Vaison-la-Romaine
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 cafés on squares lined by plane trees. Then head out into the surrounding countryside for superb bike rides to Côtes-du-Rhône wine routes and walks into the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and along the flanks of Mont Ventoux.
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
Day 1+4
Malaucène, France
Day 2
Entrechaux, France
Day 3
| Start any date between April 1 and October 31 |
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Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelBiking & 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.
TerrainModerately hilly, but there are options for rides with climbs or flatter routes
CostCasual/B&B Accommodation: US $995
Single Supplement: US $250
Classic Accommodation: US $1,195
Single Supplement: US $300
Luxe Accommodation: US $1,450
Single Supplement: US $360
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $180
Racing Bikes: US$240
E-Bikes: US$280
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.
| Destination | France |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
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. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Arrive in Vaison-la-Romaine, where you stay for three nights. Your bicycle is waiting for you, so you can go for a warm-up ride. Head towards Entrechaux, set against Mont Ventoux with a ruined castle looming high over the village.
Distance: 20 km; elevation gain 280 m or 30 km, elevation gain 400 m*
Malaucène
Today’s 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. There’s a pleasant walk from Malaucène part-way up Mont Ventoux to a chapel. Add a loop to Sablet and Séguret hugging the Dentelles mountains. Extend your Route du Vin tour to Gigondas and beyond.
Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 675 m or 55 km, elevation gain 820 m*
Carianne and Rasteau
The day is once again yours to discover. Wind your way among wine villages, past Cairanne and then Rasteau, known for a sweet dessert wine, or consider a walk into the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail, among vineyards and rocky peaks, to the remote, perched village of Crestet.
Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 360 m or 50 km, elevation gain 470 m or 75 km, elevation gain 630 m*
Enjoy more time exploring Vaison or head out on one of the rides or walks in your dossier that you’ve saved for today. Then depart for your next adventure.
*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.
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 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.
Tour Reviews
“The inn was lovely, I have a lot of experience at picking out nice accommodation, so “meeting my expectations” 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.”
“We are distance cyclists and found that the add-on loops were great. There was a ride for every energy level.”
“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.”
“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.”
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