The Luberon Regional Natural Park is located around the Luberon, or ‘Blue Mountain’, in the south of France. Halfway between the departments of Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the park stretches for almost 60 kilometres (37 mi) and boasts varied landscapes that are home to special fauna and flora. Bathed in sunshine, the Luberon is a land of contrasts where ridgelines merge spectacularly with lavender fields.

While this setting has inspired many painters with its nuanced colours, it’s also a sumptuous playground for lovers of wide-open spaces. The small secondary roads along the route are an invitation to roam. Traditional villages and the smooth curves of these low mountains paint a picture-postcard backdrop. Add a touch of effort, inherent in the local topography, and your aniseed syrup or pastis in the shade of the plane trees takes on a whole new flavour.

This Collection is divided into five stages that allow you to discover the region, including breaks to visit villages or enjoy a siesta in the shade of a tree. Each stage is linked to a village offering accommodation and restaurants. Make sure you book well in advance as the beauty of the region attracts many tourists.

The route offers refreshment options at village crossings but you should take at least one litre of water on each Tour. The Luberon has a Mediterranean climate, which makes this itinerary suitable for all seasons. However, for the hot summer months, take precautions before setting off: bring sun cream and a larger water supply.

A mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike or electric bike are all perfect for this route. There are a few short but steep climbs that require a good level of fitness.

Cavaillon station is served daily by TER trains from Avignon on the Lyon-Marseille route.

Enjoy the ride.