Find your perfect trip

Calendar

 
France

Provence - Haute Vaucluse cycling trip

Food and Wine
Cycling
Independent, Self Guided
  • The magnificent Provencal landscape of the Vaucluse
  • Some of the most beautiful villages in all of France
  • En route: 'Dégustation et Vente' of fine 'Côtes-du-Rhône' wines
  • Visiting Roman remains in Vaison-la-Romaine
  • Enjoy the fine Provencal cuisine

From: 745 €

Tripcode: FRSC030

3 Comfort

 

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 1 - EN:

Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 2:

Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 3:

Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

Level 4:

Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.

:

:

3 Difficulty

 

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 1:

Walking levels:

Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.

Cycling levels:

Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 2:

Walking levels:

Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.

Cycling levels:

Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 3:

Walking levels:

Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day

Cycling levels:

Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

Level 4:

Walking levels:

Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.

Cycling levels:

Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.

:

:

Duration: 7 days

Book now

 

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

Expand itinerary Collapse 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

Practical info

Included:

  • 6 nights accommodations on B&B basis
  • Two dinners in the second accommodation
  • All rooms have private bathrooms
  • Luggage transport
  • 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away
  • Detailed maps and road book in English

Not Included:

  • Flights and public transportation
  • Bike rental
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Admissions and entrance fees of any kind (when not previously agreed upon)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal extras and expenses such as meals, drinks, phone calls, etc.
  • Any items that are not been mentioned in the program

Optional Services:

  • 21 speed hybrid bike hire, helmet (puncture repair kit, pump, lock). Bike is delivered to accommodation
  • Train station arrival and/or departure transfers

How to get there:

The best airports of arrival are Avignon or Marseille, which is served by several low cost carriers. From the train station in Avignon you can book transfers to and from the first/last accommodation.

About the bikes:

You are provided with a comfortable 21-speed hybrid bicycle or an e-bike which will be reserved for you in advance, together with a standard repair kit and lock. If you wish, bring your own helmet.

Reviews

Start: Vaison-la-Romaine

Finish: Vaison-la-Romaine

 

Dates & prices

Trip availability: Daily from April 1st to October 31th.

Departures
April 01, 2013 - April 07, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
In double room: 745 €/person
In twin room: 745 €/person
In single room: 1090 €/person
In single room, one traveller: 1230 €/person
April 08, 2013 - May 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
In double room: 770 €/person
In twin room: 770 €/person
In single room: 1150 €/person
In single room, one traveller: 1285 €/person
June 01, 2013 - September 30, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
In twin room: 810 €/person
In double room: 810 €/person
In single room: 1225 €/person
In single room, one traveller: 1360 €/person
October 01, 2013 - October 31, 2013
Dates of the trip Price
In double room: 770 €/person
In twin room: 770 €/person
In single room: 1150 €/person
In single room, one traveller: 1285 €/person

Other prices

Bike rental (hybrid, 7 days). 129€

Bike rental (hybrid, extra day). 13€

Bike rental (e-bike, 7 days). 129€

Bike rental (e-bike, extra day). 13€