Grand Tour of the Hilltop Villages and the Ochre Cliffs of Roussillon
Discover the hilltop villages of the Luberon by electric bike, as well as the spectacular ochre cliffs of Roussillon
Elevation gain + 950m / - 950m
Distance : 60 km
Difficulty : Moderate
Duration : Between 4 am et 6am
Set off on a 60 km e-bike ride from Luberon Bike Rental in Coustellet. This exceptional route takes you through the Luberon’s most beautiful hilltop villages — Oppède-le-Vieux, Ménerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux — before heading to the spectacular ochre cliffs of Roussillon via the Pont Julien, and finishing with the majestic Gordes. An unforgettable day in the heart of Provence, amidst medieval heritage, colourful landscapes and roads lined with lavender.










Your adventure begins at Luberon Bike Rental in Coustellet. Once you’ve collected your e-bike and all the necessary equipment, you’ll be ready to set off and discover the treasures of the Luberon. Our team will be happy to provide you with advice and detailed maps to ensure you have a stress-free ride.
Departure from Luberon Bike Rental in Coustellet
First stop: Oppède-le-Vieux, a hilltop village steeped in history and charm, partly in ruins yet still magnificent.
Notre-Dame-d'Alydon Church: A panoramic view across the whole of the Luberon.
Medieval ruins: Ruins that lend the village a timeless atmosphere.
- Botanical garden: A moment of relaxation amidst the flora of Provence.
Oppède-le-Vieux
Continue on to Ménerbes, one of the most beautiful villages in France, perched on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views over the valley.
Citadel and ramparts: A testament to the village’s rich history.
Maison de la Truffe et du Vin: A gourmet stop to discover local specialities.
- Charming narrow streets: Art galleries and unique shops tucked away in the narrow lanes.
Ménerbes
Just opposite Bonnieux, Lacoste overlooks the valley from its hilltop position. The village is dominated by the Château du Marquis de Sade, now owned by the fashion designer Pierre Cardin.
- Lacoste Castle: An imposing silhouette towering above the village, offering breathtaking views across the Luberon.
- The Village:
Stone-paved alleyways, artists’ studios and an intimate atmosphere make Lacoste a stop full of character.
Lacoste
Opposite Lacoste, on the other side of the valley, Bonnieux welcomes you with its stunning views and medieval streets.
- Panoramic view: From the top of the village, admire the Calavon Valley and Mont Ventoux.
- L'Église Haute: A 12th-century church, surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees.
- Medieval streets: Stone houses, markets and craft shops.
Bonnieux
Leaving Bonnieux, head towards Roussillon via the Pont Julien, a remarkably well-preserved Roman bridge that has spanned the Calavon for over 2,000 years. A must-see for history and photography enthusiasts.
Le Pont Julien
Nature bursts into colour on the outskirts of Roussillon, famous worldwide for its ochre quarries with their flamboyant hues.
- The Ochre Trail: An unforgettable walk through the old quarries, with spectacular views of the rock formations in shades of red, orange and yellow.
- The Village: Ochre-coloured façades, narrow streets and charming artisan shops.
- Saint-Michel Church:
Perched at the summit, offering a panoramic view of the entire region.
Roussillon
Before heading home, one final highlight: Gordes, one of Provence’s most famous hilltop villages, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
- The Village: Its terraced houses, built of golden stone on the cliff face, offer one of the most photographed views in Provence.
- Gordes Castle: A Renaissance fortress at the heart of the village.
- The Village of Les Bories:
Nearby, an exceptional collection of dry-stone huts bears witness to the ancestral Provençal way of life.
Gordes
From Gordes, the descent to Coustellet is a quick one and offers lovely views over the Luberon plain. A final stretch to round off this Grand Tour in style.
Retour à Coustellet
Practical Information
Total distance: 60 km
Estimated duration: Approximately 4 to 6 hours (excluding stops)
Difficulty level: Moderate, made easier by the assistance of electric bikes
Book your bike
And set off to explore the hilltop villages
At Luberon Bike Rental, we are committed to making your e-bike experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to book your bikes in advance. We wish you a wonderful ride and hope you enjoy exploring the Luberon’s hilltop villages!