Vaucluse Vineyards Cycling

Location: Provence, France. Holiday type: Independent cycling, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by Headwater employed rep. Activity level: Upper 1 bike Duration: 9 days (8 nights) Hotels: A mix of mid range/good value, friendly/quirky. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Every two days from 1 May '12 to 8 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights A feast for foodies, this 8-night tour circles the famous Cotes de Rhone vineyards, and includes 2 nights in Vaison la Romaine - France's most extensive Roman site with 6000-seat theatre, baths, houses and streets. Swimming pools 6 nights out of 8.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive for dinner in St Didier

Your *** hotel is in it's own grounds just outside the village of St Didier. It offers a good sized pool and tennis courts.

Day 2 - St Didier to Beaumes de Venise 22km/14mi

An easy flat cycle across the Comtadine plain, with the majestic Mont Ventoux (1912m) and the jagged limestone pinnacles of Les Dentelles de Montmirail as a dramatic backdrop. A quick stop at Mazan - look out for the strange church wall made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi - then up winding country lanes to our friendly family-run hotel set in lovely tranquil surrounds in the heart of the Beaumes de Venise vineyards. Each of the six Provencal style bedrooms opens on to its own terrace and garden, and meals are taken on the vine-covered terrace by the pool.

Day 3 - At Beaumes de Venise

You are spoiled for choice today: Beaumes de Venise vineyards, olive oil museum, or the cobbled streets of nearby picturesque Bedoin, named after the C8 Bedouins who settled here. You might like to make a leisurely visit to the nearby chateau at Crillon-le-Brave or stroll through the stunning Dentelles de Montmirail to Gigondas, famous for it's ruby-red wine - masses of tasting opportunities. Lots of circular walks available too, or simply relax by the pool.

Day 4 - Beaumes de Venise to Vaison-la-Romaine 32km/20mi

Fabulous views of Les Dentelles this morning as you wind your way up to the pretty village of Suzette and then on to Le Barroux with its impressive chateau. Your route continues through forests, vineyards and cherry orchards, to a lunch stop at the fortified village of Malaucene (where Pope Clement V once lived). The final section is an easy paced cycle along country lanes to the Roman garrison town of Vaison-la-Romaine, where you spend in our artistic hotel in the heart of the town centre. Evening meals are arranged (included) at local restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 5 - At Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison has France's most extensive Roman remains including a 6000-seat theatre, baths, houses and streets. There's a fine 13C cathedral and cloisters, castle ruins and fortified gateway, and squares with cool central fountains. The two halves of the town are joined by a 2000 year old single arch Roman bridge which, amazingly, is still in use. It's well worth crossing to explore the narrow mediaeval streets and little squares of the Haute Ville.

Day 6 - Vaison-la-Romaine to Cairanne 29km/18mi

Via Roaix and across the Ouveze River to mediaeval Seguret - officially ranked among the most beautiful villages in France - whose streets hug the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. There's a 15C fountain and a 14C belfry and a ruined feudal castle offering far reaching views out across the Rhone Valley. Then it's on through pretty Sablet and through extensive vineyards to our friendly little hotel in Cairanne.

Day 7 - At Cairanne

Orange, a thriving regional centre, is 12km away. It has two marvellous World Heritage sites - an elaborately decorated triumphal arch and a beautifully-preserved Roman theatre which hosts regular evening performances - no problem to arrange a taxi. Or explore the local Cairanne vineyards - lots to choose from - or simply relax by the hotel pool.

Day 8 - Cairanne to St Didier 38km/24mi

Your final day's cycling takes you through the Cote du Rhone Vineyards stopping first at charming Vacqueyras where there are lots of caves. From here there's an optional detour to mediaeval Carpentras - cathedral, atmospheric cobbled streets and weekly (Fri) market - before returning via fountain-filled Pernesles- Fontaines (40 fountains in total!) to St Didier.

Day 9 - Leave St Didier

Note: The town fetes take place in Vaison on 14-16 July and 14-17 August. Join in the fun or come at a quieter time!