Cycling through Provence (self-guided)

Day 1: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Your trip starts with your arrival in the town of L'lsle-sur-la-Sorgue, a veritable island of a village surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Sorgue River. Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is located 25 kilometres from Avignon and is easily accessible from Avignon by bus, train or taxi. Getting to Avignon is easy with regular TGV (fast trains) and regional train services from Paris (Gare de Lyon) and other cities in France. On arrival your detailed route notes, outlining everything you need to know for the week ahead, will be waiting for you at the hotel reception. If arriving on a Sunday, the Sunday Market is one of the most colourful in Provence and definitely worth a visit. The town's canals are lined by quaint cafés, restaurants and antique shops, so why not lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets and absorb the town’s warm, Provençale charm?

Day 2: Venasque – Sainte Colombe

A short transfer by taxi takes you to Venasque for the start of your ride. You ride the whole day in picturesque countryside as you head towards the foot of Mont Ventoux, passing through an endless stream of vineyards, olive groves, truffle oak plantations and cherry orchards. Along seldom-used country roads you pedal off-the-beaten-track through the hidden villages of Méthamis, Villes-sur-Auzon and Flassan. If you are feeling energetic you can take a detour along a beautiful canyon road to see the plunging cliffs of Nesque Gorge. (Cycling distance: 26km) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Sainte-Colombe – Beaumes de Venise

Today you continue along the foot of Mont Ventoux and ride to the town of Bédoin, a famed village with a quaint market that features in the ‘Tour de France’ race. A short climb then leads to the town of Crillon le Brave, where we see homes tightly packed in on narrow cobbled streets. Stop and enjoy a café in the town square and enjoy the spectacular views of Mont Ventoux and the plains. The day’s ride ends in the town of Beaumes de Venise, where you may like to sample its renowned muscat wine. (Cycling distance: 20km) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Beaumes de Venise – Séguret

Today you cycle through some of the best vineyards of the Rhône Valley. The town of Vacqueyras is known for its reds, while Gigondas a little farther along the road boasts a village as pretty as its wine is succulent. Your cycling day ends in the town of Séguret, perched high above the Rhône Valley and classed as ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. Stroll through its timeless streets before treating yourself to a well-earned dessert in the village café. (Cycling distance: 20km) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5: Séguret – Vaison

Pedalling through the past the vineyards your ride takes you through the medieval villages of Roaix and Villedieu before reaching Vaison la Romaine. Vaison is your base for the next two nights and a place that merits exploring at length. It is a perched medieval village, complete with a towering belfry and castle ruins, a 2000 year-old Roman bridge spanning over the Ouvèze River, and contains the largest Roman archaeological site in France. Its main square contains a handful of quaint restaurants and cafés – great places to just sit and watch the world go by. (Cycling distance: 25km) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Around Vaison la Romaine

Today’s journey explores some of the towns of the Drôme Provençale. Entrechaux, Faucon, Puyméras are all relatively untouched by the grasp of tourism, but as beautiful as any towns in Provence. Olive groves blanket the countryside. This area creates some of the most renowned olive oils in France, known as ‘huile d’olive de Nyons’. (Cycling distance: 20km) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Vaison la Romaine

Your trip ends after breakfast in Vaison la Romaine. Extra nights' accommodation can be booked in Vaison – please inquire with Peregrine at time of booking. Regular buses services depart Vaison la Romaine for Orange (45 mins) or Avignon (1hr, 15mins), where you can take train connections to other destinations in France. A private transfer from Vaison to Avignon can also be arranged. Au revoir! Meals included: 1 breakfast