Provence is famed for its beautiful landscape of rolling hills and dramatic mountainous backdrop. Combine your two favourite hobbies of cycling and wine-tasting on this self-guided eight-day cycling tour. Most hotel stays are for two nights, giving you the flexibility of cycling, simply relaxing, wine tasting or sightseeing!
Discover the natural wonders of Provence and cycle through sun-kissed landscapes, surrounded by an endless sea of vines, olive groves, pine trees and oak forests. You’ll pedal from the beauty and history of Avignon to the lavender fields of the Luberon and its beautiful medieval hilltop villages, passing by the spectacular ochre cliffs in Roussillon to the base of the famous Mont Ventoux. Then its onto the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail with its small wine making villages and its world-famous Côtes-du-Rhône wines Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas and the renowned Châteauneuf du Pape.
Relax throughout in our handpicked luxury accommodation, which includes a traditional chateau.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
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from £2,945 – £3,390 per person
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
What’s included?
Transfers to and from Avignon are included. See what’s included as standard
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts and Ends in Avignon from 1 March till 15 November 2024 Most flights go to Marseille which is under 1hr and 30 mins transfer away. Avignon TGV is less than 3 hours from Paris.
Hotels
- Luxury
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One five star and three four star hotels
Holiday type
Self-guided
This tour is priced without a guide and you are free to explore on your own. If you would like a guide for part or all of your trip, we are happy to provide a knowledgeable, local guide
Activity level
Gentle cycling (5) More info...
Electric bikes
E-bikes are available upon request at a supplement of £95.00
Mileage
3 days of cycling plus 3 days of optional cycling 10 to 36 miles (17 to 60 km) per day
Terrain
Hills most days
Traffic-free
10%
Options
- Half day non private wine tour from Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Add an extra days cycling by riding from Chateauneuf-du-Pape back to Avignon, and stay an extra night in Avignon
- Additional nights anywhere along the tour
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
ARRIVE AVIGNON
Avignon truly offers a captivating blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Begin your exploration by immersing yourself in history and culture at the Palais des Papes, a magnificent medieval fortress that was once the seat of the Catholic popes. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the old town, where you'll discover delightful cafes, boutiques, and the bustling Les Halles market. Be sure to visit the iconic Pont d'Avignon, a famous bridge that offers stunning views of the Rhône River. Finally, indulge your taste buds with the region's renowned cuisine, accompanied by a glass of locally produced Côtes du Rhône wine. Stay overnight in the heart of Avignon.
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2. Day two
Isle sur la Sorgue
Your first taste of cycling in this picturesque region takes you from Avignon to Isle sur la Sorgue, also known as the Venice of Provence because of its location amid a maze of canals and tributaries of the Sorgue river. Art lovers will appreciate the numerous art galleries scattered throughout the town. Take a leisurely stroll along the canals and bridges, admiring the water wheels that dot the landscape. Don't miss the chance to visit the remarkable Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, an architectural gem that dates back to the 17th century. Option to add a further loop to Fontaine de Vaucluse. You stay 2 nights in Isle sur la Sorgue.
Optional 28 miles (46km) or 15 miles (24km)
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3. Day three
Circular ride to GORDES AND ROUSSILLON or Fontaine de Vaucluse
Discover the captivating beauty of two enchanting villages at Gordes and Roussillon. Explore the narrow streets of Gordes, visit the Renaissance-style Château de Gordes, and admire the traditional dry-stone huts of Village des Bories. In Roussillon, enjoy the Ochre Conservatory, discover local arts and crafts, and indulge in delicious Provencal cuisine. Return to Isle on a traffic free cycle-path on a former railway line, for a second nights stay in Isle. If you prefer a shorter ride, head instead to Fontaine de Vaucluse, home to one of the largest natural springs in the world.
Optional 36 miles (59km) or 13 miles (22 km)
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4. Day four
Isle sur la Sorgue to CRILLON LE BRAVE
Today you cycle on small country lanes to a lovely medieval fortified town named after its 40 fountains, Pernes les Fontaines, many dating back to the 18th century. Then its onto Mazan, with its interesting theatrical history. You reach your base in Crillon le Brave, nestled in the forested hills southwest of Mont Ventoux, where you’ll stay for two nights.
22 miles (35km)
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5. Day five
Circular ride through HIDDEN VILLAGES
Today you can relax around the pool and explore the village or choose a charming and easy circular ride through wine country, exploring Bedoin with its colourful homes huddled beneath its oversized church. Take time to wander through its streets and climb on foot to the shelf above the church, where the castle once stood. Then loop back to Crillon where you can enjoy lunch on the hotel terrace with outstanding views overlooking Mount Ventoux.
Optional 17 miles (27km)
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6. Day six
Crillon to Chateauneuf du Pape
Riding through the most prestigious winemaking villages in the southern Rhône Valley – most notably Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise – you’ll have the chance to bathe (not literally we’d hope!) in a sea of vines, with lots of wine-tasting opportunities along the way. You then meet the plains before climbing slightly to Chateauneuf du Pape where you'll stay 2 nights in a wonderful chateau with a pool.
30 miles (49km)
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7. Day seven
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
A short ride around Chateuneuf-du-Pape, takes you past renowned estates and the small Oiselay island before returning to the village. You have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your chateau and the lovely Chateauneuf-du-Pape village, wandering from one wine shop to the next all the way to the castle. Take a half day wine tour if you wish, with a local wine expert who will unveil all the secrets of these vines and share a wine-tasting session with you. Spend your final night in Chateuneuf-du-Pape
Optional 10 miles (17km)
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8. Day eight
TRANSFER TO AVIGNON
After breakfast, say farewell and we will transfer you back to Avignon where your tour concludes.