Cycling and walking in Provence is a sensual experience. As you move slowly through the landscape smell the wild thyme and rosemary. Stop to admire the texture of olive trees against old stone walls. Taste fresh chèvre mingled with tapenade piquant. Listen to the splash of fountains in village squares lined with rustling plane trees.

Only Great Explorations:
· Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
· A ride you will never forget: cycling the wine route through Seguret, Gigondas and Vacqueras
· Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
· Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
· We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison-la-Romaine, France

Starting Location

Gigondas

Gigondas, France

Day 3

Gordes

Gordes, France

Day 4

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France

Day 5

St-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

End Location

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
8 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Available dates upon request. Private and self-guided trips also available.
Please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

9 days / 8 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Vaison-La-Romaine / St-Rémy-de-Provence

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
Rides: 10 to 50 km (6 to 31 miles)
Walks: 10 to 16 km (6 to 10 miles), 3 to 4 hours
Van supported

TERRAIN

Some hills every day of minor to moderate difficulty. Shorter or longer rides possible.

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,950
Includes 8B/2L/7D

Single Supplement:
US $990

Bike Rental:
US$370

E-Bike Rental:
US$640*

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. Rental rates include delivery to the first hotel and pick-up from the last hotel. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. 

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

Getting there
Vaison-la-Romaine, Gordes, and St-Rémy-de-Provence are all about 650 km southeast of Paris. Access is via either Orange or Avignon, which can be reached via the TGV (high speed train), and are only a three to four hour journey from Paris. Transfer to Vaison, Gordes, or St-Rémy via public transportation. We will provide you with detailed instructions. The region can also be reached by air or from other gateway cities such as Lyon or Nice.


1

Day 1

Vaison-La-Romaine

Our meeting time is at 4 pm. We will visit the Roman ruins and then enjoy a welcome wine reception at the hotel before dinner at a local restaurant. Next day, start by visiting the local market here, one of the oldest in France. Next, we will set off on bikes on a delightful ride to Entrechaux which nestles around a hilltop castle in ruins and Mollans-sur-Ouvèze clusters around a high-arched bridge marked on each side by a tower and a tiny chapel. Back in Vaison we will dine at Bistro d’ O, a favourite of food impresario Patricia Wells, who has a home in Vaison.

2

Day 2

Vaison-la-Romaine

Today’s activities are up to you. You have the full dossier of rides and walks to choose from. You could cycle through apricot and cherry orchards to Malaucène, a quintessentially Provençale town. There’s a pleasant walk from Malaucène part-way up Mont Ventoux to a chapel. Or explore the Dentelles with a walk to the remote, perched village of Crestet, now home to an art centre.

3

Day 3

Gigondas

Today ride to Entrechaux, set against Mont Ventoux and with a ruined castle looming high over the village. Add loops to Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, or Buis-les-Barronies. From Mollans there’s a walk to Pierrelongue, where a church perches high on a rocky spire. Or wind your way among wine villages, past Cairanne and then Rasteau, known for a sweet dessert wine. Add a loop to Sablet and Séguret hugging the Dentelles mountains. Extend your Route du Vin tour to Gigondas and beyond. Consider a walk into the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail, among vineyards and lacy, rocky peaks.

4

Day 4

Gordes

Today you’re transferred to Gordes, your base for two days. Take time to explore Gordes, then walk to Sénanque Abbey, enjoy the peace and tranquility of its valley setting, and explore the Bories Village, made up of round stone huts some of which are hundreds of years old.

5

Day 5

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 

Today bike to Roussillon, a village of red ochre. Add a ride to the perched village of Lacoste, home of the Marquis de Sade. Or explore L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, called the “Venice of the Comtat”, then Fontaine de Vaucluse, on your way to Ménerbes, on it rocky promontory.

6

Day 6

St-Rémy-de-Provence 

Begin with a transfer to St-Rémy-de-Provence, where you’ll stay for three nights. Stroll through this pretty town, then walk to Glanum and Les Antiques, ancient sites with magnificent Roman ruins, then continue to Les Deux Trous, a scene painted by Van Gogh.

7

Day 7

St-Rémy-de-Provence

Enjoy a ride to Eygalières, an artists’ village on a mostly flat ride, with fine views of the Alpilles range from nearby St-Sixte Chapel. Extend to the ruined “eagles’ nest” village of Les Baux. Take a more direct route to Les Baux through the Val d’Enfer, the “Valley of Hell”. or head there on foot.

8

Day 8

St-Rémy-de-Provence

Cycle to Mas Blanc-des-Alpilles. Follow tiny canals through the garden of Provence on this flat ride. Extend your easy ride to the castles of Beaucaire and Tarascon.

9

Day 9

Departure Day

Take a final stroll in St-Rémy before heading off for your next adventure.

Le Beffroi, Vaison-La-Romaine

Located in the medieval village, this chateau features lovely gardens and a pool. It is in one of the most beautiful 16th century mansions in the Old City of Vaison; you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.


Hôtel Gounod, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

This charming 19th century boutique hotel is situated on a terraced property in the heart of the Luberon with secret gardens, an inviting pool and a lovely view of the valley. Relax in the simple, warm environment of one of the twelve personalized rooms finished in Provencal style. Gordes town center is only a five minute walk away.


Hôtel Mas des Romarins, Gordes

Though it started life as a post house in the 1600s, the Hotel Gounod was converted into lodgings and is the original and oldest hotel in Saint-Rémy. Offering accommodations with personality and charm, the stylish hotel has been renovated using classic furnishings with bold colours and rich fabrics. There is a beautiful pool in the courtyard surrounded by gardens.



			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	
	
	

	

		

			
Trip Reviews

		

				

			


	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
September 8, 2007

			

						
“Very relaxing and great countryside to ride through. Would do it again.” 



					

	



		


		
								

				
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