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.