From the Provence of the Popes to the Luberon – Self-guided

Our team will meet you at your hotel in Avignon to conduct a briefingand answer any questions you may have.  You’ll be staying at a comfortable hotel near the city center–and its many cafes and restaurants.  

From Avignon to Séguret  

Distance: approximately 60 km (short option available – 40 km, bypasses Orange)
Elevation gain: approximately +469 m  

You’ll leave Avignon and cycle north across the Île de la Barthelasse to the footbridge over the Rhône, which leads you into the region of the fabulous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine appellation. Wind your way through a sea of vineyards, stop for a wine tasting, and then head to Orange for lunch. In Orange, a Roman city, the magnificent ancient theater is a must-see! Then head northwest toward the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range! You’ll pass through the wine-growing villages of the southern Côtes du Rhône region before arriving at your hotel at the foot of the charming village of Séguret. 

Loop from Séguret to Vaison-la-Romaine and the surrounding area 

Distance: approximately 45 km (longer route available)
Elevation gain: +755 m 

From Séguret, cross the Dentelles mountain range and head toward Vaison-la-Romaine, a town rich in history with Roman and medieval ruins. Continue on to Puyméras, a picturesque little village offering panoramic views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the landscape. Continue on to Roaix, a charming wine-growing village. Explore the vineyards and stop for a wine tasting at one of the local wineries. On the way back, the village of Rasteau—notable for the ruins of its medieval castle—brings you back toward the Rhône Valley, ending your journey in Séguret. 

From Séguret to Venasque  

Distance: about 50 km (longer route available)
Elevation gain: approximately +770 m 

From Séguret, head toward Gigondas and Vacqueyras, two of the best appellations in the Côtes du Rhône, famous for their red wines. Continue on to Beaumes-de-Venise, known for its naturally sweet Muscat. Stop in Lafare, a charming village in the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail, which is ideal for lunch. Next, head to La Roque-Alric for its panoramic views and historical heritage. Continue on to Le Barroux, a medieval village with a castle open to visitors. Cross the Comtat Venaissin plain via Caromb and Mazan, ending your journey in Venasque, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Loops Around Venasque 

Distance: between 35 and 75 km (2 other options available)
Elevation gain: between +380 and 2,015 m 

From Venasque, you’ll find a variety of unforgettable bike routes to explore the landscapes of Mont Ventoux and its hilltop villages. Whether it’s a route that circles the villages at the foot of Mont Ventoux along small roads lined with cherry trees and Muscat grapevines, or another along the Gorges de la Nesque road, which overlooks a canyon of breathtaking beauty, the options are rich and varied. For the more adventurous, why not attempt the ascent of Mont Ventoux and its 21 kilometers of challenging climb through forests and lunar-like landscapes?  

From Venasque to Fontaines-de-Vaucluse  

Distance: between 38 and 55 km
Elevation gain: between +420 and 560 m 

As you leave Venasque, you have two options. The first, via Pernes-les-Fontaines, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, takes you to the Pays de la Sorgue and the refreshing Sorgue River. The second takes you south to climb into the Monts du Vaucluse toward Sénanque Abbey, then on to Gordes, before ending in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Depending on the day, you can enjoy the market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, one of the most famous in Provence. 

Loop Tour to the Hilltop Villages of the Luberon 

Distance: 38 to 62 km
Elevation gain: between 500 and 800 m 

Three cycling routes to explore the hilltop villages of the Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle’s book *A Year in Provence*. Starting from Fontaine-de-Vaucluse and crossing the southern plains lined with orchards, you’ll explore the Luberon—dotted with villages straight out of fairy tales and landscapes filled with truffle oaks, old farmhouses, and orchards of all kinds. And in the midst of this enchanting setting lie the famous hilltop villages that have made the region famous: Oppède-le-Vieux is lost in time, swallowed up by vegetation, almost haunted; Lacoste is crowned by the ruins of the Marquis de Sade’s castle; Bonnieux, with its cafés and little squares, invites you to stop for lunch; and finally, the village of Roussillon is painted in all the colors of the rainbow. 

End of service.