With a history dating back to Roman times, today the Vaucluse is a patchwork of vineyards punctuated by olive groves and watched over by the silent majesty of Mt Ventoux - a Mecca for cyclists who come to challenge themselves in emulation of their Tour de France heroes. Our gentle 6 night cycling holiday, however, offers you a much more relaxed way to take in this fabulous region, one of the most fertile plains in southern France and home to such wine appellations as Gigondas, Vacqueyras and, further afield, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It's also home to the Ventoux appellation which, although not as well-known as its cousins from the Rhone Valley, offers some fantastic wines at equally impressive prices. West of the mountain the skyline is dominated by the silhouette of the Dentelles de Montmirail (so named after a type of lace and not, as some would have it, their tooth-like appearance) whose Jurassic-era limestone is instrumental in growing the area's most famous produce.
Your route takes you along quiet country lanes across plains and gentle foothills, with breath-taking views of Mt Ventoux acting as your backdrop for the week. Highlights include 12th century Vacqueyras, which lies in close proximity to the major names of the Southern Rhone as well as Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine with their UNESCO listed Roman World Heritage sites, and Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its Muscat wine! From Mazan, birthplace of the Festival de Provence, you can head off to the lively village of Bedoin at the foot of 'The Giant of Provence', then on to sample a bespoke picnic and wine pairing in the grounds of Chateau Pesquie. On your way back you have the option to visit the perched village of Venasque before coming to Pernes-les-Fontaines with its delightful old town and over 40 ancient stone fountains.
We've hand-picked a great mix of accommodation for you, each with a swimming pool and each offering fine Provencal cuisine and cellars full of local wine. In Pernes-les-Fontaines you stay in a 19th century stately manor house surrounded by landscaped gardens; in Montmirail your hotel is a 17th century villa tucked between vineyards and olive groves; then in Mazan you stay in an elegant B&B set in its own private garden filled with pomegranate, persimmon and almond trees.
Read more about this holiday in Savouir There Blog.
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in time to relax before dinner.
You stay at the Hotel l'Hermitage (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)
Setting out from Pernes-les-Fontaines you immediately find yourself surrounded by a sea of swaying vines and spectacular views of the 'Giant of Provence', Mt Ventoux, and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Heading towards the mountains takes you around Carpentras into the sleepy village of Loriol-du-Comtat. It's then on to Aubignan, a small market town with ramparts dating back to the 14th century and a pretty old quarter to explore - it's a perfect lunch spot. In the afternoon you'll come to the wine village of Vacqueyras, home to one of the Southern Rhone's bigger names, and from here make the short climb up to your beautiful hotel in Les Dentelles.
You stay at the Hotel Montmirail (breakfast and evening meal)
Today you are spoiled for choice. You can cycle through the Vacqueyras vineyards to the village of Gigondas, famous for its ruby-red wine, where you'll find masses of tasting opportunities (you can also visit Gigondas on foot by taking a leisurely stroll through the stunning Dentelles de Montmirail). Alternatively you could take a taxi to explore Orange with its famous UNESCO Roman amphitheatre and cathedral or to Chateauneuf du Pape for the world-famous vineyards there. However, if that all sounds too much you can simply relax by the pool and take in the wonderful Provencal ambiance.
You stay at the Hotel Montmirail (breakfast and evening meal)
Today you leave Les Dentelles behind as you head for the village of Beaumes-de-Venise with its muscat wines and olive oil museum. Then it's a gentle ride along quiet lanes, past olive groves at the foot of Mt Ventoux, to the ancient, fortified village of Caromb. Home to an impressive church, a 16th century watchtower and 14 fountains, it makes a nice option for lunch. With Mt Ventoux at your back now, head south through the vineyards to the mediaeval village of Mazan with its church wall made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi. Your home for the next two nights is the country chic Jardin de Mazan.
You stay at the Jardin de Mazan (breakfast included)
After breakfast take a ride to the lively village of Bedoin, named for the C8 Bedouins who settled there and home to the imposing church of Saint-Antonin, with its unique Spanish style - so different from any other in Provence. Bedoin is also the gateway to Mt Ventoux for more hardy cyclists seeking a challenge! From there follow established cycle routes to the Chateau Pesquie, which offers everything from a stroll in the vines, to a guided cellar tour, to a tasting, to a full picnic lunch in the gardens. Then it's back to Mazan, either to explore the village or relax by the pool before dinner.
You stay at the Jardin de Mazan (breakfast included)
This morning follow empty lanes and vineyard tracks to Malemort-du-Comtat before coming to the foot of the hill on which the wonderful mediaeval village of Venasque sits perched, still surrounded by the remains of its ramparts and three Saracen towers. Listed as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France', there is also a lovely 11th century baptistery right in the heart of the village. Heading back down leads you to the popular village of St-Didier with its great variety of lunch options. It's then a fairly short distance to the old town of Pernes-les- Fontaines where you should have time to explore before heading back to your hotel for a swim in the pool before dinner.
You stay at the Hotel l'Hermitage (breakfast at the hotel, evening meal at a local restaurant)
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own. Please see our Planning you holiday page for full details.
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Comfort Room or Superior Room.
The Comfort room is slightly larger and offers views over the hills. The Superior room is larger still and offers a veiw of the garden and pool.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Avignon TGV train station at 13:18, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 11:50.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Lovely holiday; fantastic way to see France.
Excellent bikes and apps in beautiful countryside . Not much information on where stop meals etc which weren’t provided .but hotels very welcoming and accommodating.
Very enjoyable holiday with stunning scenery and incredible food!
The ideal combination of active days in beautiful surroundings with indulgent meals and lovely accommodation, all arranged for you.
We had the most wonderful holiday cycling on electric bikes in the Ventoux region of Provence, to celebrate my 70th birthday earlier this month. Our guide, Christophe, was very helpful and charming and most anxious to ensure that we had a fantastic holiday. Similarly the hotel staff were very keen to provide a high quality of service, particularly in helping me locate a lost jacket. The Jardin de Mazan was the most wonderful hotel both in the quality of accommodation and the wonderful meal Eric cooked for us, Both Eric and his wife did everything possible to make our stay memorable and nothing was too much trouble for them. It will be a very hard holiday to beat.
Our trip to Provence was spectacular ! Headwater very kindly customised our trip, to allow my husband to fulfil a long term dream - cycling up Mont Ventoux, for his 60th birthday.
Megan, at Headwater, kept me involved and up to date with the progress of the booking from when the initial enquiry was made until we departed for France. The standard of the hotels was superb, the navigation app kept us on track and the road bikes we were provided with for the ascent of Mont Ventoux were spot on. Overall an excellent trip.
Really enjoyable, accommodation and food were really good, navigation app was brilliant, Christophe’s advice on where to go and to eat was invaluable, itinerary was also fantastic with options to do as much or little as we wanted. The routes were very well planned being mostly on quiet back roads through beautiful scenery. As the weather was very hot we chose to bike in the mornings so we could relax in the afternoons. In cooler whether we would have taken more time and explored more en route.
Wonderful area with excellent cycling and bikes . We were very disappointed with the Hotel Hermitage which we had stayed at 3 times before but had changed hands . The welcome was dismissive and the quality of rooms within our group was very different. Other hotels were excellent with the reception at Le Jardiniere de Mazan the ambience and food quite marvellous . We were disappointed that the representative on the ground felt that helping with a difficult puncture was not in his brief
Lovely cycling routes and the electric bikes allow hilltop village visits with ease. Excellent bikes and support. And our stay at the Jardin de Mazan was an absolute highlight of the trip.
We enjoyed our trip through this wine growing region and thought the routes were well planned though they do involve cycling past many vines! . The Jardin de Mazan hotel was a highlight with beautiful rooms and delightful owners. The food was good throughout the trip. Christophe gave us an excellent briefing with many useful pointers and recommendations. Although the app generally worked well we still do prefer to have actual maps of the area, not just the route, and we would definitely recommend having a portable charger for the phone.
Another excellent holiday with Headwater. The routes, the towns, the accommodation all just right. My only request would be that some new routes are added for France as we have nearly exhausted them all.
We loved the freedom that a self-guided tour gave us to set off at the time that was right for us, take breaks when we wanted, stop for lunch where we wanted and travel at our own pace. The hotels along the way were excellent and far more "up market" than we expected. The Headwater staff, from the initial booking to the location rep, were extremely helpful and informative. We will definitely be going on another Headwater holiday.
Enjoyable rides, more challenging than expected remember French towns close on Sunday especially off season!
Our holiday ticked a lot of boxes for us as it involved exercise and was outside in beautiful nature, we also visited charming and traditional French villages. All of the staff were welcoming and helpful and the bicycle routes were perfect for us as they were mostly through vineyards and olive groves, so that the routes felt safe.
VERY NICE HOLIDAYS!! Nice cycling, with wonderful food and wine.
Location/routes are excellent as is the food and value, just a shame many of the bedrooms are so basic
Lovely accommodation, great food and gentle cycling.
Always interesting, off the beaten track and a chance to meet the local population and enjoy the quiet and peace of the countryside.
Headwater has never disappointed. We have travelled with Headwater at least 6 times. The hotels are always full of character and the food good. We had a problem with a persistent puncture and Mark came twice to fix. I left a necklace in one of the room safes. All the hotels replied promptly. It was found at Chateau Mazan who sent it back very effeciently and quickly
Excellent , few errors in information re places visited. Above strange error in travel arrangements. Otherwise great holiday.
A perfect way to experience nature and culture in this region of Provence.
Headwater could provide water bottles and helmet options for travellers outside Europe. We were fortunate previous visitors had left 2 helmets for our use this visit.
Although we have been very many times with Headwater, this was a last minute booking due to a health problem. The assistance of the Headwater staff could not have been better, Thank you.
However we do have an issue regarding our bill from the Chateau Mazan and we will be writing to you separately to seek your opinion.
A chance to sample another country's culture and experience the landscape on an excellent mode of transport
Surprisingly easy going for the independent traveller, yet adventurous, with a touch of comfort
Very friendly and approachable reps. Nothing too much trouble. Good support with cycling information.
A pleasant way to experience 'off the beaten' track regions through a very manageable itinerary and allowing for a high level of independence whilst in the comfort of knowing the back up is there if required. The quality of both bikes and hotels excellent - would use Headwater again.
Suited us well as a mixture of cycling plus time to relax. We cycled each day and were pleased we visited the suggested towns. Pools at the hotels a great advantage. Always a gamble finding a lunch venue in unknown villages but we never had a bad meal all week.
I think we found only two signposts missing but it was easy to work the route out.
We had a lovely cycling holiday on the Cotes to Ventoux tour. The reps were great in picking us up and explaining about the bikes and timings etc. The hotels were lovely especially the first 2, which had the best food too! It was nice cycling along at our own time and the notes were good in explaining where to go so didn't get lost.
Being able to easily visit several locations made the holiday much more interesting, and so nice not to have to think about where to park the car. Electric bikes gave us so much freedom to see more things at our age (66 and 76!)
We enjoyed our holiday in the lovely countryside and the cycling routes were scenic but it would have been nice to cycle past some lavender fields as they feature so prominently in postcards and appear in the brochure. We particularly enjoyed the traditional country hotel at the beginning of our holiday including breakfasting outdoors and the outdoor dining and leisure area of Montmirail was particularly nice. It is nice to return from a cycle to a relaxing swim. The food and wine is generally excellent and gives the opportunity to try some regional specialities. We really enjoyed our holiday.
Excellent service from headwater head office....even a phone call to tell us train was delayed. Also great service from local reps.
Exxcellent trip,superb reps,only complaint food at Les Pins - an uninspired menu for the demi pension. No choice,poor value
Wonderful relaxing holiday
We found the holiday extremely well organised, we had no problem with arrangements from start to finish despite the problems France are having at the moment with strikes. The reps Jon and Neu were the best we have experienced on any Headwater holiday, they worked hard to ensure the experience was as good as it could be. We were also impressed with the bikes, which were easy to operate and very comfortable.
A most enjoyable holiday in Provence - beautiful surroundings and the villages could always serve great coffees! Good to have a chance to explore locally on alternate days, on the bus or on the bikes. Excellent accommodation and support from Jon and Neu.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 6 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
Bike hire
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
| Departing | Tour only | Prices  |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 9th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 11th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 16th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 18th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 23rd May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 25th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 30th May 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 6th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 8th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 13th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 15th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 20th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 22nd Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 27th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 29th Jun 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Check availability | ||||
| 6th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 11th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 13th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 18th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 20th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 25th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 27th Jul 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Check availability | ||||
| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Check availability | ||||
| 3rd Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 8th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Check availability | ||||
| 10th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 15th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 17th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 22nd Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 24th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 29th Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 31st Aug 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Departing | Tour only | Prices |
Single supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 7th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 12th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 14th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 19th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 21st Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 26th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| 28th Sep 2024 | US$2425 | US$519 | Tour only: US$2425 Single supp: US$519 |
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| Check availability | ||||
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Thursday & Saturday departures from 4th May 2024 to 28th Sep 2024, for 6 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £176 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Avignon TGV train station at 13:18, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 11:50.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
