Vaison-la-Romaine, Pernes-les-Fontaines & Gordes
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!
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+2
Pernes-les-Fontaines, France
Day 3+4
Gordes, France
Day 5+6
| 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 $1,825
Single Supplement: US $450
Classic Accommodation: US $2,225
Single Supplement: US $550
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,700
Single Supplement: US $675
Premier Luxe Accommodation: US $3,300
Single Supplement: US $850
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $260
Racing Bikes: US $360
E-Bikes*: US $400
*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 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. The tour ends in Gordes.
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.*
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 775 m.*
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.*
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.*
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
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 or 62 km; gain 554 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.
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.
This is a charming boutique hotel with views over Gordes, in the heart of the Luberon. It has an inviting pool, pleasant gardens and is just a five-minute walk from town.
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.
This 4-star hotel just outside of Gordes boasts a heated pool extensive gardens and comfortable guest rooms. The welcome is warm and service excellent.
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.
Tour Reviews
“We thought your service was really excellent and the service on the ground was fine. The Crillon Le Brave was excellent, beautiful room and a very good service. The tour could have been slightly longer rides but there were always extra loop options to keep you busy. It is a beautiful country for cycling and we did not find the hills too hard.”
“We appreciated the add-ons. They were nice options when we were ready to do a little more. We had read that the Gorge du Nesque was really a very worthwhile ride. Our favourite accommodation was Hotel L’Hermitage. The dinner at Hotel Mas des Romarins was outstanding. Your Area Manager, by the way, was lovely and very helpful.”
“I liked all the hotels: Hostellerie Provençale in Uzès, Hotel Gounod in St Remy de Provence, Mas des Romarins in Gordes, especially the one in St Remy. I also loved having two nights in each of the three hotels.”
“The pre-tour and tour material was very good. The service provided by your office was very good. And the area manager is a treasure! We loved her.”
“Our trip was fantastic. All the details were arranged exactly as promised. Prior emails were responded to responsively and information was clear and detailed. The hotels were wonderful, the restaurant in Vaison la Romaine was probably the best meal we had, the directions were spot on and the tour was fabulous. We will definitely book with Randonnee again and will recommend. Thanks for planning such an excellent trip for us. Truly a trip of a lifetime. We kept saying to each other “Randonnee nailed it!”
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