Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
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.
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.
We've arranged especially good evening meals with opportunities to sample both gourmet and local delicacies. 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.
The Vaison La Romaine dance festival takes place in Vaison from 19-27 July 2020. Join in the fun or come at a quieter time!
Your route takes you along quiet country lanes across plains and gentle foothills, with breath-taking views of Mt Ventoux acting as your backdrop for the week.
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.
You stay at Hotel l’Hermitage.
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This 19th century residence, transformed into a hotel, feels like an old family home. It is set amidst 2 hectares of grounds bedecked with fountains, many species of trees, and an orangery. The Hotel l'Hermitage is about 4km outside Pernes-les-Fontaines.
The hotel also has a swimming pool in the heart of the property.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel des Pins.
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Set among the pines at the very foot of Mt Ventoux, and just outside the lively village of Bedoin (popular among cyclists as the gateway to the mountain), is Hotel des Pins. This property perfectly blends the traditional and the modern with the outside boasting wooden shutters and a terracotta tile roof while inside each of the stylish rooms and suites are individually decorated in a contemporary style. Some have 4-poster or canopy beds, while upgraded rooms add balconies or terraces. There's also an elegant restaurant along with a bar, a lounge, and a patio. Other features include pine-shaded gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a space for massages.
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.
You stay at Hotel des Pins.
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Set among the pines at the very foot of Mt Ventoux, and just outside the lively village of Bedoin (popular among cyclists as the gateway to the mountain), is Hotel des Pins. This property perfectly blends the traditional and the modern with the outside boasting wooden shutters and a terracotta tile roof while inside each of the stylish rooms and suites are individually decorated in a contemporary style. Some have 4-poster or canopy beds, while upgraded rooms add balconies or terraces. There's also an elegant restaurant along with a bar, a lounge, and a patio. Other features include pine-shaded gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a space for massages.
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.
You stay at Hotel Burrhus.
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The Hotel Burrhus boasts a fantastic location, right in the very heart of 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 mediaeval streets and little squares of the Haute Ville.
You stay at Hotel Burrhus.
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The Hotel Burrhus boasts a fantastic location, right in the very heart of Vaison la- Romaine.
Today it's via Roaix and across the Ouveze River to mediaeval 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.
You stay at Hotel Montmirail.
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Just a short distance from both Vacqueyras and Gigondas is the Hotel Montmirail, a handsome 19th century villa tucked away between vines and olive trees at the foot of the lace like peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The hotel features a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bar, as well as a swimming pool and an expansive patio in the garden. Standard rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibar, while upgraded rooms are decorated in a French country style and have views of the garden and pool.
Please note that there are no twin rooms at this hotel.
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?
You stay at Hotel Montmirail.
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Just a short distance from both Vacqueyras and Gigondas is the Hotel Montmirail, a handsome 19th century villa tucked away between vines and olive trees at the foot of the lace like peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The hotel features a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bar, as well as a swimming pool and an expansive patio in the garden. Standard rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibar, while upgraded rooms are decorated in a French country style and have views of the garden and pool.
Please note that there are no twin rooms at this hotel.
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 mediaeval Carpentras - with a cathedral, atmospheric cobbled streets and weekly (Fri) market - before returning to fountain-filled Pernes-les-Fontaines.
You stay at Hotel l’Hermitage.
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This 19th century residence, transformed into a hotel, feels like an old family home. It is set amidst 2 hectares of grounds bedecked with fountains, many species of trees, and an orangery. The Hotel l'Hermitage is about 4km outside Pernes-les-Fontaines.
The hotel also has a swimming pool in the heart of the property.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in France for children under 12. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own. Please see our Planning your holiday page for full details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Normandie, Auxerre; Hotel Carre Vieux Port, Marseille; Hotel Le Grimaldi, Nice; Hotel Central, Avignon.
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This hotel was originally a maison bourgeoise until it was converted into a hotel by an ex-patissier! It has now been in Mme Ramise's family for over 45 years.
The hotel only provides breakfast, although a la carte room service is possible (very reasonably priced and a good selection of hot and cold dishes). However, it's fun to explore the lovely town of Auxerre and there are plenty of good restaurants in all price ranges within 5-15 minutes walk.
There's a public swimming pool in the town and a sauna at the hotel (approx 7€). There is a secure closed garage behind the hotel (5€ per day) or free parking in front (ask at reception).
Room upgrades: Privilege Room.
The Privilege room has a very spacious bedroom with king size bed.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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Situated by the well-known old port - which gives the hotel its name - the Hotel Carre Vieux Port is in the perfect location to make the most of this vibrant city. The hotel has cosy, modern rooms with contemporary bathrooms and fixtures.
There are plenty of restaurants near the hotel for you choose from for dinner.
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Le Grimaldi has 46 individually decorated rooms all equipped with air-conditioning, satellite tv, minibar, safe and hairdryer.
Ideally situated in the heart of Nice the hotel is just three minutes' walk to the pedestrian area of the city with its vast choice of bars and restaurants, 10 minutes walk from the Promenade des Anglais and 15 minutes walk from the Old Town.
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Located in the heart of the Old Town of Avignon, the Hotel Central is situated in the historic centre of Avignon and close to the Palais des Papes and the famous Saint Benezet bridge. Hotel Central offers comfortable rooms with authentic charm. There is a pretty terrace where you can have drinks or enjoy breakfast.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £348.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Marseille airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
10.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
