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 42km 271m

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 61km 483m

  You are now entering the Massif d’Uchaux appellation. A unique atmosphere emanates from this terroir through its Mediterranean forest, a veritable treasure chest of greenery where all your senses will be stimulated. You’ll then reach the village of Rasteau, a Côtes du Rhône appellation well known to wine lovers. To enrich your experience, don’t miss a visit to Vaison-la-Romaine, a historic town in the south of France renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman archaeological sites and its Provencal charm with picturesque alleyways and colorful markets.

From SEGURET to VENASQUE 45km 502m

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 57km 802m

  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 561m

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 40km 612m

  L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a charming Provencal town, often nicknamed the “Venice of Comtadine” because of its many canals fed by the Sorgue river. It’s a must for lovers of antiques and second-hand goods, with renowned markets attracting visitors and collectors all year round. Its paddlewheels, remnants of the paper and silk industries, give the town a unique charm. Cycling through the centre, you’ll discover some magnificent historic buildings, such as the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, with its richly decorated baroque interior. You can also take advantage of the shady terraces along the quays for a riverside break, or explore the alleyways and their local craft shops.

COUSTELLET, LOOP TO GORDES, MENERBES AND ROUSSILLON

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. 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. After a well-deserved break, 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.

From COUSTELLET to SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE 50km 217m

Leaving Coustellet, the route crosses the market-garden plain towards Cavaillon, dominated by the Saint-Jacques hill. The climb offers fine views over the Durance valley before descending to Orgon, a village marked by its rocky outcrop and the Notre-Dame de Beauregard chapel. The route continues to Eygalières, a charming hilltop village with narrow streets lined with stone houses. A short climb leads to the remains of the old village and its esplanade, offering panoramic views over the Alpilles and the Comtat plain. After Mollégès, in the heart of fruit and olive groves, the route reaches Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. At the gateway to the Alpilles, this lively town reveals its shady squares, mansions and the ancient remains of Glanum. A stopover between Provencal villages and open landscapes, ideal for appreciating the character and history of the region.

SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE, LES BAUX DE PROVENCE LOOP 38km 297m

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 56km 480m

  Go and discover the Alpilles. This small limestone massif is remarkable for the presence of numerous Mediterranean species which offer an incomparable diversity of colours and landscapes. Its fauna is just as diverse and remarkable… a real delight for lovers of nature and Provence.

From SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE to AVIGNON 43km 168m

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 your cycling trip after breakfast.
Have a safe journey home!