you reach the car park on your right hand side with 3 large trees in the centre of it, TURN RIGHT and follow the cycle path down through a tunnel.
18.90 km - TURN LEFT and almost back on yourself to get back onto the dedicated cycle path. Be careful, this is easy to miss as you will have to turn around.
19.50 km - STRAIGHT ON when the cycle path ends.
19.70 km - BEAR LEFT, rejoining the cycle path. Keep an eye out for the green squares on the road in front of you which signals the beginning of the path. Continue on the cycle path for the next 5.10km.
24.80 km - At the end of the cycle path, TURN LEFT, following the road sign to Pont Julien.
25.00 km - BEAR LEFT off the main road before the stop sign to rejoin the cycle path then cross the road via the crossing. Now follow the cycle path for the next few kilometres.
27.90 km - After exiting the cycle path, TURN RIGHT. Pont Julien is on your left.
N.B. This is a nice place to chain up your bike and stop for a bite to eat.
28.00 km - After crossing the small carpark take the 2nd exit on the roundabout, then follow the road STRAIGHT ON AND UPHILL to Bonnieux. This is a main road with no cyclepath and has a steady but shallow gradient the entire way to Bonnieux.
30. 00 km - At the cross roads, STRAIGHT ON, following the road uphill.
32.80 km - Approx. 200m past the ‘Bonnieux’ sign, TURN RIGHT.
N.B. If you are staying at Les Terrasses du Luberon, turn left at this step. Your hotel is approx. 450m down the road and on your left.
33.00 km - Once you reach the church, you have finished and can continue onwards to your accommodation. If you are staying at Les Clos du Buis it is approx. 50m from the roundabout heading up Rue Victor Hugo, while to get to Une Sieste en Luberon, turn right and downhill straight after the church and follow until you see the sign for the hotel.
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