Cycling in Northern 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 IN REGULAR TRIP
9 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
Use of a high quality performance hybrid or road bike and accessories
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 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 $1,850
Single Supplement: US $460
Classic Accommodation: US $2,050
Single Supplement: US $525
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,650
Single Supplement: US $660
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $3,450
Single Supplement: US $860
Day 1
Vaison-la-Romaine
We recommend you take the early train to Avignon, arriving at 11:20 am. We will meet 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.*
Day 3
Pernes-les-Fontaines
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.*
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.*
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.*
Day 7
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
A final look at the orchards, vineyards, and villages of the Luberon before arriving at the waterways of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Famous for its antique dealers and market, there’s still time for final gift and souvenir shopping and a little relaxing in cafés.
Ride Distance: 35 km, elevation gain 314 m.*
Day 8
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Cycle from L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to St. Rémy-de-Provence. This ride is about 40 km, which gives you time to explore St. Rémy, and the asylum of Van Gogh.
Ride Distance: 35 km, elevation gain 314 m.*
Day 9
Les Baux
Day ride from St. Rémy up to Les Baux (shorter ride). A longer ride (highly recommended) takes you across the Alpilles and through several charming towns.
Ride Distance: up to 50 km, elevation gain 545 m.*
Day 10
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
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.

St Barthélémy is a delightfully restored 18th century farmhouse set in shaded parkland by a small stream and waterfall. The comfortable rooms are furnished in Provençal style. Large breakfasts include home-made pastries and jams. There is no dinner served at the B&B, but staff will be happy to arrange a taxi to Domaine Camarette (our favourite restaurant in the region, just 900 m away) or into Pernes (2 km away) for dinner.

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.

This 18th Century property was purchased in 2012 by Sophie and Karin Bajolle. There is over 6 acres of fruit trees surrounding the property so it is quite peaceful and the swimming pool is very inviting. There is a restaurant here with sophisticated home cooking and lots of great restaurants in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 4 km away.

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.

This 18th Century property was purchased in 2012 by Sophie and Karin Bajolle. There is over 6 acres of fruit trees surrounding the property so it is quite peaceful and the swimming pool is very inviting. There is a restaurant here with sophisticated home cooking and lots of great restaurants in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 4 km away.

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.

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.

This 4-star hotel has just recently opened after extension renovation and boasts a location right in the centre of this charming village. There is an excellent restaurant and bar/terrace to enjoy.
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.

This luxurious property is one-of-a-kind hotel with a harmonious blend of history, art and design. With just 4 suites, it feels more like the mansion of a family friend. Plunge pool and verdant courtyard garden.

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
“We thought your service was really excellent. The Crillon Le Brave was excellent, beautiful room and a very good service. The tour could have been slightly longer rides but there was always extra loop options to keep you busy. It is a beautiful country for cycling and we did not find the hills too hard”
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