Cycling through lavender and history: Provence in 3 days with Simone Venturelli
Three days, 400 kilometers, and over 4,200 meters of elevation gain: this is the outcome of the latest adventure on the saddle by Simone Venturelli , content creator and expert bikepacker. An extreme challenge in the heart of Provence , where the beauty of the landscape intertwined with physical exertion in an experience charged with emotion and authenticity.
Setting off at dawn on the first day, Simone immediately faced a silent but relentless enemy: the heat. Temperatures reached 40°C, making every pedal stroke a test of endurance. Yet, under that relentless sun, Provence revealed its most authentic and captivating side: back roads immersed in nature, hills stretching to the horizon, and silences that speak louder than words.
Stop after stop, the journey transformed into a journey through history, scent, and stone. In Valensole , Simone crossed the spectacular lavender fields, a sea of purple billowing in the wind, offering one of the most intense sensory experiences in the South of France. The visit to the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque , nestled among the fields and surrounded by silence, was a moment of contemplation. Here, the spirituality of the place blended with the beauty of nature in a rare balance.
In the village of Lacoste , with its narrow cobblestone streets and castle overlooking the valley, Simone felt the weight of history, almost as if he wanted to slow down so as not to disturb the tranquility of those timeless places. And then, finally, Avignon , with its iconic Palais des Papes , the final stop on a busy day. The city's bustling streets, imposing monuments, and vibrant atmosphere offered a fascinating contrast to the solitude of the countryside.
But it was above all the hilly roads of Provence that gave Simone his most intense moments. Those seemingly unchanging routes suspended between heaven and earth tested his legs and his breath, but also filled his eyes with wonder. The steep climbs, the endless views, the sunset over the hills: every meter traveled told a story.
The choice of bike also made such a challenging adventure possible. Simone tackled the entire journey on his Bottecchia Overland , a gravel bike designed for bikepacking and long-distance riding. Lightweight, reliable, and versatile, it proved perfect for tackling both scorching asphalt and the most technical dirt sections.
The riding position, designed to offer comfort even after hours of pedaling, combined with the well-distributed load capacity, allowed Simone to travel independently, without sacrificing stability or handling. Uphill, the smooth and precise transmission made the difference; downhill, responsiveness and control proved essential for safely tackling even the most challenging sections.
For Simone Venturelli, this trip to Provence was much more than a simple cycling challenge. It was a return to the essentials: pedaling, observing, breathing. It was traversing picture-postcard landscapes with sweat on his brow, discovering quiet villages where time seems to have stood still, and being amazed by the power of nature and the depth of history.
A perfect blend of bikepacking, cycle touring, and endurance, in one of Europe's most captivating regions. A tale of hardship, freedom, and beauty, captured on two wheels.
If you want to find out more about Simone's most exciting routes, follow him on his official channels:
