Current as of: July 3, 2019 - 15:42 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 Vineyards of Vaucluse Self-Guided Cycling Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 9 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Adventure Holidays in France Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate Programmes: Cycling C08PV Trip Overview In the heart of Provence, the Vaucluse is steeped in history. Originally Celtic, it was conquered by the Romans and is now rich in well- preserved Roman remains, especially at Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine where the large site is comparable to Pompeii. The skyline is dominated by the majestic silhouette of the Dentelles de Montmirail and dramatic Mont Ventoux. At a Glance 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel 4 days cycling Headwater wine service Route notes and maps provided High quality bikes provided Optional electric bikes Luggage transfers between hotels Countries visited: Adventure Holidays in France Trip Highlights Easy interest-packed cycling on Provencal plains and foothills Famous Cotes du Rhone vineyards: Gigondas, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras Extensive Roman remains at Vaison-la- Romaine and UNESCO Orange Colourful Provencal markets; numerous wine festivals; some of the prettiest villages in France Friendly, family-run hotels, most with private pools; good local cuisine Is This Trip for You? Classification: Self-Guided Average daily distance on move on days: 30.25km (19 miles). No. of days cycling: 4 Terrain: The cycling is mostly on plains or gentle foothills and we have used the quietest possible lanes to link the towns and villages. There are only occasional (unavoidable) short stretches on major roads. One or two parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long-distance views. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. On this eight night cycling holiday you get the best of both worlds: breathtaking scenery all around combined with easy pedalling on plains and gentle foothills dotted with lavender, orchards and the famous Cotes du Rhone vineyards. The towns and villages you pass through are particularly picturesque with their old quarters, weekly markets and chateaux. Group As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date. Adult min age: 18 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 17 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Pernes-Les-Fontaines End City: Pernes-Les-Fontaines Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Pernes-Les-Fontaines Your 3-Star hotel is just north of the village of Pernes-les-Fontaines. Plenty of time to relax and explore the hotel grounds before dinner. (Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Pernes-Les-Fontaines to Bedoin Option: 1 Leave Pernes-les- Fontaines this morning and head to the popular village of Saint-Didier, where you can opt to make the climb up the hill to the medieval settlement of Venasque (one of the prettiest villages in France) with its three Saracen towers. You'll then follow lanes and tracks up past Malemort-du-Comtat and then dropping down into the medieval village of Mazan with its church wall that is made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi. Continue on through the vines with a back drop of Mont Ventoux as you climb steadily towards Bedoin. (Staying at Hotel Les Pins) Option: 2 Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 34 km / 22 miles Day 3 At Bedoin Explore the lively village of Bedoin, named for the 8th century Bedouins who settled there and home to the imposing church of Saint-Antonin, with its unique Spanish style - so different from any other in Provence. Bedoin is also the gateway to Mont Ventoux for more hardy cyclists seeking a challenge! Follow established cycle routes to the Chateau Pesquie, which offers everything from a stroll in the vines, to a guided cellar tour, to a tasting, to a full picnic lunch in the gardens. (Staying at Hotel Les Pins) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 Bedoin to Vaison-La-Romaine After the picturesque perched village of Crillon-le-Brave you swing across the gentle Carpentras plain to Caromb, a partly fortified little town. A short, steep ascent takes you to the Lac du Paty, hidden amongst the trees. Continue downhill through forest, vineyards and cherry orchards to the fortified village of Malaucene (where Pope Clement V once lived). The final section is a flat bowl along country lanes to the Roman garrison town of Vaison la Romaine. (Staying at Hotel Burrhus) Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 32 km / 20 miles Day 5 At Vaison-La-Romaine Vaison has France's most extensive Roman remains including a 6000-seat theatre, baths, houses and streets. There's a fine 13th century cathedral and cloisters, castle ruins and fortified gateway, and squares with cool central fountains. The two halves of the town are joined by a 2000-year-old single arch Roman bridge which, amazingly, is still in use; it's well worth crossing to explore the narrow medieval streets and little squares of the Haute Ville. (Staying at Hotel Burrhus) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Vaison-La-Romaine to Vacqueyras Today it's via Roaix and across the Ouveze River to medieval Seguret - officially ranked among the most beautiful villages in France; its streets hug the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. There's a 15th century fountain, a 14th century belfry and a ruined feudal castle offering far-reaching views out across the Rhone Valley. Then it's on through pretty Sablet and extensive vineyards to our friendly little hotel near Vacqueyras. (Staying at Hotel Montmirail) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 17 km / 27 miles Day 7 At Vacqueyras Orange, a thriving regional centre, is 20km away. It has two marvellous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, an elaborately decorated triumphal arch and a beautifully preserved Roman theatre which hosts regular evening performances; your hotelier will help organise a taxi. Alternatively, why not simply relax by the hotel pool? (Staying at Hotel Montmirail) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 8 Vacqueyras to Pernes-Les-Fontaines Your final day's cycling takes you through the Cotes du Rhone vineyards, stops first at charming Vacqueyras where there are lots of caves. From here there's an optional detour to medieval Carpentras - with a cathedral, atmospheric cobbled streets and weekly (Fri) market - before returning to fountain-filled Pernes-les-Fontaines. (Staying at Hotel l'Hermitage) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 30 km / 19 miles Day 9 Leave Pernes-Les-Fontaines Meals included: Breakfast All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Accommodation Hotels Our hotels, which are all family-run, pride themselves on their Provencal cuisine and cellars full of fine local wines - one of which is located between the three world-famous vineyards of Beaumes de-Venise, Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $434.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking All continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals included. Provençale cuisine is a blend of many influences from the plentiful sea, to neighbour Italy and the early Roman occupation. The soil is rich and the climate is conducive to producing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Whilst not the most sophisticated of the French cuisines, most dishes use the excellent tasting local fresh produce. Cooking à la Provençale uses local olive oil, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines and wild herbs, all ripened by the sun to give an intensity of flavour. You can browse among the colours and smells, and make picnic purchases at the lively local markets. The proximity of the sea makes fish and seafood an important element of the local cuisine.