The best gravel rides around Avignon

There are over 100 gravel bike trails around Avignon, offering a wide range of experiences. You'll find options for all skill levels, including 13 easy routes, 43 moderate routes, and 47 challenging routes for experienced riders.

Yes, the region offers several options suitable for families. The Bicycle and pedestrian bridge – Cycle Path in France loop from Montblanc - Bellegarde is an easy route with minimal elevation gain. The Île de la Barthelasse, Europe's largest river island, also provides flat, scenic paths perfect for a relaxed family ride with views of Avignon's city walls.

Gravel biking around Avignon offers diverse terrain, from the flat plains along the Rhône River to vineyard-covered hills and limestone massifs. You'll encounter a mix of paved sections, well-maintained gravel paths, and more rugged, unpaved tracks, especially as you venture towards areas like the Alpilles Natural Regional Park or Mont Ventoux.

Many routes offer stunning views and pass by notable landmarks. You can cycle along the Rhône River with views of the Pont Saint-Bénézet, explore the historic Avignon Old Town and City Walls, or ride through the picturesque vineyards around Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The View of the Pont d'Avignon – Avignon city walls loop from Gare d'Avignon Sud is a great option for urban-adjacent scenery.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Avignon are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for day trips. Examples include the Cycle Path in France – Bicycle and pedestrian bridge loop from Avignon-Centre and the Avignon city walls – The Rhône loop from Avignon-Centre, both offering varied scenery and starting points close to the city.

The region generally offers favorable weather for much of the year. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and beautiful landscapes. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended. Winters are generally mild, allowing for year-round cycling, though some higher elevation trails might be less accessible.

Yes, Avignon and the surrounding Vaucluse department have embraced gravel biking, and you can find services offering bike rentals, including titanium gravel and electric gravel bikes. This makes it easy to explore the region even if you don't bring your own equipment.

The gravel trails around Avignon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 190 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from the peaceful Rhône plains to the challenging climbs of Mont Ventoux, and the opportunity to combine cycling with exploring historic towns and vineyards.

Absolutely. The area around Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for its vineyards, and routes like the L'Hers Castle – Armeniers Bridge loop from Châteauneuf-du-Pape will take you through these picturesque landscapes, offering a chance to experience the local viticulture firsthand.

For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with substantial elevation. The La Roque-sur-Pernes – Saint Didier loop from L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, for instance, features over 900 meters of ascent. The flanks of Mont Ventoux also offer awesome gravel trails with diverse and demanding terrain for advanced riders.

Yes, the Vaucluse department is home to a substantial 488km 'Grand Traversée (GTV)' route, which features over 11,200 meters of elevation gain. This route offers an extensive and challenging multi-day gravel biking adventure for experienced riders.

The Alpilles Natural Regional Park, located just south of Avignon, is considered ideal for gravel riding, characterized by limestone crags and olive groves. The Luberon Regional Natural Park is another fantastic area with varied landscapes, connecting nicely with the Alpilles and Mont Ventoux for extended bike adventures.