Day 1: Welcome in Pernes les Fontaines

Our team will welcome you in Pernes les Fontaines, a bustling village with its stone fountains, monuments, cafés and restaurants. We’ll ensure you’re comfortable on your bikes and with our navigation system, and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Loop ride from Pernes les Fontaines – Villages of Mont Ventoux

Distance: approx. 49 km
Climbing: + 480m

Leaving your hotel you head northbound, and through the renowned vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône. Via small country roads and cycle paths you cross through the Rhône Valley, the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. You’ll cycle under the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail chain of mountains to reach the village of Beaumes de Venise, known for its sweet Muscat wines. Head towards the Giant of Provence – Mont Ventoux – and climb to the perched village of Crillon le Brave for the best views of the mountain. Return to Pernes les Fontaines for a 2nd night.

Day 3: from Pernes Les Fontaines to Gordes

Several options are possible

Distance: from 30 to 43 km
Climbing: from +650m to +890m

Leave Pernes les Fontaines to head towards the magnificent perched village of Gordes. You’ll cycle through the remote hills of the Monts du Vaucluse, including the village of Vénasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Climb atop the ridge of the range before a freewheel down to Sénanque Abbey: a 12th century monastery surrounded by its lavender fields. Reach the hilltop village of Gordes, where you check in for three nights.

Day 4: Loop from Gordes via Roussillon and the ocher fields

Several options available

Distance: from 43 to 49 km
Climbing: from +600m to +700m

You’ll climb to the village of Roussillon – painted in every hue from pale yellow to deep red – its colourful streets, steps, archways, and secret passageways in stark contrast with the austere gray homes of neighbouring villages. Spend time exploring the narrow streets by foot, and enjoy a café in the village square. You’ll also pass the Bruoux mines – a former labyrinth of 40 kilometers of 10-meter high tunnels carved into the ocher cliffs. Return to Gordes for a 2nd night.

Day 5: From Gordes to Fontaine de Vaucluse via the Perched villages of the Luberon

Several options are available.

Distance: from 31 to 61km
Climbing: from +440m to +820m

Today’s ride takes you from the hilltop village of Gordes to the mysterious emerald spring of Fontaine de Vaucluse. Along the way you’ll visit some of our favourite hilltop villages in the Luberon Mountains. Explore the ancient streets of Ménerbes, a village hoisted high atop a narrow ridge, overlooking the vines. Meander through the haunted streets of Oppède Le Vieux, climbing a labyrinth of stone steps towards the castle ruins set dizzyingly atop a cliff. Reach the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse and check in for a 2-night stay.

Day 6: Free day in Fontaine de Vaucluse

Enjoy a free day in the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where you can visit the mysterious spring, or enjoy a breathtaking kayak ride down the lazy, emerald waters of the Sorgue. You can also choose to complete a hike to the lost village of Saumane, along thyme-laden hills and via ancient dry-stone huts.

Day 7: From l’Isle sur la Sorgue to Pernes Les Fontaines

Distance: 30km
Climbing: +140m

It’s your last day of cycling: follow the course of the Sorgue River to the town of Isle sur la Sorgue. It’s a veritable island: the crystal clear waters of the river wrap around the center of town, adorned with ancient water wheels. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, and antique shops, while the town’s Thursday and Sunday markets are known throughout Provence. Farther west, you cycle through apple and pear orchards to return to Pernes les Fontaines.

Day 8: Au-revoir La Provence

Charm category

• Hôtel de l’Hermitage in Pernes les Fontaines 3* – 3 nights
• Hôtel Mas des Romarins 3* – 3 nights
• Hôtel du Poète in Fontaine de Vaucluse 3* – 2 nights

What is included in the price of your stay

• Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
• Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
• Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
• Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
• Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
• Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
• Assistance in case of problems 24/7.

What is not included in the price of your stay

• Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
• Transfer at the end of your stay.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..

Day 1: Welcome in Provence in Joucas

We’ll welcome you in your Relais & Châteaux in Joucas – whether le Phébus or the Mas des Herbes Blanches. We’ll go over your itinerary, ensure you’re comfortable with your bike, give you tips on our favourite restaurants and visits, and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Loop ride from Joucas towards Gordes

Distance:
Climbing:

Starting from Joucas, you’ll ride in the direction of Gordes, its narrow cobbled streets winding up in concentric circles to the 18th century church and Renaissance castle that crown the village. Continue to the haunted village of Oppède-le-Vieux, its massive stone homes in partial ruin, and overtaken by vegetation. You’ll also cycle through the village of Ménerbes, its regal homes set in a neat row atop a knife-edge ridge.

Day 3: from Joucas to Gargas

Distance:
Climbing:

Your destination today is La Coquillade hotel in Gargas, cycling through the red, orange, and yellow sands of ancient ocher deposits. You’ll climb to the village of Roussillon, painted in every color of the rainbow from its former ocher quarry, set below the village. You’ll also head to the Colorado Provençal, a vast open quarry of otherworldly sands and colorful cliffs, unique in Provence. You’ll pass through the bustling town of Apt before reaching Gargas.

Day 4: Loop from Gargas – the perched villages of the Luberon

Distance:
Climbing:

Today’s rendez vous is with the perched medieval villages of the Luberon: a succession of climbs and descents that take you to some of France’s most beautiful villages. You’ll start with the village of Bonnieux, with its quaint squares, its 12th century Romanesque church shaded by giant cedar trees. Continue to the village of Lacoste, its streets winding up to the ruins of the castle of the infamous Marquis de Sade. You’ll return to Gargas via a cycle path set on a former railway line.

Day 5 : from Gargas à Lauris

Distance:
Climbing:

Leave Gargas to head towards the vineyards and châteaus of the southern slopes of the Luberon Mountains. You’ll ride atop a vast plateau, its narrow road framed by endless lavender fields. Visit the perched medieval village of Saignon, crowned by its castle ruins. Via a canyon road you wind slowly down towards Lourmarin, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. The ride finishes in Lauris at the Domaine de Fontenille.

Day 6: Loop from Lauris

Distance:
Climbing:

Today’s loop stays around the southern Luberon, its villages and châteaus surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You’ll visit the hilltop village of Ansouis and its medieval castle. Farther along you reach the stone village of Cucuron, its giant water basin lined with centuries-old plane trees, cafés and restaurants: the perfect place for lunch. Along the way you can stop in an olive mill to taste excellent regional olive oil and learn how it’s made.

Luxury category

• Days 1 & 2 – Hôtel Le Phébus & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
• Or: Le Mas des Herbes Blanches Hôtel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
• Day 3 & 4 – Hôtel La Coquillade & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights
• Days 5 & 6 – Hôtel le Domaine de Fontenille – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 2 nights

• Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
• Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
• Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
• Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
• Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
• Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
• Assistance in case of problems 24/7.

What is not included in the price of your stay

• Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
• Transfer at the end of your stay.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..

10 itineraries are available

Examples:

Summit of Mont Ventoux

Distance: 79 km
Clmibing: +2158 m

Challenge yourself with the 21-kilometer climb of Mont Ventoux, made famous in the Tour de France. The first few kilometers are a warm-up, cycling through the foothills, passing tiny hamlets among cherry orchards. The hairpin turn at Saint Estève marks the toughest section: 10 kilometers of climbing at 10% grade, through the pine, then cedar, and finally beech forests. Exit the trees at the Chalet Reynard, where you enter Ventoux’s moonscape, climbing it to the summit. Freewheel down to the village of Malaucène on the western foot of the mountain, with the Alps in view. Cycle into the Dentelles de Montmirail range and its vines before returning to Bedoin.

Tour of Mont Ventoux

Distance: 115 km
Climbing: +1686m

It’s a complete circumnavigation of Mont Ventoux: a collection of climbs and descents including the remote Toulourenc Valley. Ride to the perched medieval village of Brantes, on Ventoux’ north face, and through lavender fields off the beaten track. You’ll pass tiny villages and ride through a countryside of fruit orchards and olive groves. You’ll visit the village of Sault, perched high above a plateau of lavender fields.

The Tour de France 2016

Distance: 60km
Climbing: +1100m

Ride southbound and into the Monts du Vaucluse range, harbouring hidden villages along its remote roads. Visit the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring, from where the emerald waters of the Sorgue River are borne. Visit the perched medieval village of Gordes, recently elected by Travel and Leisure magazine as the world’s most beautiful village. Cycle by 12th century Sénanque Abbey, set among its iconic lavender fields.

La Route des Vins

It’s a more tame itinerary, less climbing, heading into the plains of the Rhône Valley, the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. You’ll cycle through some of the region’s most sought-after wine-making villages, such as Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, or Sablet. Finish your ride by climbing the scenic Col de la Madeleine pass, and back to the southern foot of Mont Ventoux.

Cozy Category

• Hôtel La Garance 2-3*

Option : Luxury Category

• Hôtel Crillon Le Brave 5*

What is included in the price of your stay

• Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
• Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
• Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
• Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
• Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
• Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
• Assistance in case of problems 24/7.

What is not included in the price of your stay

• Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
• Transfer at the end of your stay.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..

Day 1: Welcome in Provence

It all starts in the medieval town of Avignon, nestled within its 14th century ramparts, still completely intact. You’ll find a wealth of medieval churches, cobbled streets, museums, cafés and restaurants, and the largest gothic monument ever built: the immense Papal Palace. Walk up to the gardens above the city and get a far-reaching panorama of all the mountain ranges you’ll cycle through during your adventure. We’ll give you a welcome meeting in the comfort of your hotel, ensure you’re comfortable with your bikes and our navigation system, give you tips and list our favorite restaurants, and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Avignon to Bedoin

Distance: 68 km
Climbing: +650 m

From Avignon head northbound to reach Châteauneuf du Pape, known around the world for its powerful and spicy red wines. Your itinerary meanders through the parcels of vines, and heads by famed estates, where you can stop for wine-tasting. Farther north, cycle through the bustling town of Orange, harboring a Roman theater: the best-conserved in the world. Turning towards the east, through a sea of vines, the mountains approach. Reach your accommodation at the foot of Mont Ventoux.

Day 3: Loop options from Bédoin

Distance: from 63 to 104 km
Climbing: from +1100m to +1650m

Several warm-up options are possible today, exploring the foothills of Mont Ventoux. You can choose a complete tour of Ventoux, via the lavender fields of Sault, and into the remote Toulourenc Valley to the north. You may also choose to visit the villages of the Dentelles de Montmirail: a set of limestone cliffs that soar high above the Rhône Valley vineyards. Or you can choose to ride the spectacular Nesque Gorge: a narrow road set high above a canyon, winding through tunnels cut into the stone cliffs.

Day 4: Mont Ventoux

Distance: 63km
Climbing: + 1860m

Today’s rendezvous is with the summit of Mont Ventoux, Provence’s highest mountain. From Bedoin the first 5km are relatively tame, climbing gently through the vines and cherry orchards. And then the infamous hairpin left of Saint Estève, where the road ramps up to 10%. You pass different ecosystems along the way, climbing above the oak, then cedar, then beech forests, and finally among bare rock — Ventoux’s infamous moonscape. You’ll see the summit throughout the next section: and somehow it doesn’t seem to get closer. You race down the north face of Ventoux, and if the skies are clear the entire chain of the Alps will act as your backdrop. The race downhill ends in the village of Malaucène. A scenic road links Malaucène back to Bedoin, over the Col de la Madeleine Pass, where a little extra effort will be required.

Day 5: From Bedoin to Gordes

Distance: 74 km
Climbing: +1300m

With Mont Ventoux at your backs, you cycle in between cherry trees and vineyards, and towards the perched villages of Blauvac and Méthamis: the latter set dizzyingly above the Nesque Gorge. Visit the charming little town of Pernes les Fontaines, with its cafés, quaint squares, and its numerous old fountains. Climb into the Monts du Vaucluse range and to the perched medieval village of Vénasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Above Vénasque, a pretty mountain road takes you up to the Col des Trois Termes pass; freewheel down to Sénanque Abbey, a jewel of 12th century Romanesque architecture, and surrounded by its lavender fields. Reach the village of Gordes for two nights.

Day 6: Loop in the Luberon

Distance: from 62 to 97 km
Climbing: from +960m to +1330m

The Luberon Mountains are dotted with villages straight from a storybook, its scenes carpeted with truffle oaks, old Provençal farmhouses, and orchards of all kinds. Today’s cycling loop explores the most scenic of the Luberon countryside. The village of Oppède le Vieux is lost in time, overtaken by vegetation, almost haunted; the village of Lacoste is crowned by the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade; the cafés and squares of the village of Bonnieux are an invitation for a lunch break; and the village of Roussillon is painted in every hue of pale yellow to deep red, from its otherworldly ocher mine.

Day 7: Au revoir Provence

After your check out, we’ll transfer you to Avignon, in time for your ongoing travels.

Charm category

• Hôtel d’Angleterre 3* – 1 night
• Hôtel La Garance 2-3* – 3 nights
• Hôtel Mas des Romarins 3* – 2 nights

OPTION : Luxury category

• Hôtel de l’Europe 5* in Avignon – 1 night
• Maison de Crillon in Crillon le Brave – 3 nights
• Hôtel les Bories 5* in Gordes – 2 nights

What is included in the price of your stay

• Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
• Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
• Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
• Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
• Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
• Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
• Assistance in case of problems 24/7.

What is not included in the price of your stay

• Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
• Transfer at the end of your stay.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..

Day 1: Welcome to Provence

You’ll be based in a comfortable hotel in Pernes les Fontaines – a charming and animated village with its markets, cafés and restaurants. We’ll meet you at your hotel for a briefing, and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2: Pernes les Fontaines to Orange

Distance: approx. 47 km
Climbing: approx. +350 m

Leaving Pernes les Fontaines you head northbound on a former railway line, now converted into a cycle path. Visit the city of Carpentras, with its historic streets, fabulous Friday market, and the oldest synagogue in Europe. You’ll then head through endless vineyards to reach the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, world renowned for its powerful and spicy red wines. A little farther you reach Orange, a Roman city complete with an ancient theater and triumphal arch. Spend two nights in the heart of Orange.

Day 3: Loop from Orange via Rochegude

Distance: approx. 42 km
Climbing: + 320 m

As you leave the Roman streets of Orange, you head off the beaten track, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône: the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. Cycle through the charming village of Sérignan du Comtat, with its cobbled streets, stone architecture, and scenic squares. You’ll cycle to the village of Rochegude, crowned by its 12th century fortress. On small country roads you climb into the forested hills of Uchaux. You then loop back to Orange for a 2nd night.

Day 4: from Orange to Bédoin

Distance: approx. 41 km
Climbing: approx. +520m

Leaving Orange you make your way back onto the cycle path, framed by a sea of vines. You cycle through the Dentelles de Montmirail range and the villages of Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise, two crus of the Côtes du Rhône Appellation. Finish your ride at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in the village of Bedoin, surrounded by cherry orchards. Spend three nights in Bedoin.

Days 5 & 6: Loop rides from Bédoin

Distance: from 35 to 75 km
Climbing: from +380 to +2015 m

Embark on two full days of riding from Bedoin, exploring the mountain roads and foothills of Mont Ventoux, known around the world for cycling. On Mondays, the village streets of Bedoin are lined with colorful market stalls, while the countryside is carpeted with cherry orchards and Muscat grapes. Ride the Gorges de la Nesque: a canyon road that hovers vertiginously above a cliff, and winds its way through tunnels etched into the bedrock. Or challenge yourself with the ultimate ride – the ascent of Mont Ventoux – 21 kilometers of climbing from Mediterranean forest to lunar landscapes.

Day 7: From Bédoin to Pernes les Fontaines

Distance: from 38 to 55 km
Climbing: from +420m to +560m

Leaving Bedoin you head southbound, climbing into the remote Monts du Vaucluse range. Reach the village of Vénasque, perched high above the cherry orchards, and listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its church harbors a 6th century baptismal pool, one of the oldest Christian relics in France. The village square, set around a stone fountain, is lined with cafés and shops. Cycle to the lost villages of Le Beaucet and La Roque sur Pernes before returning to Pernes les Fontaines.

Cozy category

• Day 1 : Hôtel de l’Hermitage 3* in Pernes les Fontaines
• Days 2 & 3 : Hôtel du Glacier 3* in Orange
• Days 4, 5 & 6 : Hôtel La Garance 2-3* in Bédoin

What is included in the price of your stay

• Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
• Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
• Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
• Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
• Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
• Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
• Assistance in case of problems 24/7.

What is not included in the price of your stay

• Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
• Transfer at the end of your stay.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..