France : Provence

Cotes du Ventoux Cycling

Trip code: C06PV 4.8 (36 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

10.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

SUMMARY

  • Gentle cycling between the vineyards of the Cotes-du-Rhone and Ventoux appellations
  • Colourful medieval towns and villages; eclectic markets; good local wines with plenty of tasting opportunities
  • Quiet lanes and tranquil countryside at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail
  • Lively Bedoin, gateway to the incredible Mt Ventoux
  • Wonderful family-run hotels, each with a pool

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

Terrain

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.

Read more about this holiday in Savouir There Blog.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Pernes-les-Fontaines

Arrive at your 3-star hotel in time to relax before dinner.

You stay at Hotel l'Hermitage.

hotel details



Hotel l’Hermitage, Pernes-les-Fontaines

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
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.

Day 2: Pernes-les-Fontaines to Vacqueyras (32km/19.9mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Montmirail.

hotel details



Hotel Montmirail , Vacqueyras

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
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.

Day 3: At Vacqueyras (Optional) (16km/9.9mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Montmirail.

hotel details



Hotel Montmirail , Vacqueyras

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
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.

Day 4: Vacqueyras to Mazan (25km/15.5mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Jardin de Mazan.

hotel details

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


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.

Day 5: At Mazan (Optional) (28km/17.4mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Jardin de Mazan.

hotel details

 equivalent

Jardin de Mazan, Mazan

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


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.

Day 6: Mazan to Pernes-les-Fontaines (26km/16.2mi or 21km/13.0mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Hotel l’Hermitage.

hotel details



Hotel l’Hermitage, Pernes-les-Fontaines

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
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.

Day 7: Leave Pernes-les-Fontaines

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.

Extending your holiday

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.

hotel details



Hotel Carre Vieux Port, Marseille

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Tea/coffee


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.



Hotel Le Grimaldi, Nice

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Market
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


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.



Hotel Central, Avignon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Tea/coffee


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.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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NZ$3675
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NZ$3675
 
 

These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$691.

TRAVEL DETAILS

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.

REVIEWS

Excellent experience where I experienced kindness as well as hospitality. I felt completely safe as a solo independent cyclist and knew I had the backup of the headwater rep if required.

Margaret Ferguson, 8 Aug 2024

 

Lovely holiday; fantastic way to see France.

JACKSON, 15 Jun 2023

 

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.

ALLEN, 7 Jun 2023

 

Very enjoyable holiday with stunning scenery and incredible food!



Mrs Fellows, 6 May 2023

 

The ideal combination of active days in beautiful surroundings with indulgent meals and lovely accommodation, all arranged for you.

Mr Shoemaker, 8 Sep 2022

 

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.

Mrs Marsland, 18 Aug 2022

 

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.

Mrs Bolton, 14 Aug 2022

 

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.

Mr Wilson, 6 Aug 2022

 

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

Mr Barker, 11 Jun 2022

 

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.

Mrs Hill, 9 Jun 2022

 

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.





Mr Brownscombe, 7 May 2022

 

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.

Mrs Sanderson, 24 Sep 2019

 

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.

Mr Teague, 5 Aug 2019

 

Enjoyable rides, more challenging than expected remember French towns close on Sunday especially off season!

Mr Holt, 4 Oct 2018

 

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.

Ms Kaplan, 14 Sep 2018

 

VERY NICE HOLIDAYS!! Nice cycling, with wonderful food and wine.

Mr Maffei, 21 Aug 2018

 

Location/routes are excellent as is the food and value, just a shame many of the bedrooms are so basic

Mr Crooks, 5 Aug 2018

 

Lovely accommodation, great food and gentle cycling.

Mrs Ackroyd, 26 Jul 2018

 

Always interesting, off the beaten track and a chance to meet the local population and enjoy the quiet and peace of the countryside.

Mrs Cowell, 23 May 2018

 



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

Mrs Chivers, 21 May 2018

 

Excellent , few errors in information re places visited. Above strange error in travel arrangements. Otherwise great holiday.

Mrs Hood, 22 Sep 2017

 

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.

Mrs Lewin, 22 Sep 2017

 

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.

Mr Pover, 29 Aug 2017

 

A chance to sample another country's culture and experience the landscape on an excellent mode of transport

Mrs Fawthrop, 20 Jun 2017

 

Surprisingly easy going for the independent traveller, yet adventurous, with a touch of comfort

Miss Underdown, 10 Jun 2017

 

Very friendly and approachable reps. Nothing too much trouble. Good support with cycling information.

Chilvers, 21 May 2017

 

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.

Mrs Shepherd, 21 Sep 2016

 

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.

Mrs Elliott, 12 Sep 2016

 

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.

Mrs Ricketts, 9 Aug 2016

 

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!)

Mrs Jackson, 24 Jul 2016

 

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.

Ms Kimsey, 18 Jul 2016

 

Excellent service from headwater head office....even a phone call to tell us train was delayed. Also great service from local reps.

Mrs Emslie, 16 Jul 2016

 

Exxcellent trip,superb reps,only complaint food at Les Pins - an uninspired menu for the demi pension. No choice,poor value

Mr Druett, 12 Jul 2016

 

Wonderful relaxing holiday

Mr Crooks, 14 Jun 2016

 

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.

Mrs Gourlay, 30 May 2016

 

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.

Mr Fox, 21 May 2016

 


Self-guided cycling

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

10.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

Optional
e-bike hire

6 nights from NZ$3675

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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