Provence : between Vineyards and olive groves

Cycling information

Day 1: Arrive in Avignon

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 (Breakfast included)

Day 2: Avignon - Fontaine de Vaucluse 33 km (20 miles)

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 (Breakfast included)

Day 3: Loop to Gordes 43 km (26 miles)

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 (Breakfast included)

Day 4: Fontaine de Vaucluse - Vacqueyras 44 km / 50 km (27/ 31 miles)

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 Le Pradet (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Vacqueyras - Orange 42 km (26 miles)

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 (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Orange - Avignon 34 km (21 miles)

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 (Breakfast included)

Day 7: Leave Avignon