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!
Location
Vaison-la Romaine
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+2
Pernes-les-Fontaines
Pernes-les-Fontaines, France
Day 3+4
Gordes
Gordes, France
Day 5+6
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Day 7
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
Day 8+9+10
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
9 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
We recommend you to start your trip on a Sunday or Monday so that you can enjoy the Provencal market in Vaison held every Tuesday.
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
TERRAIN
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: US $2,775
Single Supplement: US $695
Classic Accommodation: US $3,375
Single Supplement: US $850
Luxe Accommodation: US $4125
Single Supplement: US $1,035
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $4,725
Single Supplement: US $1,185
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$415
E-Bikes: US$720
The price of e-bike rentals takes into consideration the additional cost for delivery and pick-up as we source the best available in the region, which may not be convenient to the trip start and/or finish.
Day 1
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.*
Day 2
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.*Â
Day 3
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.*Â
Day 4
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.*Â
Day 5
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.*
Day 6
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.*Â
Day 7
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Cycle from Gordes through L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Cavaillon, and across the Durance River to St. RĂ©my-de-Provence. With today’s ride you will glide from one famous region of Provence to another! The Alpilles, and certainly St. RĂ©my de Provence has as much cachet as the LubĂ©ron. Around St. RĂ©my, there is a very strong southern feel, almost bordering on Spanish.
Ride Distance: up to 69km; 545m*
Day 8
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. RĂ©my 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.*
Day 9
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.*
Day 10
Linger before departing.
*Longer distances possible. Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B

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.

Located between the most beautiful village in France and the capital of the Comtat Venaissin, in the heart of the Camarette vineyard. With breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding plains. Enjoy activities such as wine tasting, cellar visits, walks in the vineyards and cooking classes.

Situated in the rolling hils of Gordes, Le Verger offers a rustic and comfortable stay. Terrace balconies offer fantastic views of the surrounding countryside while the garden side pool offers a refreshing dip.

An authentic Provencal farmhouse located in the countryside surrounded by orchards. This tranquil stay is steeped in history and is sure to delight.

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.
Classic

This hotel overlooks a pretty square right in the heart of Vaison. The hotel has been recently renovated, and often hosts art exhibits in the hotel’s lounges; the owners are very friendly and there is dedicated garage for bike storage. Straight Talk: Rooms are smallish and aren’t completely sound-proofed, but we have often stayed here and enjoyed.

A charming hotel in a former family mansion, set in grounds with 100-year old sycamore trees. There are lovely gardens and a large swimming pool. There is no restaurant in the hotel, but staff will be happy to arrange a taxi to Domaine Camarette (our favourite restaurant in the region, just 2 km away) or into Pernes (2 km away) for dinner.

A charming boutique hotel & restaurant with views over Gordes, and an inviting swimming pool and gardens. Walking distance (500 m) to several options for dinner.

An authentic Provencal farmhouse located in the countryside surrounded by orchards. This tranquil stay is steeped in history and is sure to delight.

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
Luxe

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.

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.

Combining tradition and design, Grand Hotel Henri balances elegance and refinement. It's character and friendliness give way to an unforgettable experience.

This chic and modern 4-star hotel has been established around the theme of photography and has a gallery. There is a Resto-Bar that serves Japanese and French cuisine in contemporary decor or on the terrace in summer.
Premium deluxe

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 tiny hillside village surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavender fields, this 5-star hotel and fine restaurant is 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. Enough said.

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.”
Trip Reviews
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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