Côtes du Rhône & Dentelles de Montmirail
It’s a short but very sweet adventure, accompanying you along the riches of the Côtes du Rhône Valley, the world’s second largest vineyard. A sea of vineyards stretches along the hillsides above the Rhône River, and is dotted with pretty Provençal villages. It’s a holiday for wine lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and most of all: for those who love exploring by bike.
You’ll begin in the picturesque town of Pernes les Fontaines, adorned with its medieval buildings and no less than 40 stone fountains, bustling restaurants and cafés. From there you’ll head to Châteauneuf du Pape, undisputed king of Rhône Valley wines, and then north to the town of Orange, where you’ll spend the night. Next you’ll explore the wine-making villages of the Dentelles de Montmirail range, tucked under imposing limestone cliffs. The ride ends in the village of Bedoin, set below the foot of Provence’s biggest mountain, Mont Ventoux. And from Bedoin several loop rides are available – from easy to Ventoux – to get you better acquainted with the region’s authentic villages, cherry orchards, and Muscat grape vineyards.
Cozy and comfortable 2 and 3* hotels have been chosen for this adventure: one night in the Hotel le Glacier in Orange, and two nights at the bike-friendly 2* La Garance in Bedoin. As an option, we can help you book a pre-tour and post-tour night in the Hotel l’Hermitage in Pernes les Fontaines.
Several options are available every day.
Day 1: Exploring the Côtes du Rhône
Distance : 35 to 45 km
Climbing : +150m to +250m
Explore the picturesque medieval streets of Pernes les Fontaines before leaving by bike: taking small country roads across long stretches of vineyards, in the heart of wine-making country. The omnipresent Mediterranean sun and Mistral winds highlight the colorful villages and orchards as you head westward. You’ll reach the small village of Châteauneuf du Pape, world-renowned for its powerful reds, with lots of opportunity for visits and tastings. End the ride in the town of Orange, centered around its Roman theater, the best conserved in the world.
Day 2: From Orange to Bedoin
Distance : 37 to 55km
Climbing : +360m to +550m
Head towards and below the Dentelles de Montmirail: a set of towering limestone cliffs that harbor tiny wine-making villages. You’ll visit Vacqueyras, one of the crus of the Côtes du Rhône, and Beaumes de Venise, set below its castle ruins, and surrounded by its naturally sweet white muscat grapes, used to make its famed Muscat wines (wine-tasting is in order!). You’ll finish the ride in the cycle-crazy village of Bedoin, at the southern foot of the Giant of Provence: Mont Ventoux.
Day 3: A loop in the Dentelles de Montmirail
Distance : 40 to 55km
Climbing : from +600m to +900m
From Bedoin, it’s a ride that takes you into the heart of the Dentelles range. Postcardable viewpoints are around every corner. Exhilarating climbs and descents lead to villages lost among the vines, and clinging to rocky outcrops. Visit the village of La Roque Alric, just a handful of homes perched dizzyingly above the vineyards; and Le Barroux, its narrow cobbled streets winding up to its 12th century castle, towering above the village.
Day 4: From Bedoin to Pernes les Fontaines
Distance : 25 to 30km
Climbing : from +200m to +350m
The return ride to Pernes les Fontaines is filled with eye-candy, heading into the Monts du Vaucluse range. Hamlets and villages are lost in time, and surrounded by cherry orchards. Visit the hilltop village of Vénasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, its Romanesque church harboring a baptismal pool from the 6th century, one of the oldest religious relics in France. Return to Pernes les Fontaines, and take the time to explore…
Cozy category
- Day 1: Hôtel du Glacier 3* in Orange
- Day 2 & 3: Hôtel La Garance 2-3* in Bédoin
- (Optional pre and post-tour: Hôtel de l’Hermitage in Pernes les Fontaine 3*)
- 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.)..
