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Biking the Vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône

Ce séjour à vélo vous mène aux vignobles les plus connus de Provence 5
This self-guided cycling trip will take you to Provence's most famous vineyards Ride through the most famous vineyards of Provence, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux: Gidondas, Vacqueras, and Beaume-de-Venise Côtes-du-Rhône wine growing area Good cycling and good wine in Provence This cycling tour will take you through some of the most famous wine-making villages of Provence
Ce séjour à vélo vous mène aux vignobles les plus connus de Provence

Biking the Vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 1,155 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

GrenacheCinsaultSyrahPicpoulMourvèdre, and Clairette are varieties of grapes grown in the Rhône Valley. These and other varieties go into the Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Ventoux wines that are beloved all over the world, not simply in France! But truly the best way to appreciate these wines is to cycle through the vineyards where they’re produced.

You'll soon learn important words of French wine lingo, a vernacular spoken by the men and women who work patiently, day after day, season after season, making the "nectar of the Gods." Terroirvintageaciditygrowtharoma, and color will become part of your every day vocabulary. 

Cycling on quiet, secondary roads, you'll discover superb scenery, sculpted by nature and improved by generations of wine-makers.

  

For travel and cycling tips to Provence, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Avignon

 

Arrive in Avignon on your own schedule. Check in to your hotel, where you can secure your bikes as you set off to discover the old quarter of Avignon inside its city walls.

D2Avignon — Orange 54 km/33 miles; 320 meters/1,075 ft of climbing

 

Today's itinerary will take you to the Gard department on the right bank of the Rhône River. You'll bike in and around the town of Tavel, a name famed for its easy-to-sip rosé wines. Later in the day, you'll cycle through the vineyards of Lirac, which produce red, white and rosé wines that are highly appreciated within the region.

Then it's on to world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose castle lies in ruins but whose name lives on thanks to the lush, silky notes enjoyed by those who drink the local wine. The first vines were planted here in ancient Roman times, and although they’ve long since disappeared, you’ll find evidence of Roman inhabitants at your destination of Orange. The Roman theater and arch are definitely worth the short walk from your hotel!

D3Orange — Dentelles-de-Montmirail area 35 km/22 miles, 310 meters/1,015 ft of climbing

Leaving Orange behind and traveling north, you will be cycling through the countryside, past old villages and their castles, and of course, vineyards! Needless to say, it is a very picturesque ride. Of interest is Suze-la-Rousse and the castle, which is home to the Université du Vin (university of wine) — it might inspire a career change requiring you to study there! Overnight in the scenic Dentelles de Montmirail area in a real wine-making estate!

D4 Rest or cycle through the Dentelles-de-Montmirail area 30 km/22 miles; 460 meters/1,510 ft of climbing

 

Rest, bike, or do both... you can spend the day as you wish! Our loop will take you through the Dentelles of Montmirail, an area covered with pine trees, oak trees, and more vineyards. You’ll also cycle to some of the most incredible villages, like VacqueyrasGigondas, and Beaumes-de-Venise

D5Dentelles-de-Montmirail — Mont-Ventoux area 40 km/25 miles; 590 meters/1,935 ft of climbing

 

Crossing the Dentelles-de-Montmirail on quiet roads, you'll reach Vaison-la-Romaine, France's largest archaeological site. Its excavated Roman sites should not be missed. You'll soon be cycling in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, the "Giant of Provence." This area is also home to the Côtes du Ventoux, an appellation enjoyed around the globe.

 

D6Rest or cycle through the Côtes-du-Ventoux vineyards 51 km/34 miles; 520 meters/1,705 ft of climbing

 

Ride into the heart of the Côtes-du-Ventoux vineyards on today’s optional loop. A variety of landscapes, including plateaus topped with beautiful villages like Venasque, provide a feast for the eyes. The towering Giant of Provence will satiate your visual appetite as well!

D7Mont-Ventoux area — Avignon 58 km/35 miles; 120 meters/ 395 ft of climbing

 

The return to Avignon follows a lovely itinerary with superb views, many small villages, pleasant stops by gurgling fountains, and shaded cafés.

D8Departure

 

After breakfast, depart Avignon at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A
  • 7 nights in 3-star hotels (five properties of character). One hotel is a wine-making estate. All have a swimming pool except in Avignon and Orange

  • 1,155 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 525 euros
  • 1,195 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 565 euros
  • 1,235 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 605 euros
  • Option A+
  • 2 nights in a 4-star hotel, 5 nights in 3-star hotels of character. One hotel is a wine-making estate. All have a swimming pool except in Orange.

  • 1,295 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 615 euros
  • 1,405 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 655 euros
  • 1,515 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 695 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights' accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • 5 dinners (drinks are not included)
  • 5 dinners (drinks are not included)
  • Luggage transfers
  • Roadbook provided as an app (when using it as a GPS, no data plan is necessary).
  • Tourist information (provided as part of the app).
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 125 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 235 euros per bike.

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