Golf & Cycling in Provence
There is excellent golf and extensive cycling on the doorstep and if you are not already keen cyclists do consider trying ‘electric bikes’.
Cycling
Mas Saint Damien has access to some of the best cycling in Provence. This varies from the mighty Mont Ventoux, which is about 40 minutes drive to the base start in Bedoin (where excellent bikes can be hired for the day), to the flatter cycle track that runs through the Luberon Valley on an old railway track to Apt. This has now been extended West to Cavaillon and towards St Remy. Head towards Robion and you will see the entrance to the bike path, both West and East on the hill up towards the village.
A ride east towards Apt can be mixed up with a tour of the Luberon villages, such as Bonnieux, Lacoste, Menerbes and Oppede le Vieux, or some of the challenging climbs in the Vaucluse Mountains, including up to Gordes and on to the Col de Mur via Lagnes or out towards Roussillon and Lioux.
Longer rides go west, into Les Alpilles and the area around St Remy and Les Baux de Provence. Again, this area can easily be accessed from Mas Saint Damien by the new cycle track via Cavaillon.
Electric bikes are readily available from Stations Bees Luberon in Robion, 10 minutes drive from the house www.stationsbees.com Bikes can even be delivered to the house and they are excellent quality for around 42 euros per day. If you have not tried electric bikes, it is hard to describe how much fun it is to ride a regular bike with 7 gears but with a little electric boost available when required. They also allow experienced road bikers to spend a day cycling with those who might be wanting a less strenuous work out.
To rent excellent road bikes, we recommend Cycling Cavaillon www.cycling.fr. Book well in advance.
There is plenty of space at Mas Saint Damien to store rental bikes securely. There are also 10 bikes for everyday use at the house including a couple for older children/smaller adults plus pumps, locks and helmets which are perfect for trips into L’Isle or for a trundle through the orchards, olive groves and vineyards around the property.
Golf
Mas Saint Damien is an ideal house to use as a base if you are interested in playing some great golf courses in France as there is very good golf to be found within a short drive.
The nearest course is the excellent Country Club de Provence (www.provencecountryclub.fr) which is less than ten minutes from Mas Saint Damien. The course is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Luberon and the Vaucluse Mountains and the views from the Golf Course are breathtaking. The Golf Course, originally built in 1989, is a true test of golf played on magnificent playing surfaces with views that remain in the memory long after the round is finished.
Another course within a 30 minute drive is Golf De Servannes, near St Remy de Provence. (www.opengolfclub.com) This Club offers the pleasure of playing in unforgettable scenery at the foot of the Alpilles hills, next to Les Baux de Provence, on one of the region’s finest 18 hole courses. Discover a place bathed in sunlight, sheltered from the Mistral, edged with olive groves, cypresses and cascading lakes.
A third excellent choice is Pont Royal (www.golf-pontroyal.com) located on the N7, halfway between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. This is the best quality local course.
Further recommendations on other courses are available on request.
