Self-guided cycling
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
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.
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.
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in time to relax before dinner.
You stay at Hotel l'Hermitage.
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Pool
WiFi
TV
Aircon
This 19th century residence, transformed into a hotel, feels like an old family home. It is set amidst 2 hectares of grounds bedecked with fountains, many species of trees, and an orangery. The Hotel l'Hermitage is about 4km outside Pernes-les-Fontaines.
The hotel also has a swimming pool in the heart of the property.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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 Hotel Montmirail.
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Minibar
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Tea/coffee
Just a short distance from both Vacqueyras and Gigondas is the Hotel Montmirail, a handsome 19th century villa tucked away between vines and olive trees at the foot of the lace like peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The hotel features a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bar, as well as a swimming pool and an expansive patio in the garden. Standard rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibar, while upgraded rooms are decorated in a French country style and have views of the garden and pool.
Please note that there are no twin rooms at this hotel.
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 Hotel Montmirail.
ShopsMastercardAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafeTea/coffee
Just a short distance from both Vacqueyras and Gigondas is the Hotel Montmirail, a handsome 19th century villa tucked away between vines and olive trees at the foot of the lace like peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The hotel features a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bar, as well as a swimming pool and an expansive patio in the garden. Standard rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibar, while upgraded rooms are decorated in a French country style and have views of the garden and pool.
Please note that there are no twin rooms at this hotel.
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 Jardin de Mazan.
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With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.
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 Jardin de Mazan.
MastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVAirconSafe
With just 7 invdividually decorated bedrooms, the Jardin de Mazan is a comfortable yet intimate B&B in the centre of Mazan. The owners, Eric and Agnes, have lovingly restored the 17th century building and it retains many of its original features including its magnificent main staircase and wooden beamed ceilings. There is a cosy library come lounge to relax in, an outdoor salt water pool and a large shady garden filled with fragrant fruit trees.
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 Hotel l’Hermitage.
MastercardPoolWiFiTVAircon
This 19th century residence, transformed into a hotel, feels like an old family home. It is set amidst 2 hectares of grounds bedecked with fountains, many species of trees, and an orangery. The Hotel l'Hermitage is about 4km outside Pernes-les-Fontaines.
The hotel also has a swimming pool in the heart of the property.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Carre Vieux Port, Marseille; Hotel Le Grimaldi, Nice; Hotel Central, Avignon.
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Situated by the well-known old port - which gives the hotel its name - the Hotel Carre Vieux Port is in the perfect location to make the most of this vibrant city. The hotel has cosy, modern rooms with contemporary bathrooms and fixtures.
There are plenty of restaurants near the hotel for you choose from for dinner.
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Le Grimaldi has 46 individually decorated rooms all equipped with air-conditioning, satellite tv, minibar, safe and hairdryer.
Ideally situated in the heart of Nice the hotel is just three minutes' walk to the pedestrian area of the city with its vast choice of bars and restaurants, 10 minutes walk from the Promenade des Anglais and 15 minutes walk from the Old Town.
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Located in the heart of the Old Town of Avignon, the Hotel Central is situated in the historic centre of Avignon and close to the Palais des Papes and the famous Saint Benezet bridge. Hotel Central offers comfortable rooms with authentic charm. There is a pretty terrace where you can have drinks or enjoy breakfast.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £363.
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, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
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: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
