Villages and Vineyards of Provence by bike

Arrival in Avignon

Arrive early to have time to visit Avignon and especially the famous Palais des Papes! With its imposing ramparts and cobbled streets, Avignon instantly transports you back in time. Theatres, museums and art galleries sit alongside trendy bars and modern restaurants, giving Avignon a unique blend of ancient and modern.

Avignon – Fontaine de Vaucluse or Isle sur la Sorgue | 33 km or 24 km

You can still take time to visit Avignon before embarking on this short stage through the plains of the Sorgue river, where orchards and cultivated fields provide an abundance of sun-drenched fruit and vegetables. Take a relaxing break at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the Venice of Provence!

Fontaine de Vaucluse – Gordes – Fontaine de Vaucluse | 42 km (option Senanque abbey + 12 km) or Isle sur la Sorgue – Gordes – Isle sur la Sorgue | 48 km (option Senanque abbey + 12 km)

This region is far too beautiful to leave so soon! Spend the day exploring the charming Luberon valley! A few must-sees await you: the splendid village of Gordes and the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Sénanque, surrounded by lavender fields (optional).

Fontaine de Vaucluse – Vacqueyras | 51 km via vineyards (or 44 km via the veloroute) or Isle sur la Sorgue – Gigondas | 50 km via vineyards (or 45 km via the veloroute)

Your stage takes you through the vineyards at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, an eroded limestone massif carved by time, with the plains of the Vaucluse and the famous wine villages of Beaumes-de-Venise and Vacqueyras at its feet.

Option: Hiking excursion through the ‘Dentelle de Montmiral (6 km) & extra night in Vacqueyras or Gigondas: Take a stroll along these rocks, chiselled like a jagged ribbon. A breathtaking panorama awaits you!

Vacqueyras or Gigondas – Orange | 40 km (option Vaison la Romaine + 11 km)

Your journey continues at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail to Séguret, one of the most beautiful villages in France before crossing the Côtes du Rhône vineyards and their picturesque villages: Cairanne and Rasteau. In Orange, admire the Roman monuments, the ancient theatre or the triumphal arch and enjoy the charm of the old town with its shops and cafés.

As an optional extra, you can visit Vaison-la-Romaine, a charming town with 2,000 years of open-air history, a blend of Roman grandeur and medieval charm.

Orange – Avignon | 35 km

Leave Orange and ride through the prestigious vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, world-renowned for the quality of its wines. Take time to visit its pretty village and taste some of the appellation's great wines. Reach Avignon following the ViaRhona.

Departure during the day