Provence and its most beautiful villages

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.

From ORANGE to SEGURET 40km 50m

This first day is relatively easy, only the Mistral could play tricks on you! Your itinerary first takes you to the Romanesque Piolenc chapel and the charming village of Sérignan du Comtat. Homeland to Pierre-Henri Fabre, it makes an ideal stop to enjoy its architectural and natural heritage. You then head to the Dentelles de Montmirail massif where the village of Séguret is perched. Classified among the “Most beautiful villages in France”, enjoy its medieval character as you walk in the cobbled streets, lined with old houses. It offers a magnificent view on the Rhone valley and the Comtat plain, covered with vineyards.

• For a few more km 50km 400m

  You enter the Massif d’Uchaux area. A unique atmosphere emerges from this land with its Mediterranean forest, a gorgeous green setting where all your senses are solicited. You then reach the village of Rasteau which is of Côtes du Rhone designation, well known by wine lovers.

From SEGURET to VENASQUE 42km 400m

You ride on the Dentelles de Montmirail hillside and reach the wine-making villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. The vines gradually give way to olive and cherry tree fields, especially around Carpentras, where its top range cherry is known as Cerise des Monts de Venasque. Further along the way, make sure to stop at Saint Didier to taste the nougat Sylvain. After this tasty break, you only have a few kilometers left and a climb to reach the hilltop village of Venasque, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Perched on a rocky spur with steep sides, at the mouth of the Nesque gorges, this ancient medieval city overlooks vineyards, garrigue and cherry trees. Its charm will surely make an impression!

• For a few more km 55km 550m

  Enjoy a few additional kilometers to reach the village of Bédoin, a mandatory passage for all passionate cyclists wishing to face the mythical slopes of Mont Ventoux. On Monday mornings you can also enjoy its typical market.

From VENASQUE to COUSTELLET 30km 450m

The beginning of the ride is hilly and well worth the effort! The landscapes are sumptuous. Perched on its rock at the entrance of the Monts de Vaucluse, the village of Saumane de Vaucluse marks the entrance of the Luberon. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the plain, planted with olive trees and Mediterranean species before riding down to Fontaine de Vaucluse. It is where La Sorgue, the most beautiful river in the department,takes its source. Take a walk in this enchanting place and enjoy freshness on hot days. You then ride in the valley at the foot of the famous village of Gordes.

• For a few more km 45km 500m

  The route takes you to the village of l’Isle sur Sorgue nicknamed the”Venice Comtadine”. Lovers of beautiful objects, flea markets and art galleries will be delighted. L’Isle sur la Sorgue is a small green paradise, penetrated by many riverarms of the Sorgue river on which old paddle wheels still run and in its old center, alleys and canals intertwine.

GORDES AND ROUSSILLON LOOP 45km 650m

Today, the route takes you through no less than three of “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. After warming up, you climb the hill to the village of Gordes. Behind a curve, the village and a magical landscape appear. After a well-deserved break in this fabulous site, you reach Roussillon. Built at the top of an ocher cliff, this village offers a perfect harmony of colors. Its stones, roofs and facades are imbued with the same red tones as the surrounding landscapes. A short walk on the Ocher Trail is definitely worth the time. You then ride on the foothills of the Monts du Luberon and reach Ménerbes the third village. It holds a breathtaking view of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. Admire its small streets with 18th century mansions and old houses. You can visit its unusual Tire-Bouchon (corkscrew) Museum and taste the Côtes du Luberon wines in the sumptuous Maison de la Truffe et du Vin.

From COUSTELLET to SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE 50km 150m

From the Monts du Luberon a flat route takes you to Saint Rémy de Provence at the foot of the Alpilles massif. You ride through the town of Cavaillon, known for its famous melon and its fruit market. It also harbors intriguing remains: cathedral and unique synagogue with Provencal architecture. After the Durance river, you approach the Alpilles chain and its regional natural park. Along the way, the small village of Eygalières invites to a contemplative break. The village overlooks vast fields of olive trees, green valleys and vineyards. In this décor worthy of a Provence postcard, you see beautiful properties and “Mas” restored with taste. Enjoy the rest of the day in Saint Rémy de Provence and its many riches: culture, heritage and fêtes Provençales.

LES BAUX DE PROVENCE LOOP 37km 300m

From Saint Remy de Provence this loop takes you to the heart of the Alpilles and to Les Baux de Provence, one of the “most beautiful villages in France”: From its rocky plateau, this medieval village holds all the charm of Provencal villages: small squares, terraces in the shade, narrow streets, artists and local artisans shops. Also a strategic place, it dominates the whole valley and a splendid sight from La Sainte Victoire to the Cévennes mountains.Before you leave, make sure visit La Carrière des Lumières, only a few steps away.

• For a few more km 55km 450m

  Riding on small roads, discover the Alpilles. This small limestone massif is remarkable by the presence of many Mediterranean species offering a diversity of colors and incomparable landscapes. Its fauna is equally diversified… a real delight for lovers of nature and Provence.

From SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE to AVIGNON 43km 200m

You head North to Avignon, the city of Popes. On your way, you ride through the Barbentane forest and the Montagnette massif on which stands the Abbey of St Michel de Frigolet. It takes its name from the word thyme, “ferigoule” in Provençal, which grows everywhere on the surrounding hills. Enjoy some of its local specialties: the “Reverend Father Gaucher’s elixir” and Frigolet liqueur with beautiful golden green colors, made with Montagnette herbs. Your route takes you over the Rhône before reaching Avignon. You will be under the charm of its old streets, restored medieval walls and immense Palace of Popes.

AVIGNON

End of stay after breakfast