This is a special tour in an unusual region, and together they constitute a unique opportunity. Voyage to Haute Provence, a region of the pre-Alps, where the ambiance is definitely Provençal. Climb over low passes, descend with wild mountain streams and pedal through lost villages. But this is France, and the inns are cosy and the food and wine fantastic, even in this back country. Have fun riding through the best of this region.
Location
Vaison-la-Romaine
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1
Le Poët-Laval
Le Poët-Laval, France
Day 2+3
Buis-les-Baronnies
Buis-les-Baronnies, France
Day 4+5
Sault-en-Provence
Sault, France
Day 6
Bédoin
Bédoin, France
Day 7+8
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 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
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Any start date between May 1 to October 31
We recommend you to start your trip on a Monday so that you can see the Provencal market in Vaison la Romaine which is held every Tuesday.
We recommend you to start your trip on a Monday so that you can see the Provencal market in Vaison la Romaine which is held every Tuesday.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights, with 6 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Vaison-la-Romaine / Bédoin
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Daily distance between 45 km and 65 km (30 to 40 miles). This is our most challenging tour in Provence.
TERRAIN
Hills every day of moderate or greater difficulty, including some low passes. Some passes are as high as 735 m. Mont Ventoux (an optional ride) is 1909 m.
COST
Classic Accommodation: US$2625
Single Supplement: US$660
Luxe Accommodation: US$3125
Single Supplement: US$780
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$325
E-Bikes: US$560
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.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
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, and due east of Orange. Access is via either or Orange. Both can be reached via the TGV (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 Lyon or Nice. Transfer to Vaison is via public or private transportation. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions.
1
Day 1
Vaison-la-Romaine
Arrival in Vaison-la-Romaine. Visit the famous Roman ruins, then explore the medieval quarter perched high on the opposite bank.
2
Day 2
Le Poët-Laval
Cycle to Poët-Laval in the heart of the Baronnies mountains, which are part of the pre-Alps. Rated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Poët-Laval also features an interesting museum of Protestant history in France. Your hotel has a long history entwined with the Knights Templar.
Ride Distance: 60 km, elevation gain 625 m.*
3
Day 3
Le Poët-Laval
Enjoy a second day in Poët-Laval. A delightful day ride takes you to the pottery centre of Dieulefit, then on to Bourdeaux and the ruined castle of Soyans. This route is often on the Dauphin race route.
Ride Distance: 55 km, elevation gain 520 m.*
4
Day 4
Buis-les-Baronnies
Buis-les-Baronnies beckons. This spectacular ride crosses through the valleys of six different rivers, with high hills and two passes in between. Gorges and isolated chapels, plus vineyards, orchards and lavender fields characterize the scenery.
Ride Distance: 56 km, elevation gain 840 m.*
5
Day 5
Buis-les-Baronnies
Spend a second night in Buis-les-Baronnies. In this sun bowl hollowed out of the mountains grow the best Nyons olives. A grand day ride takes you past Brante in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, then on to the spa town of Montbrun-les-Bains. The gorges in the Toulourenc valley are as stunning as the castle.
Ride Distance: 60 km, elevation gain 670 m or 28 km, gain 620 m or 44 km, gain 550 m.*
6
Day 6
Sault-en-Provence
On your way to Sault, there are several routes to choose from. Head east to Mollans-sur-Ouvèze with its lovely high-arched bridge, marked on each side by a tower and a tiny chapel. Sault is the lavender capital of the region, and also home to Provence’s Most famous maker of nougat – a tasty confection of honey and almonds. Just right after a long bike ride!
Ride Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 726 m or 37 km, gain 670 m.*
7
Day 7
Bédoin
Delight in the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, with its wildly eroded cliffs and curves, as you ride to Bédoin, a relaxing town among vineyards and cherry orchards. Or pedal to Bédoin over Mont Ventoux, 1909 m at its summit where a cold wind always blows and there are breathtaking views as far as the Alps.
Ride Distance: 50 km, elevation gain 1140 m or 43 km, gain 345 m.*
8
Day 8
Depart from Bédoin for your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Hotel Le Burrhus, Vaison-La-Romaine
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.
Hotel Les Hospitaliers, Le Vieux Poët-Laval
This 3-star hotel is of new construction but was built to fit in with its surroundings. There are outstanding views from almost every room and a lovely swimming pool to enjoy. There is an excellent restaurant here, with plenty of produce from the garden and wine from the huge wine cellar. “this hotel is a gem, set in one of France’s romantic, picture-perfect little villages.” Karen Brown Guides
Le Lion d'Or Les Arcades, Buis-les-Baronies
Built in 1661, this 3-star hotel has lovely gardens and swimming pool. The location, in the center of Buis-les-Baroniers, is perfect as there are lots of restaurants to walk to.
Hostellerie Val de Sault, Sault
This 4-star hotel is situated 2 km outside of Sault in a large garden with a tennis court, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, plus a fitness room and Jacuzzi. There is an excellent restaurant here. Recommended by les Guide Rivages.
Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
This 3-star hotel is located just outside (1.7 km) of Bedoin. Guests rooms are individually decorated and there is a swimming pool and gardens to enjoy. The delicious cuisine is direct from nearby Provencal markets.
Luxe
Hotel Beffroi, Vaison-La-Romaine
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.
Hotel Les Hospitaliers, Le Vieux Poët-Laval
This 3-star hotel is of new construction but was built to fit in with its surroundings. There are outstanding views from almost every room and a lovely swimming pool to enjoy. There is an excellent restaurant here, with plenty of produce from the garden and wine from the huge wine cellar. “this hotel is a gem, set in one of France’s romantic, picture-perfect little villages.” Karen Brown Guides
Le Lion d'Or Les Arcades, Buis-les-Baronies *Classic Inn
Built in 1661, this 3-star hotel has lovely gardens and swimming pool. The location, in the center of Buis-les-Baroniers, is perfect as there are lots of restaurants to walk to.
Hostellerie Val de Sault, Sault *Classic Inn
This 4-star hotel is situated 2 km outside of Sault in a large garden with a tennis court, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, plus a fitness room and Jacuzzi. There is an excellent restaurant here. Recommended by les Guide Rivages.
Hotel Crillon le Brave, Crillon le Brave
Located in a tiny hillside village, it is surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and lavender fields. This hotel is part of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" and is listed by Travel and Leisure as one of the top 500 hotels in the world.
Trip Reviews
“We loved getting away for a vacation for the first time in 18 months (after Covid). The area was fab and we would return for sure. Have already recommended to cycling friends. The trip exceeded our expectations- it was a fab trip. The weather added to our enjoyment for sure but we would have liked it otherwise. The Gorge ride was stunning, the cars were respectful of cyclists. Generally the traffic was minimal. Really enjoyed the Sault accommodation. Both dinners were very good. The route instructions and GPS exceeded our expectations, as well as our interactions with both our Area Manager and our Travel Advisor.”
“We did have road bikes and we appreciated the quality. The scenic views made the whole experience magnificent! The daily distances were very good. Some of the hills were pretty challenging for me… Mont Ventoux took the cake… but I made it all the way up! My husband is much more skilled cyclist and loved the Mont Ventoux climb the best out of the whole trip! We had a fabulous time! The literature provided by your office was very good. It was very interesting to read about the area ahead of time and your suggestions re: packing, etc. were most appreciated. Our area manager was extremely kind, efficient and considerate. She was very helpful in getting us set up properly with our bikes.”
“The tour was not difficult for those who cycle hills regularly, but a nice combination of scenery and challenge. It’s easy with a self-supported tour for individuals to add kms to the daily route if they want to, as we did on the last day.”
Leave a Review