Itinerary: 

Several options are available for every ride.

Day 1:  Arrival in Gordes, Sénanque Abbey

Distance: 15km to 50km
Climbing: +250m to 800m 

We’ll meet you in the comfort of your hotel for a briefing and bike fitting. An optional first day’s ride takes you above the village of Gordes, where the views of the Luberon range become wide-sweeping. Reach the hidden village of Murs, surrounded by cherry orchards and lavender fields, the tiny village center the perfect spot for a mid-morning café.  Ride to Sénanque Abbey, built in a remote valley, where you can choose to partake in a guided tour of the medieval buildings. Optional longer routes head to isolated passes separating the Luberon from the Ventoux range, including stunning canyon roads.     

Day 2: The perched villages of the Luberon

Distance: 35km to 55km 

Climbing: +500m to +850m 

The Luberon chain rises dramatically from the plains, while stunning villages are tucked in the foothills. A short but steep climb leads to the lost medieval village of Oppède-le-Vieux, its cobbled streets and haunting ruins setting you back centuries in time. Visit Ménerbes, set on a knife-edge ridge, its regal homes in a neat line, towering above the vines.  And don’t forget the village of Lacoste, a compact set of medieval streets topped by the ruins of its castle, once occupied by the infamous Marquis de Sade. The longest of the three itineraries then continues to the charming village of Bonnieux, a lively set of streets and squares, restaurants and cafés, with an awe-inspiring viewpoint atop the village, under the shade of giant cedars.     

Day 3: Roussillon and Ocher fields

Distance: 25 to 50 km
Climbing: from  +400m to +500m

Head eastbound from Gordes, riding through orchards, vines and lavender fields. Reach the perched village of Roussillon, a storybook village of homes painted in every imaginable color. Meander through the colorful streets by foot, exploring hidden stairways, art galleries, and artisanal shops.  Below the village, an otherworldly landscape of ocher sands and cliffs lent its palette to the town homes. Longer options for the day’s ride head off the beaten track, to the Provençal villages of Rustrel and Saint Saturnin les Apt, where picturesque village squares are the perfect setting for a bistro lunch.   

Luxury category

• Hôtel Les Bories & Spa 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 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.)..

10 itineraries are available:

Example of Day 1: Climbing Mont Ventoux

Distance : 79 km
Climbing: +2158 m

Climb Mont Ventoux by its famed south face, the one most used in the Tour de France. While the first few kilometers are rather tame, through the vines and cherry orchards, you then enter the forest and the slopes become steep. Reaching the Chalet Reynard, you enter Ventoux’s famed moonscape, aiming for the giant tower that marks the summit. Freewheel for 22km down to the village of Malaucène, during with the chain of the Alps visible to the north. Reach your hotel via the Dentelles de Montmirail chain, a set of vertical limestone cliffs that soar above the vines.

Example of Day 2: Tour du Mont Ventoux

Distance: 115 km
Climbing: +1686m

This scenic ride takes you behind the mountain, through the remote Toulourenc Valley, Ventoux’s only river. The sheer north face of Ventoux acts as a backdrop as you climb to the village of Brantes, just a handful of homes perched high above the valley, and staring defiantly at the mountain. You’ll also experience the Nesque Gorge, a beautifully paved canyon road that snakes its way down to the valley, cutting through tunnels carved into the limestone cliffs.

Example of Day 3: Following the Tour de France 2016

Distance: 60 km
Dénivelé: +1100 m

This itinerary heads southbound from Ventoux, exploring the Monts du Vaucluse range and the magnificent hilltop villages of the Luberon. Riden in the Tour de France 2016, this undulating ride takes you to the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse, where emerald waters crash out of a mysterious spring. You’ll also visit the village of Gordes, recently named by Travel and Leisure magazine as the world’s most beautiful village.

Cozy category

• Hôtel la Garance 2-3* in Bédoin

OPTION : Charm category

• Hôtel le Château de Mazan 4*

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: The villages of Mont Ventoux

Several options are available for this ride.

Distance: 35 to 45 km
Climbing: from +400m to +600m

The majestic south face of Mont Ventoux will be the backdrop for the day’s ride; at a vertical mile above the foothills, it’s a beacon for both locals and travelers. Visit the authentic villages of Bédoin, Villes sur Auzon, and Mormoiron on seldom used country roads, letting the Mistral winds and chant of the cicadas guide you.

Day 2: The Nesque Gorge

Several options are available for this ride.

Distance: approx. 75 km
Climbing: from +900m to +1200m

Rendezvous with one of – if not the most – spectacular cycling road in Provence: the Nesque Gorge. Perched high above a canyon, the narrow road snakes its way down to the valley, over 20km, piercing through tunnels carved into the bedrock. The views are stunning. You’ll reach the tiny village of Monieux, at the base of the cliff, where a charming restaurant has its tables adorning the fountain square: the perfect place for lunch. In the summer months, the local lavender fields are in bloom.

Day 3: The Dentelles de Montmirail

Several options are available for this ride.

Distance: 35 to 70 km
Climbing: from +300m to +800m

This spectacular ride takes you into the Dentelles de Montmirail range: a set of limestone cliffs surrounded by renowned vineyards. Exciting climbs and descents take you up close, up to passes with spectacular viewpoints, and into villages lost in the vines. Visit the village of Le Barroux, crowned by its 12th century castle; or the village of La Roque Alric, just a handful of homes clinging dizzyingly to a rocky spur, above the vines.

Charm category

• Hôtel Château de Mazan 4*

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.)..

Several options are available for every ride.

Day 1: At the foot of Mont Ventoux

Distance: 27 to 37 km
Climbing: from +340m to +430 m

It’s a meander through the sleepy wine-making villages at the foot of Mont Ventoux, separated by truffle oak plantations, cherry orchards, and Muscat grapes. The villages and hamlets are set where the cultivated fields meet the wild and forested slopes, with gentle climbs and descents along the way. Several viewpoints offer far-reaching panoramas of the Rhône Valley, and the mountain ranges to the south.
Just outside the village of Mormoiron you can stop by the elegant Château Pesquié, where you can try some of their Côtes du Ventoux wines.

Day 2: the Dentelles de Montmirail and Côtes du Rhône

Distance: 37 to 54 km
Climbing: from +779m to +914m

Head into the Dentelles de Montmirail today: a set of serrated limestone cliffs that soar high above the famed vineyards of Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise, and other wine-making villages. Short and exhilarating climbs and descents lead to jaw-dropping viewpoints, while the country roads take you to villages lost in the hills: just a handful of homes atop rocky outcrops. There are plenty of wine-tasting opportunities along the way.

Day 3: Into the Plains

Distance: from 40 to 45 km
Climbing: from +500m to +600m

It’s the third and final day of cycling around the elegant Crillon le Brave Hotel. Heading southbound, you pass farmhouses and cypress trees, while the countryside is carpeted with Côtes du Rhône vineyards. Heading into the Monts du Vaucluse hills, you reach the stunning village of Vénasque, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, perched high above the cherry orchards. Spend time strolling through the narrow cobbled streets, or having the most scenic of café lunches in the fountain square.

Luxury category

• Hôtel & SPA 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.)..

Several options are available every day

Day 1: Between the Monts du Vaucluse and the Luberon

Distance: 25 to 35km
Climbing: from +550m to +700m

From the small village of Joucas, head towards the perched medieval village of Gordes, recently named the world’s most beautiful village. Explore the network of cobbled streets by foot. Climb over a pass and descend to the 12th century Sénanque Abbey, surrounded by its iconic lavender fields. Return to Joucas via the wild slopes of the Monts du Vaucluse Mountains.

Day 2: From Joucas to Gargas via the perched villages of the Luberon

Distance: from 40 to 55 km
Climbing: from +700m to +1000m

Today’s ride takes you to some of the region’s most spectacular hilltop villages, dotting a countryside carpeted with cherry orchards, vines, and lavender fields. Visit the village of Ménerbes, set atop a knife-edge ridge, its perfect medieval buildings set dizzyingly above the vineyards. Explore the village of Lacoste, crowned by the castle ruins of the infamous Marquis de Sade. And discover the haunting village of Oppède-le-Vieux, its stone buildings in different states of disrepair, where it feels as if time stopped centuries ago. Reach the Hotel Coquillade & Spa, and settle in for a 2-night stay.

Day 3: The ocher cliffs of the Luberon

Distance: from 40 to 55km
Climbing: from +600m to +900m

The ride takes you into the heart of the Luberon mountains, and to its most remote villages. You’ll admire the towering cliffs of Buoux, or the castle ruins set atop the tiny village of Saignon, from where you have far-reaching views across the Luberon valley.

Luxury category

• Hôtel Le Phébus & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 1 night
• Hôtel La Coquillade & Spa – 5* – Relais & Châteaux – 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.)..