Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
6.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
The air filled with the scent of lavender, the tangy aroma of freshly pressed olive oil and the sound of cicadas singing, the art de vivre in Provence is enhanced by its vineyards.
Renowned for its deep reds, ride through the great vines of Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Along the way, you'll experience the pleasures of Provence: enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace at sunset next to the pool, take in a concert performed in the glorious Roman theatre of Orange and marvel at the colourful markets, filled with the fragrance of Provence.
We invite you to explore beyond lavender fields through some of its most beautiful villages, to savour delectable Provencal cuisine and enjoy a Rendez-Vous with nature!
The cycling is mostly on plains or gentle foothills and we have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages. There are only occasional (unavoidable) short stretches on major roads. One or two parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views.
Avignon has everything needed to enchant you with its art de vivre and rich architectural heritage. The largest Gothic palace in Europe and epicenter of the city, the Palais des Papes was the residence of pontifical sovereigns during the 14th century.
Towards the edges of the city, the Pont d'Avignon - celebrated across the world - is also an amazing must-see witness to the city's history. Avignon, surrounded by its ancient ramparts, is very suitable to explore on foot. Through its narrow streets, you can discover many old monuments: chapels, churches, buildings from the Middle Ages, and eighteenth and nineteenth century hotels particuliers; art can be found on every corner, a veritable open-sky museum.
You stay at HOTEL MAGNAN.
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This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Ride through classical Provencal countryside past cherry orchards, fig trees, olive groves and meadows that provide an abundance of sun-drenched fruits and vegetables and cross pretty villages. Enjoy a break by the Sorgue river banks to cooldown. Continue to Isle sur la Sorgue.
Surrounded by the River Sorgue, this is a charming town to potter around, with narrow streets filled with quaint cafes, little antique shops, old bridges and water wheels, not to mention a bustling market every Sunday.
You stay at HOTEL DU POETE.
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Hotel du Poete is situated in an old mill, at the gates of the Luberon massif. The Sorgue river runs through the lovely gardens and they have an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. They have a restaurant “Le Bistrot” overlooking the river, offering gourmet dishes serving lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a sweet and savoury buffet.
This place is far too beautiful to leave so soon! Spend the day exploring the charming Luberon valley! Today’s route will lead you to Provence treasures : Hidden in the middle of the lavender expanses, stands a jewel of Romanesque architecture: Sénanque Abbey. Since the 12th century, this building has been home to a monastic community of Cistercian monks. Here, stop, breathe and relax.
Continue to Gordes one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Made up of wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens, Gordes is dominated by its Renaissance chateau, which also houses a museum. Explore its streets, crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.
Alternatively explore Fontaine de Vaucluse and the source of the Sorgue river.
You stay at HOTEL DU POETE.
MastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAircon
Hotel du Poete is situated in an old mill, at the gates of the Luberon massif. The Sorgue river runs through the lovely gardens and they have an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. They have a restaurant “Le Bistrot” overlooking the river, offering gourmet dishes serving lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a sweet and savoury buffet.
Marking the beginning of the Alps in the Rhone Valley, the 'Dentelles de Montmirail' are saturated by typically Mediterranean vegetation, aromatic herbs, holm oak, Aleppo pine and capers.
Orchards and hills covered with vineyards and olive trees, blades of limestone carved by erosion... you will discover breathtaking landscapes during your ride and will awaken your senses.
Your journey continues through the vineyards via the famous wine villages such as Beaumes-de-Venise (renowned for its muscat wines and olive oil museum), Vacqueyras and Gigondas (famous for its ruby-red wine, where you'll find masses of tasting opportunities).
You stay at HOTEL LE PRADET.
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This charming 3* hotel offers 30 rooms, some with a view of the outdoor swimming pool, garden or the Dentelles de Montmirail. They have a large garden where they provide activities such as pétanque (boules), table tennis and table football. Their bistro is open in the evenings, Wednesdays to Sundays only.
Your journey continues at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail to Séguret, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Pass through Vaison-la-Romaine, a charming Roman and medieval town, before crossing the Côtes du Rhône vineyards and their picturesque wine villages: Cairanne and Rasteau.
In Orange, absorb the ambiance of the Roman Empire, the Ancient Roman Theatre, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, is the most well preserved Roman theatre in all of Europe. Enjoy the lovely streets, many little squares, cafés shaded by sycamore trees and many restaurants that cook traditional provencal meals.
You stay at GRAND HOTEL D'ORANGE.
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This charming spa hotel is located in a quiet square the heart of Orange, near the Arc de Triomphe and the ancient theatre. They offer a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam and fitness room. Their buffet breakfast offers seasonal, organic products from the region, which can be taken on the restaurant’s terrace or in the dining room. Rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Leaving Orange, you cycle through the most prestigious vineyards of Provence to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned worldwide for the quality of its wines. Take time to stop and taste some of the region's great wines. Complex and aromatic this wine is a blend of 13 different grapes. Its unique terroir is derived from a layer of stones known as galets roulés (pebble rock). The stone stores heat throughout the day and releases it at night, which helps speed up grape ripening.
Continue towards Avignon on the ViaRhona cycling path.
You stay at HOTEL MAGNAN.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVAircon
This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £455.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Marseille airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
Flights
available
6.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
