Luberon & Côtes du Rhône

Introduction
Provence France
Discover the beautiful hilltop villages of the Luberon and the famous Cotes du Rhone wine making villages.

The tour starts and finishes in Isle sur la Sorgue also called the Provencal Venice. From there, you head towards the Dentelles the Montmirail surrounded by many renown wine making villages: Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Sablet, Séguret, Roaix, Rasteau and the most famous one, Chateauneuf du Pape.

There is more than just wine to discover in Provence. The famous Luberon mountains encompasses many treasures, including Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its antiques shops and antique markets, Roussillon in the heart of "ochre country" boasting houses in every shades and probably the most famous one, Gordes, a town of silk painters, weavers, and potters with houses built of golden stones that rise to the Renaissance château crowning the top.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit famous wine making villages (Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Séguret, Sablet...)
- Luberon mountains with its beautiful villages & cobbled streets: Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste
- The Colorado Provencal: Roussillon and its ocre fields

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary for 7-day tour - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Cantosorgue in Isle sur Sorgue
Night 2: Les Remparts in Venasque
Night 3 & 4: Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Cantosorgue in Isle sur Sorgue

Hotel Cantosorgue in Isle sur la Sorgue
This recently renovated hotel is ideally located close to the historic city center. It offers 35 comfortable rooms housed in 3 different buildings surrounding the hotel swimming pool. Each room has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite bathroom with shower and free Wi-Fi internet.

Hotel Les Remparts in Vénasque
Housed in a charming building, Les Remparts offers 8 recently renovated bedrooms. Each room has its own décor and includes air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV and private facilities.

Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Recently renovated, this 3-star hotel has 32 guestrooms, all equipped with a phone, TV, Wi-Fi, temperature control and ensuite bathroom.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool or in the small garden.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
You’re in good shape and used to regular and sustained exercise. You will cycle from 35 to 61 km a day, with moderate but steady climbs along the way.

GPS & Travel Kit
We will send you the GPS files for your trip via email, before the start of your holiday. You will have to bring your own device whether it is a Garmin GPS or a Smartphone with the files already downloaded.
Your Travel Kit containing road book & vouchers will be sent to the first accommodation of the trip. The road book contains technical description of the itinerary, 1: 100 000 scale maps integrated in the book with itinerary traced out, contact listing and helpful recommendations (restaurants, museums, vineyards, craftsmen, where to find a bank machine…).

Equipment
If renting a bike with us, your bike is delivered at your accommodation on Day 1 with all the necessary equipment ( helmet, bike lock...).

No matter the kind of bike chosen for your holiday, if you borrow a bike through us, you will get the following items for your tour:
• helmet > our regular “helmet head tour” is 54cm > 58cm. If you need a larger helmet, please contact us
• security vest
• pump
• one inner tube and repair kit per two bikes
• bike computer
• front pannier
• two side panniers
• water bottle holder
• one lock per two bikes

E-Bike - extra cost
Provence is hilly and most of the prettiest villages are “hilltop”, meaning you have to climb to get there.
Our E-bikes becomes a wonderful compromise: while still doing exercise – you still have to pedal to get these things going after all – you can access the hilliest and most breathtaking of what Provence has to offer without being a great cyclist. You can also accompany a more athletic spouse or friend on one of our holidays. When you start pedalling, the electric motor is automatically triggered. You will have the choice between several levels of assistance.
Our E-bikes (E-Ride or equivalent) are equipped with a battery with about 90km autonomy, a low frame (easy to get on and off), anti-puncture tires (reducing the risk of flats), and hydraulic brakes, ensuring the highest standard of safety.
With our E-bike we provide:
• a briefing from a specialized mechanic, who will show you how to use and get the most out of your rides. During the briefing a credit card pre-authorization of 800€ will be asked as a guarantee.
• assistance, meaning if you have any problems whatsoever with your E-bike, our mechanic will come and repair it at no charge.

Hybrid Bike - extra cost
Our high-end HYBRID bike rental (trek or equivalent) come equipped with Shimano parts, light aluminium frames, and a triple-plateau (Gearing: 28/38/48 with 11/32 cluster > 27 speed).
Hybrid bikes are undoubtedly the best choice when tackling the day long rides, thanks to a high performance level and no sacrifice on comfort: wider tyres, the slightly more upright position and the flat handlebars make for a real comfy ride.
This light and aerodynamic bike is ideal when dealing with the steep climbs on your Provence cycling holiday.
Our bike frames are unisex. When possible, we provide a comfortable woman saddle to all women riders.

Bring your own bike
If you are bringing your own bike, make sure to also bring panniers, map holder, a bike computer and all of the other necessary equipment (inner tube, repair kit, pump, helmet).

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary: 7-day program - subject to changes

WARNING
Despite all our care to update the description of our itineraries, there can be changes on the ground that are not reflected in the notes.
Roadwork occurs every year: signs can disappear or change, new intersections can form or change... Remain vigilant while reading the notes, paying close attention to the cumulative mileage on your bike computer and in the route notes. In case of a doubt along the route, be aware of how to return to that spot easily if you’ve made the wrong turn.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Isle sur la Sorgue by your own means. Take the time to discover the "Venice of Provence", famous for its antique shops and its Sunday market, one of the most colorful in Provence. Bike delivery no later than 6pm at the hotel.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 2: Isle sur la Sorgue to Venasque
From Isle sur la Sorgue, you head in the direction of Venasque. Cycle on small country lanes lined with cypresses and lonely farmhouses to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Visit this historic capital of the Comtat Venaissin, with its 40 fountains, its Romanesque church, and its mansions. You continue to Venasque a beautiful medieval twon classified among the "most beautiful villages of France". Perched dizzyingly on its rocky outcrop, you can notice the remains of the fortified ramparts.
Cycling about 22 km, +265M / -50M
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Venasque

Day 3: Venasque to Vacqueyras
Today, you cycle at the foot of the Ventoux on the small country roads to Bédoin, marking the beginning of the climb to the top of Mont Ventoux. You pass through the village of Crillon le Brave, with its medieval houses clinging on the hill. Then, you head to the chapel of Notre-Dame d'Aubune. Its tower, a jewel of Romanesque architecture of the 12th century, is classified as a historical monument. You then continue to Beaumes de Venise, renowned for its gentle Muscat, before arriving at Vacqueyras "Winegrower's Village".
Cycling about 48 km, +550M
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 4: Côtes du Rhône Villages
Today's loop takes you to the heart of the Côtes du Rhône. Here, the vineyards adjoin orchards of all kinds, separated by rows of cypresses to face the powerful Mistral winds. You pass Gigondas and Séguret, two villages clinging to the mountain, which are absolutely worth a visit. The first is known for its wines and the last is cited among "the most beautiful villages in France". Between gray calades and noble facades, your walk through the small streets of the villages will allow you to admire the pages of history at every step. The Reynier gate, the 14th century belfroy with its unique needle, the beautiful Saint-Denis church of the tenth century, the rue des Poternes lined with old houses, the Huguenots gate which has preserved its two wooden iron vents,... and much more! 
You then cross Vaison-la-Romaine - the largest Roman archaeological site in the country - unearthed here less than a century ago. The medieval quarter, perched on the hill, remains perfectly intact: its old stone houses located along the narrow cobbled streets, lead to the ruins of the 11th century castle.
Cycling about 52km, +600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 5: Vacqueyras to Isle sur la Sorgue
You have numerous opportunities for wine tastings in the cellars all along the way today! As you ride through the plains of the Rhone Valley, you pass by Sarrians and Bédarrides before arriving in Châteauneuf du Pape, known worldwide for its wines. The ruins of the castle stand proudly at the top of the village. Châteauneuf du Pape is the undisputed king of Rhone Valley wines, their full-bodied reds leaving a lasting impression on your palate. Take the opportunity to do a tasting in a cellar before taking the small country roads in the middle of the vineyards back to your starting point: Isle sur la Sorgue.
Cycling about 65 km, +400m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 6: Gordes, Roussillon & Bonnieux
Discover some of the most beautiful villages in the Luberon, all dizzyingly perched to protect themselves from potential attackers.
It is a day of cycling on a roller coaster, which reveals at each turn the most beautiful panoramas of Provence. Gordes balanced on its rocky outcrops, its golden stone houses crowned by its Renaissance castle is a must-see. Roussillon and its houses coated with ochres with a thousand shades, is an incredible sight. Bonnieux and its two churches, on the borders of the Grand and Petit Luberon is a lovely stop. And finally Lacoste, and its castle still haunted by the ghost of the Marquis de Sade is a charming hidden gem.
Cycling about 63km, +/-981m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 7: Departure
End of tour after breakfast.

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Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

This option is not available in 2023

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in Isle sur la Sorgue by your own means. Take the time to discover the "Venice of Provence" famous for its antique shops and its Sunday market being among the most colorful in Provence. Bike delivery no later than 6pm at your hotel.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 2: Isle sur la Sorgue to Venasque
From Isle sur la Sorgue, you head in the direction of Venasque. Cycle on small country lanes lined with cypresses and lonely farmhouses to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Visit this historic capital of the Comtat Venaissin, with its 40 fountains, its Romanesque church, and its mansions. You then continue to Venasque, a beautiful medieval town classified among the "most beautiful villages of France". Perched dizzyingly on its rocky outcrop, you can notice the remains of the fortified ramparts. The " Comtat Venaissin " - the region around Avignon ruled by the papacy for 5 centuries - takes its name from Venasque, its former capital.
Cycling about 22 km, +265M / -50M
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Venasque

Day 3: Venasque to Vacqueyras
Today, you cycle at the foot of the Ventoux, on small country roads, to Bédoin, marking the beginning of the climb to the top of Mont Ventoux. You pass through the village of Crillon le Brave, with its medieval houses clinging on the hill as well as some of the most prestigious wine villages of the Côtes du Rhône: Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise. You will pass the chapel of Notre-Dame d'Aubune. Its tower, a jewel of Romanesque architecture of the 12th century, is classified as a historical monument. You then continue to Beaumes de Venise, renowned for its gentle Muscat, before arriving in Vacqueyras, "Winegrower's Village", dominated by the bell tower of the church and the bourgeois castle. The church was once a Romanesque chapel that was destroyed by the fall of its bell tower, struck by lightning in 1585; it was then rebuilt.
Cycling about 48 km, +550M
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 4: Côtes du Rhône Villages
Today's loop takes you to the heart of the Côtes du Rhône. The vineyards adjoin orchards of all kinds, separated by rows of cypresses to face the powerful Mistral winds. You pass Gigondas and Séguret, two villages clinging to the mountain, which are absolutely worth a visit. The first is known for its wines and the later is cited among "the most beautiful villages in France". Between noble facades, your walk through the small streets of the village will allow you to admire the pages of history at every step. The Reynier gate, the fourteenth century belfry with its unique needle, the beautiful Saint-Denis church of the tenth century, the rue des Poternes lined with old houses, the Huguenots gate which has preserved its two wooden iron vents, the Mascarons fountain classified as a historical monument...and much ore! 
You then cross Vaison-la-Romaine - the largest Roman archaeological site in the country - unearthed here less than a century ago. With its medieval quarter, perched on the hill and its old stone houses located along the narrow cobbled streets, it is a charming city.
Cycling about 52km, +600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 5: Vacqueyras to Isle sur la Sorgue
You have numerous opportunities for wine tastings in the cellars all along the way today! As you ride through the plains in the Rhone Valley, you pass Sarrians and Bédarrides before arriving in Châteauneuf du Pape. The ruins of the castle stand proudly at the top of the village. Châteauneuf du Pape is the undisputed king of Rhone Valley wines, their full-bodied reds leaving a lasting impression on your palate. Take the opportunity to do a tasting in a cellar before taking the small country roads in the middle of the vineyards back to your starting point: Isle sur la Sorgue.
Cycling about 65 km, +400m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Isle sur la Sorgue

Day 6: Departure
End of tour after breakfast.

Rates and Dates for Luberon & Côtes du Rhône

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Isle sur la Sorgue
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Isle sur la Sorgue area