Vaison-la-Romaine, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Gordes & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Cycling in Provence is a sensual experience. As you move slowly through the landscape smell the wild thyme and rosemary. Stop to admire the texture of olive trees against old stone walls. Taste fresh chèvre mingled with piquant tapenade. Listen to the splash of fountains in village squares lined with rustling plane trees. Cycle slowly and savour!
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+2
Pernes-les-Fontaines, France
Day 3+4
Gordes, France
Day 5+6
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
Day 7+8+9+10
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31 |
|---|
Custom trips also available and can start any date, call or email for details.
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity Level45 km (30 mi) daily average with extra km possible
TerrainSome hills every day of minor to moderate difficulty
CostCasual/B&B Accommodation: US $3,050
Single Supplement: US $770
Classic Accommodation: US $3,650
Single Supplement: US $920
Luxe Accommodation: US $4,550
Single Supplement: US $1,140
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $5,150
Single Supplement: US $1,290
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $500
Racing Bikes: US $600
E-Bikes*: US $720
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
You start in Vaison-la-Romaine, a delightful town snuggled in green hills in the heart of Provence. Vaison lies about 650 km southeast of Paris, due east of Orange. Access is via either Avignon or Orange. Both can be reached via the TGV (the high speed rail network of France) and are only a three to four hour journey from Paris. These towns can also be reached by air or from other gateway cities such as Marseille, Lyon or Nice. Transfer to Vaison is via public or private transportation, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions. The tour ends in Saint-Rémy.
Vaison-la-Romaine
We recommend you take the early train to Avignon, arriving at 11:20 am. We can have you met you on arrival and transfer you to Vaison-la-Romaine where you can settle in and enjoy a warm-up ride if you wish. Visit the famous Roman ruins, then explore the medieval quarter perched high on the opposite bank.
Ride Distance: 20 km or 44 km; gain 250 m.*
Entrechaux / Mollans-sur-Ouveze
A delightful day ride from Vaison takes you to the east, under the flank of Mont Ventoux. Surrounded by almond trees, Entrechaux nestles around a hilltop castle in ruins. Mollans-sur-Ouvèze clusters around a high-arched bridge marked on each side by a tower and a tiny chapel.
Ride Distance: 21 km, elevation gain 263 m or 30 km, gain 337 m or 53 km. gain 775m.*
Pernes-les-Fontaines or Mazan or Crillon le Brave
Wind your way among the wine villages of the Dentelles de Montmirail, stopping to explore Sablet, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. Séguret is an artists’ colony, including makers of santons, delicate and detailed figurines in regional costumes. Spend the night outside Pernes-les-Fontaines or, if you have selected the Luxe accommodations for this night, in the village of Mazan (the Premier Deluxe trip stays in Crillon le Brave).
Ride Distance: 57 km, elevation gain 433 m or 68 km 610 m.*
Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Mont Ventoux
On a day ride, search out the famous vineyards at Châteauneuf-du-Pape or conquer the world famous Mont Ventoux. Explore Pernes-les-Fontaines, with its twisting streets, houses painted in a rainbow of blues, pinks, and greens, and fountains gently splashing in squares lined by plane trees. If you’re staying in Mazan or Crillon-le-Brave, explore Bédoin and nearby vineyards, or choose an option to cross the flank of Ventoux and then descend the extraordinary Gorge du Nesque. It will be the ride of your life.
Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain 257 m or 50 km, gain 254 m or 80 km; gain 1650 m.*
Gordes
On to the beautiful Luberon Valley. Pedal past Petrarch’s Fontaine de Vaucluse, then through the land of Peter Mayle, who describes this region in his popular book “A Year in Provence”. Your destination is Gordes, a stunning perched town with artists’ studios, cozy cafés and arcaded medieval lanes.
Ride Distance: 55 km, elevation gain 454 m or 50 km, gain 743 m pt 62 km; gain 554 m.*
Gordes
Discover the red shades of Roussillon and find the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade at Lacoste. Pedal to the nearby Bories Village and Senanque Abbey, set in a beautiful secluded valley. As the sun sets over stunning Gordes, stroll the town to look for that last treasure to take home.
Ride Distance: 36 km, elevation gain 417 m. or 47 km, gain 352 m.*
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Cycle from Gordes through L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Cavaillon, and across the Durance River to St. Rémy-de-Provence. With today’s ride you will glide from one famous region of Provence to another! The Alpilles, and certainly St. Rémy de Provence has as much cachet as the Lubéron. Around St. Rémy, there is a very strong southern feel, almost bordering on Spanish.
Ride Distance: up to 69km; 545m*
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Market day is Wednesday so keep that in mind if you wish to visit – it’s a great one. Day ride from St. Rémy up to Les Baux, a perched village that is surrounded by wild, spectacular scenery. It’s name comes form the Provencal word for rock, baou. Continue to Massaune-les-Alpilles, renowned for its olive oil. Visit the Moulin Cooperative that still produces olive oil in the traditional manner. Have lunch in Eygalieres at one of the many fine restaurants clustered near the town center before returning to St. Remy early afternoon. Take the time to visit the asylum where Vincent Van Gogh painted one painting a day for the year he was there.
Ride Distance: up to 50 km, elevation gain 545 m.*
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
On this day, we have planned a route to the roman aqueduct of Barbegal, which operated in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This complex has been referred to as ‘the greatest known concentration of mechanical power in the ancient world’. Even non-engineers might be impressed. Have lunch in Fontvielle or Saint-Etienne-du-Gres before returning to St. Remy. There is an option for a cooking course on this tour if that appeals (additional charge).
Ride Distance: up to 50 km, elevation gain 375 m.*
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
*Longer distances possible. Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
A luxurious B&B located in the haute village with just five guest rooms, this property was once owned by the bishop of Vaison. There are great views of the old town and the castle, and lively Vaison with great restaurants is a stroll away.
A charming hotel in a former family mansion, set on grounds with 100-year old sycamore trees. There are lovely gardens, a large swimming pool, and dinner service available by reservation for hotel guests, or staff can arrange a taxi into Pernes (2 km away) for more options.
*Classic Accommodation
In the heart of the Luberon, this welcoming hotel is our idea of luxury. With a large outdoor heated swimming pool and a superb restaurant, enjoy the peace and tranquilty of this property. Recommended by Guide de Charme.
This tranquil 3-star hotel is a short walk (300 m) from the historical centre. There is a swimming pool and many shaded areas to relax on the surrounding terrace.
Located in the medieval village, this chateau features lovely gardens, a restaurant and a pool. It is in one of the most beautiful 16th century mansions in the Old City of Vaison; you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
*Luxe Accommodation
A charming hotel in a former family mansion, set on grounds with 100-year old sycamore trees. There are lovely gardens, a large swimming pool, and dinner service available by reservation for hotel guests, or staff can arrange a taxi into Pernes (2 km away) for more options.
Set amidst the stunning landscapes of Provence, Le Mas des Romarins provides a peaceful retreat, blending the rustic charm of a 19th-century property with modern amenities, all while offering spectacular views of the picturesque village of Gordes.
Gounod who wrote the opera Mireille here. The property has been renovated using stylish furnishing and rich colours. There is a pool and garden in the courtyard. Straight Talk: this hotel has a distinctive personality that can be a jolt to some: “It’s one of those eclectic lodgings blending a great deal of comfort, a little bit of flamboyance, lots of mediterranean, and ample personality….The decor is bold and sensual, quirky perhaps, in that it mixes the classical with occasional strong colours; the overall effect is very pleasant and more than a little bit dreamlike.” Secret Places
Located in the medieval village, this chateau features lovely gardens, a restaurant and a pool. It is in one of the most beautiful 16th century mansions in the Old City of Vaison; you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Located in a small village, this 18th century mansion boasts large guest rooms, a gourmet restaurant and large outdoor swimming pool.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of Provence, Le Jas de Gordes offers a cozy, renovated haven with modern comforts, nestled in a lush, aromatic 1.5-hectare park, perfect for relaxation and exploration of the stunning Gordes region.
In a 19th-century stone farmhouse, this elegant hotel in the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles is 12 minutes' walk from downtown Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Country-casual rooms come with en suite bathrooms, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.
Optional upgrade to La Maison du Village or Le Chateau des Alpilles for a supplement.
Located in the medieval village, this chateau features lovely gardens, a restaurant and a pool. It is in one of the most beautiful 16th century mansions in the Old City of Vaison; you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
*Luxe Accommodation
Located in a tiny hillside village surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavender fields, this 5-star hotel and spa also features a fine restaurant, renowned throughout France. A member of Relais & Chateaux, this property is listed by Travel and Leisure as one of the top 500 hotels in the world.
At the heart of the perched village of Gordes, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the 5-star La Bastide de Gordes offers all the splendour of a former stately home with swimming pool and terraced gardens. The hotel combines charm, elegance, comfort and luxury. Restaurant and spa services available.
Member of Design Hotels, this former palace has been renovated into an exclusive boutique hotel. Forbes writes: “The seven suites are spacious, modern, airy with high ceilings and mostly white décor punctuated with curved chairs and tables. A swimming pool is wedged into a top floor deck and there are terraces with panoramic views over the city.”
Tour Reviews
“Provence was beautiful beyond imagination. It was great to have a swimming pool at the end of the day at each accommodation. We loved the bikes! The best (room) in the world was at Mas de Cure Bourse at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It was a suite with a balcony, quiet and beautiful. The second best was St. Barthelemy in Pernes-les-Fontaines. Wonderful hosts, wonderful grounds.”
“The accommodations were all beautiful and the people were very friendly. I thought overall it was excellent! I have never done anything like this before, so it was a real treat to not have to carry my bag anywhere! Everyone was great.”
“I was most pleased with the itinerary you provided. I give you a 10 out of 10. I was very satisfied with the level of difficulty. All in all, I had a truly memorable trip and most enjoyable time. I had very high expectations, and Randonnée has exceeded most of them. I will definitely consider a similar trip in the future and I would have no hesitation in recommending Randonnée to my friends.”
“All my tours with Randonnee have been fantastic. The trip in Provence was outstanding. Incredible rides and beautiful hotels. I would highly recommend this trip! We all enjoyed the route distances and the fact we had choices if we wanted to extend our rides. Our Area Manager was fantastic and easy to contact.”
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