Côtes du Rhône route
Discover Provence and its great wines
© Alain Hocquel -VPA
Duration
7 days and 6 nights
Level
Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From March 1st to November 15th
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Travelling loopKey features
- 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.
Itinerary
Leisure or Fit ORANGE, CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE LOOP 39km 263m 
Starting from the ancient city of the Princes of Orange, this loop first takes you to the village of Courthézon and its 12th-century ramparts. Then you enter the vineyards of the most famous appellation of Côtes du Rhône wines. The charming wine routes lead you to the famous village of Châteauneuf du Pape. After these discoveries, you will understand why this precious nectar once attained the rank of “Vin du Pape” (Wine of the Pope), which then opened the doors to worldwide renown.
- For a few more km 78km 428m
The long version takes you across the Rhône River to the Gard department. First, you reach Tavel, famous for its slate and pebble soil, which produces one of the best rosé wines in France, where the Château de Trinquevedel stands. The route continues to the village of Lirac, whose little-known wine is produced at the foot of limestone hills and oak woods. Between dry stone walls and garrigue landscapes, you can enjoy a typically Mediterranean atmosphere. The return journey follows the banks of the Rhône, offering a peaceful transition to the ancient city of Orange. This stage is a true immersion in historical heritage and wine-growing excellence.
From ORANGE to SUZE LA ROUSSE via Massif d'Uchaux 35km 241m
From the center of Orange, a city of art and history known for its UNESCO-listed Roman theatre, the route heads north towards Piolenc, a Provençal village noted for its Saint-Pierre sanctuary and garlic-based specialties. The road then climbs into the wooded Uchaux massif, covered in pines and scrubland. On the heights, vineyards stretch between the trees, marking the entrance to the Côtes du Rhône region. The itinerary continues through the peaceful Rieu forest before reaching the quiet hamlets of Le Cros and Derboux. A short ascent leads to the Château de Hauteville, a privately owned estate notable for its commanding silhouette. The ride ends in Suze-la-Rousse, overlooked by its impressive medieval castle, a listed historic monument that watches over the village rooftops and surrounding vineyards.
From ORANGE to ROCHEGUDE, via Sérignan du Comtat 35km 215m
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.
From SUZE LA ROUSSE to VAISON-LA-ROMAINE 31km 293m
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
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.
From VAISON-LA-ROMAINE to VACQUEYRAS 27km 345m
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
You start off by discovering the Rasteau, Cairanne and plaine du Pan de Dieu wine designations, before enjoying the main itineray.
From VACQUEYRAS to ORANGE 22km 41m
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
Before you reach Orange disocver the impressive belfry in Camaret sur Aygues.
ORANGE
End of stay after breakfast
They travelled with us
Practical information
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.
Starting from 810€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Starting from 970€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
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.
Starting from 1045€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 7/7
- 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
- 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
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- 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.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking BikeSCOTT SUB SPORT 20 Reassuring and comfortable geometry. Shimano 27-speed Disc brakes Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeEBIKE 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
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Child bikeCHILDREN’S BIKE: 8 to 10 years old; 135-145cm Agile and handy bike and 100% safe for nice family rides Supplied equipment per bike
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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 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 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
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 810€
Book your trip
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.