S-cape travel

Details

Cycling Provence-Haute Vaucluse

Imagine the warm sun on your skin, the taste of a fruity rosé, the mumur of fountains on shady village squares, and the smell of Provençal herbs. Come cycling with us through this splendid French region of light and history, cuisine and art, situated at the foot of mighty Mont Ventoux. Admire Roman monuments in Vaison-la-Romaine and picturesque villages like Séguret, Malaucène, Cairanne and Sablet. Sample the best wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône, grown on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Fill your picnic basket with olives, 'tapenade', 'chêvre', and 'baguettes' at the colourful market in Carpentras. Rest in the shade on a lazy café terrace, watching the locals in a game of  'jeu de boules'. It's a feast for the eyes in springtime, when the fields are full of poppies and gardens overflow with bougainvillea and irises. And in autumn, the vineyards glow in golden, orange, and red.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Vaison-la-Romaine

Arrival at Entrechaux, near the jewel of Roman Provence, Vaison-la-Romaine. Admire archeological remnants of impressive Gallo Roman homes or visit the picturesque Medieval Haute-Ville, perched on top of a rocky spur. Enjoy the tiny shady squares, ancient doorways, narrow streets with fountains and historic mansions.

Villages along the way: Vaison-la-Romaine

Day 2: Circular route from Vaison-la-Romaine/Entrechaux

Your first cycling day through the beautiful Vaucluse countryside. Rolling vineyards, earth-colored houses, ancient olive trees and red-brown hills. En route, there are lovely views to Mont Ventoux, well-known destination on the 'Tour de France'. At the start, some up- and downhill cycling, followed by a flat section among the vast vineyards of the Côtes Ventoux. You stop off at the picturesque village of Mollans-Sur-Ouvèze, then cycle back to your hotel following a beautiful river valley. Start early in the morning if you want to leave time to spend the afternoon in Vaison-la-Romaine.

Challenge: 26 km

Villages along the way: Mollans-Sur-Ouvèze

Day 3: From Vaison-la-Romaine to Mazan

Cycle along the river Ouvèze and see the elevated fortress of Entrechaux in the distance. Follow a winding road through a small valley full of vineyards, fruit and olive orchards. Smell the typical mixture of Mediterranean odors and buy some local products like honey, apricots, strawberries or olive oil. Make a pit stop in the vivid village of Malaucene for taking a 'café au lait' on a terrace under the plane trees. Continue your day tour with an easy ascend through a narrow and forested valley to Lac du Paty. Enjoy the downhill ride that follows to the lower plains. Reach your next overnight accommodation a little bit south of the village of Mazan after pedaling some rural back roads.

Challenge: 26 km

Villages along the way: Entrechaux, Malaucene, Mazan

Day 4: Circular route from Mazan

A scenic circular tour through varied countryside at the foot of steep Mont Ventoux (1912 m). You cycle first among vineyards and cherry orchards before making a short descent to the pleasant village of Mormoiron. Pedal in a northern direction to Bédoin to enjoy splendid views to the peak. Then a section through small-scale family farms ends in the village of Villes-sur-Auzon, entrance to the imposing Gorges du Nesque. From Methamis, you do a short but strenuous ascent to reach the other side of the ridge. Your reward is an enjoyable downhill ride to Malemort, not far away from your hotel.

Challenge: 44 km

Villages along the way: Mormoiron, Bédoin, Villes-sur-Auzon, Methamis, Malemort

Day 5: From Mazan to Séguret

Today, a relaxed cycling tour through a beautiful part of the 'Côtes-du-Rhône' region. From the start, on the plains around Mazan, you'll see your target for today in the distance: the jagged limestone peaks of the 'Dentelles de Montmirail'. Pedal up- and downhill for a bit, at the foot of these 'Dentelles', passing famous wine-making villages like Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras and Gigondas. Cycle among vineyards around the picturesque village of Sablet to the even more beautiful village of Séguret, your final destination.

Challenge: 36 km

Villages along the way: Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Sablet, Séguret

Day 6: Circular route from Séguret

A fine bike ride which leads you into the broad valley of the River Ouvèze. Follow a narrow and winding road across hills, via the small and dreamy village of Buisson, to St-Roman-de-Malegarde. From here you can choose one of two different routes to Cairanne. Just before reaching this well-known wine-producing village, be prepared for some up- and downhill pedaling. After Cairanne, cycle on to cozy Rasteau, where lovers of 'viticulture' will enjoy a visit to the 'Musée de Vigneron'. Cycle back to Séguret through a vast green sea of vineyards.

Challenge: 34 km

Villages along the way: Buisson, St-Roman-de-Malegarde, Cairanne, Rasteau

Day 7: From Séguret to Vaison-la-Romaine/Entrechaux

Today there are two possibilities getting from Séguret back to Vaison-la-Romaine! You can choose between the mainly flat route around the 300m high ridge or go for it and cross the ridge. Choosing the last one, you will start with a strenuous two kilometer climb to the top on 338m with marvelous views. Unfortunately there's a bit more traffic during the last part of the ride.

Challenge: 10/14 km

Villages along the way: Vaison-la-Romaine