Provence – from the perched villages to the Mont Ventoux

Program

DAY 1 Arrival in Orange

Your two wheels adventure begins in Orange. Enjoy the city and its charming bustling streets. Do not miss a visit to the ancient theater, very well preserved! Dinner included and overnight in 3 * hotel.

DAY 2 Orange – Avignon ~35km

With the Mistral in the back, you head south along the Rhone to Avignon. A small detour to Châteauneuf du Pape. This village was the summer residence of the papacy. As for the precious nectar produced in these places, he rose to the rank of “Vin du Pape”. A consecration that opens the door of the great European courts. In Avignon, you discover the famous city of Popes, known for the Pont d’Avignon, the Papal Palace, its maze of cobbled streets: all surrounded by ramparts of the fourteenth century. Dinner free and overnight in Avignon.

DAY 3 Avignon – Roussillon in Provence ~44km

We continue cycling towards the Luberon. Here you meet the first charming villages of provence: Oppède, Ménerbes, Lacoste and Bonnieux (Friday Market). You can stop at one of the many shaded café terraces and enjoy the view, the peaceful atmosphere of the South and a cold drink. The tour continues on the idyllic country roads to Roussillon area, perched village with Provencal colors. Its ocher yellow, orange and red, have been used to paint the facades of the houses. Stroll through the village streets and in abandoned ocher quarry, a postcard picture at every step! (Hotel with pool). 44 km.

DAY 4 A rest day or 51km loop in Ochre area

This itinerary goes along little quiet picturesque roads, and is for all levels.  You will see some of the most beautiful landscapes and most remarkable villages in the regional natural parc. A land of shapes and colours where the light changes according to the seasons, you will discover exceptional natural sites: the ochre quarries of the Luberon. You’ll experience the magic of the place. Overnight in the same hotel.

DAY 5 Roussillon – Vacqueyras / Montmirail ~ 50km

You ride through the Monts de Vaucluse through the hilltop villages of Gordes and Joucas. From village to village, you cross the scrubland before reaching North landscapes of the Luberon. Venasque, medieval city classified among the “most beautiful villages of France” with its magnificent baptistery. Dinner and overnight in a hotel with swimming pool.

DAY 6 the Dentelles de Montmirail or Mont Ventoux – the choice is yours

You can either enjoy your day at the pool, or take a lovely walk on the Dentelles – this chain of jagged mountains that emerges like a white lace on the sky.
For most courageous circuit to reach the legendary Mont Ventoux will be offered. Often presented as one of the most difficult climbs in France, the Ventoux is a real test for your legs!

From the top, several options to get to your hotel. The good news is that they are all “almost” downhill…. The summit of Mont Ventoux is beautiful. Isolated, it offers an exceptional view. Congratulations! You have climbed the Mont Ventoux, the “Everest for cyclists!”

DAY 7 Montmirail – Orange ~ 25km

You are on the way back and enjoy the ancestral land of winemakers who work on the vineyards spread over Sablet and Gigondas. You cross again the Orange plain before joining the historic city center. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 8 Departure

Practical information

Arrival by train in Orange.
The train station is 10min. walk from the hotel.

If you arrive by car, possibility to leave your car at the first hotel and costs 8 euros / car/ day.

Options:

Price includes

Price excludes