In brief
- The Luberon is one of the 30 winning destinations of the “Destination France à vélo” Call for Expressions of Interest out of 88 applications.
- The Vélo Loisir Provence association, based in Robion, has been structuring this offer of excellence for nearly 30 years.
- The network offers a grid with 1,000 km of routes and 47 certified charming accommodations.
- On a national scale, the cycling tourism sector accounts for 5 billion euros in annual economic benefits.
The Luberon is establishing itself as the reference destination for cycling enthusiasts by joining the exclusive circle of 30 winning territories of the “Destination France à vélo” Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI), a national distinction unveiled during the recent events, which rewards thirty years of efforts to design a unique form of tourism.
A national distinction for an art of living
This national certification represents a major achievement for the Luberon territory. By rising to the top of the table of French cycling destinations, this iconic region of the south of France confirms that cycling is much more than a simple alternative mode of transport: it is elevated to a true art of living. This recognition highlights the territory’s ability to combine the preservation of its exceptional environment with the development of a leading tourism economy. Visitors from all over the world thus discover an intimate, authentic Provence, conducive to contemplation and rejuvenation, where every pedal stroke invites the discovery of regional natural and heritage riches.
The integration of the Luberon into this select circle of winners of the call for expressions of interest validates a pioneering vision of travel. For many years, local stakeholders have understood that cycle tourism represents the future of respectful and balanced tourism, capable of distributing visitor flows throughout the year and across the entire territory, from fertile valleys to the most secret perched villages.
A label of excellence for the Provençal art of living
Selected from 88 rigorous applications across France, the Luberon is reaping the rewards of a long-standing commitment led by the Vélo Loisir Provence association. Based in Robion, this structure has brought together tourism professionals, local authorities, and the Parc naturel régional du Luberon since 1996 to create a high-end travel experience, combining the preserved beauty of Provençal landscapes with services of a rare standard.
Through this support programme, the State wishes to propel French destinations with highly qualitative infrastructure onto the international stage. For Sylvie Palpant, director of Vélo Loisir Provence, this success is a recognition of collective work that provides the opportunity to definitively establish the region’s reputation as one of the most beautiful slow tourism destinations in Europe.
The commune of Robion, the historical anchor point of the Vélo Loisir Provence association, perfectly symbolises this unbreakable link between the terroir and the cycling dynamic. Located at the crossroads of the massif’s most beautiful reliefs and agricultural plains, it has helped structure a particularly close-knit network of local actors. For nearly three decades, this close collaboration between accommodation providers, restaurateurs, cycle hire companies, and local guides has raised the standards of tourist hospitality, making the Luberon a model of integration for other territories in France and abroad.
The holistic experience of bicycle travel
A cycling trip in the Luberon is conceived as a global sensory adventure, where time regains its true measure. Cycling allows for an intimate connection with the elements: the scent of blooming lavender fields, the coolness of holm oak undergrowth, the changing light on the ochre cliffs, and the murmur of mossy fountains in village squares. Each stage is an invitation to stop, contemplate, and savour the present moment, far from the immediacy and haste of traditional mass tourism.
This holistic approach is aimed at a demanding clientele, wishing to combine moderate physical effort with cultural discovery and well-being. The stays are designed so that the cycling route becomes the common thread of a succession of exceptional moments: a tasting of crus from the Rhône Valley and the Luberon, a guided tour of a historical monument, or a relaxing break in the spa of a characterful establishment after a day of cycling.
A tailor-made offer between charm and gentle mobility
Cycling tourism is not just about developing cycle paths: it is a complete sensory immersion. As Franck Delahaye, co-president of Vélo Loisir Provence and director of Destination Luberon, points out, the journey combines excellence in accommodation, local gastronomy, intimate discovery of heritage, and perfection in hospitality.
It is this synergy of passionate actors that makes it possible to offer a fluid and seamless stay. The Vaucluse network now includes dozens of addresses, from historic bastides to prestigious wine estates, all ready to welcome active travellers with an impeccable level of service.
The concept of seamless travel takes on its full meaning here thanks to logistics meticulously orchestrated by the network’s professionals. Luggage transport from one stage to the next, the provision of latest-generation electric-assist bicycles, technical assistance along the way, and the provision of highly precise topographical tracks guarantee cyclists absolute peace of mind. Freed from material constraints, travellers can fully devote themselves to contemplating the landscapes and discovering the hidden treasures of Provence.
A network of routes with eloquent figures
The strength of the Luberon lies in the variety and quality of its first-rate cycling infrastructure:
- 1,000 kilometres of cycle touring routes registered in official schemes.
The famous Autour du Luberon loop, a 240-kilometre route of grandiose landscapes
- The famous “Autour du Luberon” loop, a 240-kilometre route of grandiose landscapes.
- An ecosystem of 113 professional partners, including 95 certified under the national “Accueil Vélo” brand.
- 47 prestigious addresses and charming hotels committed to this quality approach.
- 63 marked mountain bike trails covering more than 1,500 kilometres for lovers of wide-open spaces.
A two-year development plan
The two-year support plan represents a major opportunity to further raise the destination’s standards. Thanks to the support of the State and the expertise of Atout France, local professionals will be able to benefit from targeted training, improve road signage, and perfect luggage transfer and technical assistance services. This plan also aims to strengthen the digitalisation of the offer, allowing travellers to plan their tailor-made itinerary and book all their services in just a few clicks.
Efforts will also focus on the constant adaptation of infrastructure to the challenges of climate change and ecological transition. The maintenance of greenways, the creation of shaded areas along the routes, and the promotion of gentle modes of travel to access the various starting points of the cycling loops are an integral part of this ambitious roadmap for the next two years.
The economic and environmental impact of a model for the future
The development of cycle tourism in the Luberon is at the heart of a virtuous economic dynamic for the entire Vaucluse territory. Unlike more traditional forms of tourism, the financial benefits of bicycle travel directly and widely benefit local shops, artisans, weekly markets, and small local producers. The cyclist, by their moderate speed of travel, multiplies stops and consumes locally, thus promoting the maintenance of a vibrant economic activity in the very heart of rural areas.
On the environmental front, the promotion of the bicycle in all its forms actively contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the tranquility of the Parc naturel régional du Luberon. By encouraging visitors to leave their motorised vehicles behind to explore the territory, local stakeholders manage to limit the carbon footprint of tourism while easing congestion on access to the region’s most frequented natural and historical sites.
An international influence driven by Atout France
For two years, the Luberon will benefit from tailor-made support from Atout France to deploy large-scale international communication campaigns and integrate a European network of destinations of excellence. This lever will make it possible to attract new clienteles outside the summer season, at a time when Provence is adorned with its most beautiful autumn and spring colours.
Frédéric Sacco, co-president of the association, points out that the challenge is also to harmoniously link high-end tourism with daily gentle mobility. At a time when cycling tourism is worth more than 5 billion euros per year in France, the Vaucluse demonstrates that a strategy focused on sustainability and excellence of service is the most reliable driver of the local economy.
This European-scale influence will rely in particular on the promotion of the famous “Autour du Luberon” loop and major connections with major European routes. The objective is to capture an international clientele that is particularly sensitive to the preservation of landscapes and the quality of services. Through this global strategy, the Luberon asserts itself not only as a sanctuary of the Provençal sweetness of life, but also as a reference laboratory for the responsible tourism of tomorrow.
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