Vaison-la-Romaine, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Gordes & L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France
Day 7+8
| Start any date between Apr 1 to 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 $2,375
Single Supplement: US $600
Classic Accommodation: US $2,850
Single Supplement: US $720
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,450
Single Supplement: US $875
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $4,095
Single Supplement: US $1,025
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
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.
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. The tour ends in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
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 775m.*
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 610m.*
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.*
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.*
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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 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.
*Classic Accommodation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
“We were particularly impressed by Hotel Le Mas des Romarins.”
“Beauty of rides, great towns you had us visit, nice accommodations (loved hotel in Mazan, very memorable)- can not wait for my next Randonnee trip. It was a great trip- the routes were great and your suggested stops perfect. This trip exceeded my expectations. Penny made a wonderful meal and a wonderful host! Great job on where to stop and eat – very helpful so we don’t need to figure it out. Good bikes and good fit. Our Area Manager was a nice guy. I have done a trip with you 22 years ago (honeymoon), 10 years ago (50th birthday) and this trip (60th birthday). Next one will be sooner than 10 years wait! Thanks for a great trip!! 10/10 again!”
“We had lots of options so our tour was as difficult as we wanted it to be. The hills were actually must gentler than the ones we have at home! Our Area Manager was great. She gave us many good suggestions for restaurants and things to see, many of which we followed up on. And they were all great suggestions! We also got to meet the driver in Provence who was moving our luggage around. We hired his cab to go to one of our dinners but we had our date wrong and when we got there, the restaurant was closed. He found us a pizza place in town, waited until it was ready and brought us back to the hotel. Lovely man!”
“We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip and scenery.”
“Historical and local info was great. Directions were, for the most part, fantastic and very easy to follow. Wonderful accommodations choices! We loved the properties and the hosts, all of whom greeted us warmly and treated us really well. The properties were special. Difficulty was exactly appropriate – not too easy, not too hard. We had a fantastic experience! Great service from Randonnee staff in Vancouver and from our area manager. Love the routes Randonnee chose and the accommodations where we stayed. We’ll certainly do another tour with you in the future.”
“The accommodations were excellent in every way. Le Beffroi was great! Lovely room, great place and location. Crillon le Brave was an experience. Les Romarins great food and location, we loved it. Nice mix of destination, towns, cities, country. Our Travel Advisor was extremely helpful and accommodating. The area manager was a sweetie and was available to help.”
“The area manager is a valuable contact for Randonnée. We enjoyed her company and her capabilities. We can’t say enough good things about her!”
“Even though I have high expectations of Randonnee based on our previous experience, I would say my expectations were exceeded because you outdid yourselves in providing outstanding and very scenic routes. You did an excellent job of taking us through spectacular countryside. Loved, loved the places we stayed – lots of character and the people running them were wonderful. How many beautiful French towns can there possibly be? A never ending number obviously based on our trip. Loved both dinners included. Generally the directions were good. Our Travel Advisor was fabulous! Very helpful, very responsive. Really enjoyed interacting with her. Our Area Manager was lovely to deal with.”
“What a treat! We loved the character and the staff at each hotel. Excellent and lovely hotels – this was beyond our expectations and we were so excited to go to the next town to see where we would be staying! The support we received was excellent – with all the lead up questions & planning, the support was prompt and on point. The bike route was safe, quiet and very scenic. Amazing GPS directions and the routes were perfect for this group.”
“Our Travel Advisors were always very polite and responsive. We really enjoyed the area, visiting little towns, food and drink.”
“Love the routes, the accommodations and the destinations. We most enjoyed the people we biked with, the boutique hotels, the routes along quiet country roads and the places we visited.”
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