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Itinerary

Upon your arrival at the Avignon train station, you will be met and transferred to Chateauneuf-du-Pape where you can settle in to your hotel. In the heart of typical Provencal countryside, and surrounded by vineyards, you will love the beauty of this part of France. Take some time to explore Chateauneuf itself, and perhaps taste some wine in one of the many caveau. At the end of the afternoon, our Trip Manager will meet with you to check your bike fitting, and to go over your trip package with you. Wander through the village and perhaps taste some wine at one of the local wineries, before your first dinner, included this evening.

Today head northwards out of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and to the Roman town of Orange, to give you the opportunity to visit the shaded pedestrian area with its many cafes and boutiques, as well as the incredible Roman theatre. This theatre, the best preserved in the world, could seat 10,000 spectators in its prime. You can test its incredible acoustics yourself as you explore. The theatre is still used today for outdoor performances, seating up to 5000 people. Ride on from there through small villages and vineyards, passing through Cairanne and Rasteau, both village appellations of the Southern cotes de Rhone, where you may stop to find some lunch, and of course also do some tasting if you like. Your ride finishes in the pretty town of Vaison la Romaine. This typical small Provencal town, cut in two by the Ourveze River, will enchant you, with its rich 2000 year old history. Take the time to explore the Roman vestiges in the centre of town, including the beautiful Roman bridge, that survived the incredible floods of 1992, and hike up to the ruins of the upper village for a beautiful panorama.

Today your route hugs the side of (without going up) the beautiful “Dentelles de Montmirail”, a small chain of hills with a stunning lace-like crest. Along the base of it you will ride on quiet roads through pretty little villages, such as Seguret, before approaching two more of the renowned “Cru” villages of the Southern Cotes de Rhone: Gigondas and Vaqueyras, with their wonderful rich red wines produced with a dominant Grenache base. Stop along the way for tasting if you like, before continuing on to the small town of Beaumes-de-Venise. Not only is the town quite charming, but if you feel like it you can stop for a tasting of their deliciously addictive sweet white wines, or some of the Cotes de Rhone reds. If you prefer, take some time to explore at the shop of the local olive mill to taste the fruity artisanal olive oils. The final stage of the ride continues across the pretty Venasque countryside into the charming town of Crillon le Brave (or neighbouring Bedoin for the CLASSIC itinerary).

Your ride today is beautiful, taking you through several picturesque villages, such as Mazan (where you can stop for lunch and to explore with the walking tour we provide), Flassan (with its Romanesque church and crypt), and Ville sur Auzon (with the unusual “Pous di Foro” medieval garden system); each is worth some meandering. The whole day is spent with the impressive Mont Ventoux as your imposing backdrop, renowned for its recurring role in the famous Tour de France race with its 22km hill – which you will be happy to admire from afar! You pedal along lovely quiet roads, and through some of the oldest vineyards in all of France, with possibilities for some tasting along the way. The ride finishes by returning you to your hotel for your final evening.

After a final breakfast, we transfer you back to the train station in Avignon in time for your further travels. Bon Voyage!

What's included

  • 4 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
  • Hotel taxes
  • All breakfasts, 2 dinners (drinks not included with dinners)
  • Fully equipped quality touring bike **
  • Orientation with our Trip Manager
  • Detailed maps and step-by-step route instructions
  • Regional information and advice
  • Uploadable GPS file of the route to use on a free APP in your smartphone ***
  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
  • Transfer from Avignon centre or train station to the first hotel
  • Transfer back to Avignon on departure day
  • Phone call support 7 days a week

* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** E-bikes and Road bikes are available on request (supplement)
*** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)

Hotel Details

Classic Tour

1340 € / pers.

1 Night
Hotel la Sommellerie – Chateauneuf

1 Night
Hotel Burrhus – Vaison la Romaine

2 Nights
Hotel des Pins – Bédoin

Classic + Tour

1850 € / pers.

1 Night
Hotel la Mere Germaine – Deluxe room – Chateauneuf-du-Pape

1 Night
Hotel le Beffroi – Vaison la Romaine

2 Nights
La Maison de Crillon – Crillon le Brave

Deluxe Tour

2180 € / pers.

1 night
Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches – Chateauneuf

1 Night
Hotel le Beffroi – Vaison la Romaine

2 Nights
Hotel Crillon le Brave – Crillon Le Brave

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Our bikes

The high quality, light touring bike is the default bike included on the tour. It is perfectly suited to riding with lots of stops for explorations.

Upon request, and for a supplement, you can have a road bike or a pedal-assist electric bike – contact us for details.

All our touring bikes come equipped with removable handlebar bag with clear map case, flat tire kit (with extra inner tube), pump, lock, rear rack and back panniers, water bottle holder and new water bottle, bell and kickstand.

Ahead of the tour, we will ask you if you wish to use our helmets, and if you want toe cages on the pedals (both free of charge).

Each of our regions has its own bike fleet, often with a couple of different bike makes depending on sizing – if you want to know the specific bike details for your tour, just contact us, and we’ll be happy to send you the specs!

 

TOURING BIKE - men's frame (included in trip cost)

TOURING BIKE - women's Frame (included in trip cost)

E-bike - men's frame (supplement charge)

E-bike - women's frame (supplement charge)

Road (racing) bike (supplement charge)