The Provence tour itinerary

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7

Day 1

the Sorgue at Fontaine de Vaucluse

Transfers are from Avignon TGV station; other transfers (eg Nîmes airport) can be made by arrangement. We arrive at our hotel near the market town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where bikes are fitted and adjusted to your individual requirements. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool, or take a short trip into the village, which is famous for its antiques and bric-a-brac market and stores. Early arrivals may wish to ride to the Fontaine de Vaucluse to see the famous resurgent spring of the river Sorgue.

In the evening, after a briefing on the week's ride, we will sit down to the first of many gourmet meals, washed down with one of the excellent wines from the slopes of Mont Ventoux, whose imposing profile dominates the region.

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Day 2

the Abbaye de Senanque

Today we are heading into the heartland of Provence - the Luberon - and the picturesque villages depicted in Peter Mayle's 'A year in Provence'. The first, and most westerly of the Luberon's villages, is Oppede-le-Vieux, followed by Ménerbes. We will take a leisurely route through these villages, maybe stopping for a coffee or a pastis.

For lunch we will visit perhaps the most photogenic of the Luberon villages, Gordes, perched on a hilltop and overlooked by its 16th century Château. We will be staying in Gordes tonight, and the afternoon can be spent in the village itself, or by the pool at the hotel. There are also optional excursions to the Abbaye de Senanque - a perfect example of romanesque architecture dating from the 12th Century, set in a valley amongst picturebook fields of lavender – or the nearby Village des Bories – a fascinating hamlet of traditional Provencal dry-stone dwellings.

Total distance: 37km / 53km optional (hilly)

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Day 3

the ochre cliffs at Roussillon

Heading north from Gordes, we swing east and south to arrive at Roussillon, perching above the ochre cliffs. Roussillon was one the major producers of ochre for paints and pigments, and boasted 17 different colours. A sign-posted trail leads to the quarries where the shades of red, orange, yellow and purple rock contrast startlingly with the deep blue provencal sky.

Stopping in St-Saturnin for lunch, we then climb past spectacular gorges and the ancient Chateau de Javon, before emerging into the lavender fields and sheep pastures of the Plateau d'Albion, with immense views of Mont Ventoux dominating the horizon.

Sault, our final destination for the day, is a local centre for wild products - wood mushrooms, pheasant, wild boar and other game - and they feature on the menu tonight as a reward for the hard work. Before that, a dip in the hotel pool will help to ease any aching limbs!

Total distance: 53km (hilly)

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Day 4

approaching the summit of Mount Ventoux

Today can be an easy day, or a tough one! The easy option is to descend along the southern flank of Mont Ventoux, nearly 50 kilometres of freewheeling and flat pedalling, into Bedoin. Our route takes us down the spectacular Gorges de La Nesque where a heart-stopping panorama is around every tun. After coffee in Bedoin, a climb over the Col de la Madeleine brings us into Malaucène. For those who would like a bit more exercise, and to take a home little piece of cycling legend, we can climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux. At over 1,900 metres this is not for the faint-hearted, but the approach from Sault (which is already at 900m) is very steady until reaching Chalet Reynard at the tree line. One kilometre from the top stands a memorial to Tom Simpson, a British cyclist who died here during the Tour de France in 1967, his last words 'put me back on my bike'. The final approach to the summit, which is devoid of vegetation, is tough, but the effort is more than worth it as you are rewarded with one of the most exceptional panoramas in Europe. You will have conquered 'the Giant of Provence'!

The exhilarating descent is another reward as you reach improbable speeds on smooth roads that are resurfaced every time the Tour de France comes to the mountain.

Our destination for the day is also deserving of the effort. Vaison-la-Romaine is the jewel of northern Provence, with a stunning setting perched above the river Ouvèze, Roman ruins, a Cathedral dating from the 6th Century and a wonderfully-preserved medieval quarter. Our hotel, le Beffroi, is perched in the medieval town and is a marvellous base for exploration.

Total distance: 67km (2 options, 1 flat 1 hilly)

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Day 5

cycling through beautiful,
quiet countryside

Today can be an easy day, or a mighty tough one! We are based in Vaison, so no packing up in the morning. The easier option is a loop ride out to Nyons in the heart of lavender country. On the way we will stop for a tasting in the newly classified Vinsobres region. Previously a "Village Côtes du Rhone, in 2006 it was elevated to its own Premier Cru ranking because of the exceptional quality of its wine.

Nyons itself, with its Roman bridge and medieval fortifications is an idyllic place for lunch overlooking the River Eygues. The return to Vaison is through lavender fields and is via Mirabel-les-Baronies, another perfectly preseved village with a 12th C lookout tower dominating the town.

The second option today for those looking for a big challenge is an ascent of Mont Ventoux the 'traditional' way from Bedoin - a 'must-do' for cycling fanatics who will be determined to add the monster climb to their cycling palmares. The climb is around 1600m vertical over 21km from Bedoin, and will probably be the toughest thing you ever do on two wheels! The view from the top and the descent to Malaucene are reward for aching legs, but you'll probably feel that several beers and a dip in the hotel pool are also deserved!

Total distance: 55km

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Day 6

a relaxed winetasting

Our final day in the saddle takes us into the spectacular landscape of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a range of jagged edged hills edged by prestigious wine producing areas. The first of these that we visit is Gigondas, home to a red wine that can equal Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe using similar grape varieties - principally Grenache, with Syrah and Mourdevre. We stop at a prestigious vineyard for a tasting and a visit of the caves. Continuing on our tour of the vineyards, we come to Beaumes-de-Venise. A very different wine, the muscat grape is used to produce a golden dessert wine. After lunch in the village, we will visit the Cave des Vignerons for a degustation.

An easy ride brings us to our final destination, the village of Mazan. Our hotel is the luxurious chateau that shares its name with the village. The Chateau was once home to the Marquis de Sade who organised one of the world's first Theatre festivals here. Take a swim at the hotel or wander around the lanes and fountains of the well-preserved village before our final gourmet dinner at the chateau.

Total distance: 40km / 60km optional

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Day 7

After breakfast, taking the opportunity to exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses with new-found friends, take the opportunity stroll into the village and do a little souvenir shopping, before we depart on our onward journeys.

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Provence Tours Overview

The Roman Heritage Tour

Overview Of Our Tours