Self-guided Châteaux and Wine Roads of Provence Bike Tour

Your adventure starts in vibrant Avignon, located just 2 hours 45 minutes by TGV from Paris or a one-hour drive from Marseille Airport. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to explore this historic city.

Wander among medieval ramparts, browse boutiques in the Place du Palais, and admire the grand Palais des Papes. Head to the bustling Place de l’Horloge for wine or coffee, and don’t miss the iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet perched over the Rhône River.

Your journey takes you through rolling countryside to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known as the “Venice of Provence” for its canals and antique markets.

Enjoy lunch riverside, or take a short detour to the ancient Grotte de Thouzon, filled with dramatic stalactites. Move on to Pernes-les-Fontaines, a village celebrated for its fountains, and stop for wine tasting at Domaine de la Camarette.

Your ride ends with a scenic climb to Venasque, one of France’s most beautiful villages, where stone houses and sweeping views of wineyards all around await.

Elevation: +430 m

Today’s ride skirts the imposing Mont Ventoux without requiring you to climb it. Instead, you’ll enjoy a gentle ride through lush countryside fed by the Sorgue River.

This green, fertile land is perfect for vineyards, and you’ll pass estates like Château Unang, where you can stop for a complimentary wine tasting.

Follow a quiet route through Méthamis, enjoying scenic vistas before descending toward Bédoin, a well-known Tour de France village with charming cafés and a bustling market.

Those looking for a challenge can take an optional 35km detour through the stunning Gorges de la Nesque, a narrow road clinging to canyon cliffs, offering dramatic views and idyllic picnic spots. Whether you choose the main ride or the optional extension, this day promises scenic landscapes, great cycling, and a taste of Provence’s wine culture.

Elevation: +450m/-390m

Today offers two delightful cycling routes, each showcasing the charm of Provence in its own way. The shorter loop (27 km) takes you from Bedoin to the scenic hilltop village of Crillon and on to Mormoiron. Here, you can unwind by the lake or try the treetop adventure park with ziplines. A highlight is Château Pesquié, where you can stop for a complimentary tasting—or indulge in their winemaker picnic (available Thursday to Saturday), a leisurely Provençal lunch under plane trees with panoramic views.

Prefer a challenge? The longer 40 km route leads through serene vineyards and quiet villages like Lafare and Suzette. Along the way, you’ll climb the Col de la Madeleine, where breathtaking views over the Rhône Valley reward your effort before an exhilarating descent back to Bedoin.

Whichever route you choose, today blends rural tranquility, scenic cycling, and the warm hospitality of Provence’s wine country.

Route 1 elevation: +/-330m Route 2 elevation: +/-675m

Today’s ride takes you through the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, where vineyards stretch endlessly across rolling hills. Pedal through celebrated wine villages like Vacqueyras, known for its robust reds, and Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its sweet Muscat. The scenery is a feast for the senses—sun-drenched vines, cypress-lined roads, and the occasional scent of lavender in the breeze. As you near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, stop at two legendary estates: Château Mont-Redon and Domaine de la Nerthe. Both offer exquisite tastings and a glimpse into the region’s winemaking heritage. At the village’s highest point, the ruins of the papal castle overlook ancient vineyards dotted with iconic red stones. In the evening, wander through the cobbled streets, sip a glass of Grenache, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this historic wine capital.

Elevation: +400m / -640m

Today is all about indulgence.

Enjoy a guided half-day wine tour with a local expert (maximum six participants). Visit handpicked wineries (except Sundays and holidays), explore ancient cellars, and taste 4–5 exceptional wines while learning about terroir, grape varieties, and aging techniques. After the tour, a transfer back to Châteauneuf-du-Pape is included.

If you’re up for a bike ride, head to Orange (52 km), cycling through serene vineyard roads and visiting the Roman Theatre, a UNESCO site. You'll pass several wineries en route, including Château Mont-Redon and Domaine de la Solitude.

Prefer a gentler pace? Opt for the short 17 km ride to l’Île de l’Oiselet, winding through vineyards and ending at the peaceful river island. Pick up a picnic in town and relax by the Rhône before heading back. However you choose to spend your day, Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers the perfect balance of riding, wine, and history.

Route 1 Elevation : +400m/-640m Route 2 Elevation: +/-30m

Your final day in the saddle is a gentle and scenic ride westward from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You’ll follow peaceful roads along the Rhône River, passing through quiet Provençal villages and rolling vineyards. Stop in Tavel, celebrated as the birthplace of dry rosé—deep pink, full-bodied, and perfect for a midday tasting.

Take your time soaking in the relaxed vibe and perhaps enjoy one last wine tasting under the sun. From here, you’ll cross the Rhône one final time and roll into Avignon, a city steeped in medieval charm. You’ll recognize the city’s skyline from afar—the famous Pont d’Avignon and the towering Palais des Papes welcoming you to your last overnight stop. Leave your bike at the hotel; it will be collected for you.

Celebrate the end of your Provençal journey with a relaxed evening stroll and a final glass of wine in this unforgettable historic city.

Elevation : +130m / -180m

After a hearty breakfast, your cycling journey draws to a close. You leave with the best kind of souvenir: vivid memories of vineyard-draped hills, medieval villages, and the rich flavors of Southern Rhône wines. Provence has a way of staying with you, through the scents of lavender, the rhythm of its country roads, and the warmth of its sun-soaked hospitality.

Bon voyage!

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