Trip Overview

This 6 night cycle takes you around the eastern side of the Vaucluse, where you will have ample opportunities to taste the local produce as you venture right up to the foot of the iconic Mont Ventoux.

With a history dating back to Roman times, today the Vaucluse is a patchwork of vineyards punctuated by olive groves and watched over by the silent majesty of Mt Ventoux – a Mecca for cyclists who come to challenge themselves in emulation of their Tour de France heroes. Our gentle 6 night cycling holiday, however, offers you a much more relaxed way to take in this fabulous region, one of the most fertile plains in southern France and home to such wine appellations as Gigondas, Vacqueyras and, further afield, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It’s also home to the Ventoux appellation which, although not as well-known as its cousins from the Rhone Valley, offers some fantastic wines at equally impressive prices.

At a Glance

• 6 Nights, hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3 star hotels
• Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
• 5 Days cycling
• E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
• Luggage transfers between hotels 

Is This Trip for You?

Your route takes you along quiet country lanes across plains and gentle foothills, with breath-taking views of Mt Ventoux acting as your backdrop for the week. Highlights include 12th century Vacqueyras, which lies in close proximity to the major names of the Southern Rhone as well as Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine with their UNESCO listed Roman World Heritage sites, and Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its Muscat wine! From Mazan, birthplace of the Festival de Provence, you can head off to the lively village of Bedoin at the foot of ‘The Giant of Provence’, then on to sample a bespoke picnic and wine pairing in the grounds of Chateau Pesquie. On your way back you have the option to visit the perched village of Venasque before coming to Pernes-les-Fontaines with its delightful old town and over 40 ancient stone fountains.

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 25km (15.8 miles). 
No. of days cycling: 5 (including 1 optional ride)

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. 

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies.

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.