Select the ultimate destination to sample the best of Provence. Vaison-la-Romaine was chosen by the Romans as their favourite location in the region, and the local charm and colour have not faded. Explore superb Roman ruins in the old town. Wander among the maze of narrow streets in the medieval quarter, which culminates in a dramatic ruined castle. Enjoy one of the best markets, held every Tuesday morning, and relax in cafĂŠs on squares lined by plane trees. Then head out into the surrounding countryside for superb bike rides to CĂ´tes-du-RhĂ´ne wine routes and walks into the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and along the flanks of Mont Ventoux.
Location
Vaison-la-Romaine
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+4
Malaucène
Malaucène, France
Day 2
Entrechaux
Entrechaux, France
Day 3
Whatâs Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED INÂ REGULAR TRIP
3 nights hotels
All breakfasts
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
Start any date between April 1 and October 31
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
4 days / 3 nights (Longer options available)
ARRIVE / DEPART
Vaison-la-Romaine
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Biking & hiking are the activities available for this Short Escape:
Rides: 21 to 75 km (13 to 47 miles).
Walks: 3 hours average.
Your Route Instructions will provide you with information on distances and terrain and you can choose each day which ride or walk to take.
Vaison-la-Romaine and Beaune Short Escapes are our easiest biking choices.
TERRAIN
Moderately hilly, but there are options for rides with climbs or flatter routes
COST
Casual/B&B Accommodation: US $895
Single Supplement: US $225
Classic Accommodation: US $1,095
Single Supplement: US $275
Luxe Accommodation: US $1,295
Single Supplement: US $325
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$140
E-Bikes: US$240
E-bikes are generally available but are on an âon request basis â 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, weâll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. Â
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, due east of Orange. Access is via either Avignon 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 Marseille, Lyon or Nice. Transfer to Vaison is via public or private transportation. Weâll provide you with detailed instructions.
1
Day 1
Vaison-la-Romaine
Arrive in Vaison-la-Romaine, where you stay for three nights. Visit the famous Roman ruins, then explore the medieval quarter perched high over the town. Your bicycle is waiting for you, so you can go for a warm-up ride.
Distance: 30 km, elevation gain 419 m or 23 km, gain 337 m.*
2
Day 2
Malaucène
Todayâs activities are up to you. You have the full dossier of rides and walks to choose from. You could cycle through apricot and cherry orchards to Malaucène, a quintessentially Provençal town. Thereâs a pleasant walk from Malaucène part-way up Mont Ventoux to a chapel. Or explore the Dentelles with a walk to the remote, perched village of Crestet, now home to an art centre.
Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 254 m or 31 km, gain 124 m.*
3
Day 3
Entrechaux
Today ride to Entrechaux, set against Mont Ventoux and with a ruined castle looming high over the village. Add loops to Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, or Buis-les-Barronies. From Mollans thereâs a walk to Pierrelongue, where a church perches high on a rocky spire. Or wind your way among wine villages, past Cairanne and then Rasteau, known for a sweet dessert wine. Add a loop to Sablet and SĂŠguret hugging the Dentelles mountains. Extend your Route du Vin tour to Gigondas and beyond. Consider a walk into the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail, among vineyards and lacy, rocky peaks.
Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 445 m or 57 km, gain 447 m or 55 km, gain 539 m.*
4
Day 4
Enjoy more time exploring Vaison or head out on one of the rides or walks in your dossier that youâve saved for today. Then depart for your next adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
L'EvĂŞchĂŠ, Vaison-La-Romaine
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.
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 hotelâs lounges; the owners are very friendly and there is dedicated garage for bike storage. Straight Talk: Rooms are smallish and arenât completely sound-proofed, but we have often stayed here and enjoyed.
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.
Trip Reviews
“I was especially appreciative of the clear written directions for the bicycling and the accuracy of the difficulty – either of those being inaccurate could have ruined a trip. I was VERY happy with the service you provided.”
“We loved the bike route directions – they were the clearest and least ambiguous of any we have ever seen⌠Hard to improve on such excellent tour material.”
“We are distance cyclists and found that the add-on loops were great. There was a ride for every energy level.”
“The inn was lovely, I have a lot of experience at picking out nice accommodation, so âmeeting my expectationsâ is high praise. The overall experience is excellent. We only wish we had more days to explore the area; our Area Manager supplied us with enough cycling and walking tours to fill a week.”
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