Provence by bike

Provence by bike, from Avignon to Isle-sur-la-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, one of the most beautiful villagse 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, one of the most beautiful villages in France
• The gastronomy of Provence 
• The landscapes of Provence
• The Mont Ventoux

Day 1 : Arrival in Avignon

Start your cycling adventure from Avignon, a city renowned for its remarkable architectural and artistic heritage. Take the opportunity to explore its treasures: the Palace of the Popes, the well-known Pont Saint-Bénézet, nicknamed « Pont d'Avignon », the imposing ramparts, and the many churches and chapels that give the city an incomparable charm.

Overnight in Avignon.

Day 2 : Avignon - Orange 42 km 

Before setting off, take a moment to explore the historic centre of Avignon and the majestic Palace of the Popes. Leave the city and cycle into the countryside, following the Rhône and its confluences. Along the way, don't miss the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a tasting of its prestigious wines is a must. The route ends gently through the vineyards, arriving in Orange to discover its ancient theatre.

Overnight in Orange.

Day 3 : Orange - Séguret 25 km 

Leave the historic centre and head out onto the Orange plain for a short cycle ride. The route takes you to the fascinating rock formations of the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’. You will have the chance to discover the ancestral know-how of the winegrowers of the famous Sablet and Gigondas terroirs.

Overnight in Séguret.

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

This day of cycling in the heart of Provence takes you to Vaison-la-Romaine. You cycle through vineyards and country lanes before climbing a small pass offering superb views over the valley, before finally reaching the ancient Templar village of Saint-Roman-de-Malegarde. You continue along the course of the Aygues to Vaison-la-Romaine, a town with 2,000 years of history, where you can discover local produce markets and charming medieval streets.

Return to Séguret for the night.

Day 5 : Séguret - Mazan 34 km 

Discover the Provençal villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise, home to the famous wines of the Rhône Valley. Your route continues through the Carpentras plain, where you will take small roads between fragrant lavender fields and olive groves. You will pass through the villages of Caromb, Modène and Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols before ending your day in Mazan and its historic centre.

Overnight in Mazan.

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

Today, head south to Pernes-les-Fontaines, the former capital of the Comtat Venaissin. The town has preserved many medieval remains and houses no fewer than forty fountains, hence its name. Next, cycle along the Canal de Carpentras to the charming town of l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, an ancient fishing village built on stilts in the 12th century. Today, l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is renowned for its 350 antique and second-hand dealers!

Overnight in l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

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

Today, a cycle loop will take you to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. This is the perfect opportunity to swap your bike for a canoe for a pleasant trip down the Sorgue. Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is famous for its resurgent spring, considered to be the most important in France and the fifth one in the world, with an impressive annual flow of 630 million cubic metres. Take time to admire this remarkable natural site. If you're feeling energetic, climb up to Saumane-de-Vaucluse to admire the breathtaking views over the Alpilles and discover the 15th-century castle, once owned by Baudet de Sade, a relative of the famous marquis!

Overnight in l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

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-deVaucluse. 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

End of your bike trip after breakfast. 

General information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Standard version : 2 and 3* hotels and guesthouses
• Comfort version : 2/3* hotels, guesthouses and castle
• Deluxe version : 4* hotels, bed and breakfast and castle

Dates 2025 :

Departures every day from 15/03 to 31/10

• Low season: 15/03 to 31/05 and 27/08 to 31/10
• High season: 01/06 to 26/08

 
Included:

• 7 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Transportation of luggage between accommodations
• Access to our GPS App
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire)

Not included:

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Return from Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• Lunches and dinners
• Drinks
• Parking
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• 2 hours of canoeing
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour in Avignon or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level :
 
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: 21 to 42 Km per day or 2 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 in Avignon or Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Rates for an extra night in Avignon may vary in July for the comfort category due to the Avignon Festival.
 
Meals :
 
- Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet
- 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. 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)
 
Luggage :
 
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg)

Travel book :
A travel book will be send by post before departure.

 
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.