Provence by bike

Provence by bike, from Avignon to Isle-sur-Sorgue

This bike trip in Provence takes you through iconic places and immerses you in a unique atmosphere through landscapes that have inspired the greatest artists. Your journey begins in Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. Your first stage by bike takes you through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape before reaching Orange and its ancient theater.

You ride to Séguret, the most beautiful village in France and the unmissable Vaison-la-Romaine. Your cycling itinerary in Provence guides you to the foot of the mythical Mont Ventoux in Bedouin and Mazan.

You pedal on small roads lined with olive groves and cypress trees and through picturesque Provencal villages where the southern accent sings. Then head south to Pernes-les-Fontaines, before being charmed by the canals of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue where your Provencal cycling trip ends. 

Highlights of the trip : 

• Avignon and Orange
• the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-pape
• Vaison-la-Romaine
• Séguret, most beautiful village in France
• the gastronomy of Provence 
• the landscapes of Provence
• the Mont Ventoux

Because of the Avignon Festival from July 4th to 23rd, the stay is not accessible from Avignon at this period. 

Day 1 : Arrival in Avignon

Start your cycling trip in Avignon, a city with an exceptional architectural and artistic heritage. Take the time to discover the city: the Popes' Palace, the Saint-Benezet bridge, the ramparts, the numerous churches and chapels that give the city its unique character.
Night in Avignon. 

Day 2 : Avignon - Orange 42 km 

Before taking your bike, take the time to visit the old city of Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. You will leave the city of the Popes to cycle to the Rhône River and its confluences through the countryside. On the way is the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A stop to taste its great wines is a must. The stage ends peacefully through the vineyards to reach Orange and its ancient theater.
Night in Orange. 

Day 3 : Orange - Séguret 25 km 

You leave the historical city center to reach the plain of Orange for a short bike ride. The route goes along a very intriguing rock formation: the "Dentelles de Montmirail". You will have the chance to benefit from the ancestral knowledge of the wine growers who work the renowned terroirs of Sablet or Gigondas.

Day 4 : Loop to Vaison-la-Romaine 40 km

This day of cycling in the heart of Provence invites you to a trip to Vaison-la-Romaine. You ride through the vineyards on country roads before reaching a small pass that will offer you superb views over the valley to finish in the ancient Templar village of Saint-Roman-de-Malegarde. You continue your tour along the course of the Aygues river before discovering Vaison-la-Romaine. This city with 2000 years of history will seduce you with its markets of local products and its pretty medieval streets. Return to Séguret for the night.

Day 5 : Séguret - Mazan 34 km 

Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise... Discover the Provencal villages hidden behind the great wines of the Rhone Valley by bike. The stage continues in the plain of Carpentras on small roads between perfumed lavender fields and olive trees. Discover the villages of Caromb, Modène and Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols before ending the tour in Mazan and its historic center.
Night in Mazan. 

Day 6 : Mazan - L'Isle-sur-Sorgue 35 km

Today, head south to the former capital of the Comtat Venaissin, Pernes-les-Fontaines. The city has preserved many medieval vestiges and no less than forty fountains which gave it its name. Drive along the Canal de Carpentras before arriving in the charming town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, an ancient fishing village built on stilts in the 12th century. Today, Isle-sur-Sorgue is especially famous for its 350 antique dealers and second-hand goods dealers!

Day 7 : loop towards Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 21 km

This loop will lead you to the entrance of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This is the opportunity to exchange your bike for a canoe and to go down the Sorgue for a peaceful ride.

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the most important resurgent spring in France and even the 5th in the world with a water flow of 630 million cubic meters each year! Walk a few minutes to admire this exceptional natural site. If you have a little courage, climb up to Saumane-de-Vaucluse to admire the panorama of the Alpilles and the 15th century castle that belonged to Baudet de Sade, the relative of the famous marquis!

2h canoeing option on the Sorgue river
You can enjoy a canoe trip on the peaceful river Sorgue as an option. This 6 km descent is supervised by a qualified guide. Halfway down, you can take a refreshing dip in this little corner of paradise. A bus will then take you back to the canoe base to continue your itinerary by bike towards Fontaine de Vaucluse. To practice this activity, you must know how to swim and be over 6 years old. 

Day 8 : End of the bike trip in Provence

Departure from Isle-sur-Sorgue after breakfast. 

General information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• children's rates : contact us (sharing a room with at least 2 adults)

Levels of comfort of the accommodation : 

• standard : 2 and 3* hotels
• comfort : 2/3* hotels and castle
• deluxe : 4* hotels, bed and breakfast and castle

Dates:

Departures every day from 15/03 to 15/10/2023

• Low season : 15/03 to 31/05 and 15/09 to 15/10
• High season: 01/06 to 14/09/2023

 
Included:

• Free online tour
• 7 nights in hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• transportation of luggage between accommodations
• Day by day itineraries with access to our hiking application
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire).

Not included:

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site.

Options :

• Bike rental (VTC or electric bike)
• 2 hours of canoeing
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Levels :
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Terrain :
 
Slightly hilly terrain but short stages. Accessible with children. 
 
Climate:
 
Mild sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.
 
Technicality :
 
Cycling: 25 to 42 Km per day or 2h to 4 hours of cycling.
Itinerary partly marked, roadbook and map reading useful.
 
Bibliography :
 
- Guide on the Via Rhôna 
 
 
Additional nights :
 
An extra night is offered at the beginning and end of the tour.
 
Meals :
 
- Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch : not included
- Dinner : not included
 
Bicycle:
 
- Bike rental: If you rent a bike, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. A deposit will be required.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last hotel and inform the reception. We will take care of its return.
We offer special equipment for children, seats, small bikes and trailers.
 
- Personal bikes: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before you leave.
At the end of the tour, you will need to take charge of your own bike.
 
Assistance :
 
- Assistance in case of breakdown (except for punctures for which we do not intervene)
- In case of bad weather or if you can't cycle one day, possibility of direct route to the next stage.
 
Luggage :
 
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg)

 
Transportation : 
 
- By Train: SNCF TGV to Avignon in about 2h45/3h00 from Lyon station. For more information about schedules, contact the SNCF.
- By road : A6 exit 23. Paris is 700 km from Avignon.
- By plane : Airport in Nîmes and Avignon, and international, Marseille and Montpellier.
 
 
Cancellation insurance:
 
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out a cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.