Côtes du Rhône route

Discover Provence and its great wines

Highlights

- Great vineyards : Chateauneuf du Pape, Rasteau, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise
- Antique theatre and Triumphal Arc in Orange
- Castle in Suze la Rousse and wine university
- Séguret, most beautiful village in France
- Medieval city of Vaison la Romaine and its roman vestiges
- Natural landscape and vines of the Dentelles de Montmirail

Sun, relaxation and tasting ... the best of Provence!

From Orange, you ride around Provence and discover some of the greatest wine designations such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise.

A privileged passage between the Mediterranean world and Northern Europe, the Rhone Valley deploys its vineyards in six departments. We take you to the heart of Provence, the southern part of the region, to discover its most prestigious vineyards and most beautiful landscapes. Through small roads surrounded by sun-drenched vineyards, this trip offers you a sensory experience punctuated, through the seasons, by the life cycle of vine and the life of winemakers. From vineyard to vineyard, you will see how the Rhône Valley has played an active role in the birth of French wine designations.

Carte itinéraire vacances à vélo boucle au départ d'Orange
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

ORANGE

Welcome to Provence

You meet up with our guide at your hotel for a briefing before you start your trip! Enjoy a free evening in Orange, its magnificent Theater Antique and many restaurants.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE LOOP 32km 255m Niveau Loisir

From the ancient city of the Princes of Orange this loop takes you to the village of Courthézon and its 12th century ramparts. You then enter the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, the most famous designation of the Côtes du Rhone wines. The charming wine routes lead you to its village where you will undoubtedly enjoy a tasting in some of the many cellars and visit the Wine Museum. You will better understand why this precious nectar was once designated “the Pope’s wine” and later inherited a worldwide reputation.

  • For a few more km 73km 449m Niveau Forme

    On the other side of the Rhone river you reach the Gard and visit two other remarkable Cotes du Rhone wine designations: Lirac and Tavel, well known for its rosé wine. You head back to Orange after a beautiful first day full of discoveries!

Day 3

From ORANGE to SUZE LA ROUSSE via Massif d'Uchaux 35km 223m Niveau Loisir

You head north to Suze la Rousse. En route discover the Romanesque chapel of Piolenc or the site of Castellas in Uchaux. You then enter the designated Massif d’Uchaux area. A unique atmosphere emerges from this land through its Mediterranean forest, a gorgeous green setting where all your senses will be solicited. You leave the forest of Uchaux, enter the Drôme and reach your hotel in the middle of the vineyards.

By another road

From ORANGE to ROCHEGUDE, via Sérignan du Comtat 35km 215m Niveau Loisir

Today you head north to reach Suze la Rousse. On your way you will discover the Romanesque chapel of Piolenc then the charming village of Sérignan du Comtat which has an admirable heritage of old buildings most often relating to the medieval period. This small village, home of Pierre-Henri Fabre will be a great stopover for lovers of architectural and natural heritage.

Day 4

From SUZE LA ROUSSE to VAISON-LA-ROMAINE 31km 293m Niveau Loisir

If you enjoy contrasting landscapes, you will be delighted by the day! You ride through oak woods, vineyards and lavender fields. After contemplating or visiting the feudal castle of Suze la Rousse and the Wine University, your itinerary takes you to Visan, another well-known designation of Côtes du Rhone wines. From the historic center dominated by the ruins of the old castle, an enchanting panorama invites you to taste the products of its generous terroir. Your route today ends at Vaison la Romaine. Be charmed by its ancient theater and medieval town, called “Haute Ville”, topped by the ruins of a 12th century feudal castle.

  • For a few more km 52km 741m Niveau Forme

    After visiting Visan the long version of the itinérary takes you to the village of Vinsobres which has mainly become famous due the great quality of its wines. Its vintage wine enchants connoisseurs.

Day 5

From VAISON-LA-ROMAINE to VACQUEYRAS 27km 345m Niveau Loisir

You ride through hilltop villages of the prestigious Côtes du Rhône deisgnation, with the magnificent Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux as a backdrop. Take time for a stroll down the streets and splendid viewpoints of Séguret and Sablet villages, the Gigondas sculpture trail and the winemaking route in Vacqueyras.

  • For a few more km 50km 475m Niveau Forme

    You start off by discovering the Rasteau, Cairanne and plaine du Pan de Dieu wine designations, before enjoying the main itineray.

Day 6

From VACQUEYRAS to ORANGE 22km 41m Niveau Facile

You ride back to Orange, mainly using the Voie Venaissia, a cycling route built on the old railway tracks between Carpentras and Orange. Contemplate the agricultural and winegrowing landscapes of Comtat Venaissin, the magnificent panoramas of the Dentelles de Montmirail Massif and the Mont Ventoux.

  • For a few more km 40km 152m Niveau Loisir

    Before you reach Orange disocver the impressive belfry in Camaret sur Aygues.

Day 7

ORANGE

End of stay after breakfast

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Chambre d’hôtes les Aiguières en Provence Hotel le Burrhus vu depuis la place Hotel le pradet vu accueil et terrasse

Starting from 795€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Chambre d’hôtes les Aiguières en Provence Hotel le pradet vu accueil et terrasse

Starting from 930€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hotel Arène Orange Château de Massillan - Uchaux - Façade Façade de l'hôtel le Beffroi Extérieur Hôtel Montmirail à GIGONDAS

Starting from 1115€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Topo maps
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Touring Bike

    SCOTT SUB SPORT 20

    Reassuring and comfortable geometry.

    Shimano 27-speed

    Disc brakes

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd

    Ebike

    EBIKE SCOTT SUB TOUR ERIDE

    All the pleasure of cycling without too much effort and accessible to all.

    Shimano Disc Br-MT200 brakes

    Bosch ActivePlus 500w motor

    Weight 25.60 kg

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd
    Vélo electrique scott eride

    Child bike

    CHILDREN’S BIKE: 8 to 10 years old; 135-145cm

    Agile and handy bike and 100% safe for nice family rides

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    Vélo enfant scott 24"

    Getting here

    Departure city : ORANGE

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking souterrain Place Pourtoules – ORANGE

    Coming by train

    • Orange train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    Arrival city : ORANGE

    Coming by car

    • at from PARIS
    • at from BORDEAUX
    • at from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Orange train station - 4h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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