Vaucluse Vineyards Cycling, France

Dramatic Mont Ventoux and the lacy silhouette of the Dentelles de Montmirail dominate the skyline on this Provence 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 Châteauneufdu- Pape vineyards.

The area 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.

We’ve arranged specially good evening meals for you with opportunities to sample both gourmet and local delicacies. Our hotels, which are mostly family-run, pride themselves on their Provençal cuisine and cellars full of fine local wines - one is in the heart of the world-famous Beaumes de Venise vineyards. Scenery, cuisine, culture, history - you're sure to return home with memories to savour.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 - Arrive for dinner in St Didier
Our hotel is comfortable and modern in its own grounds with a pool and tennis courts.

Day 2 - St Didier to Beaumes de Venise 22km/14mi
An easy flat cycle across the Comtadine plain, with the majestic Mont Ventoux (1912m) and the jagged limestone pinnacles of Les Dentelles de Montmirail as a dramatic backdrop. A quick stop at Mazan - look out for the strange church wall made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi - then up winding country lanes to our friendly family-run hotel set in a scented pine forest on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux in the heart of the Beaumes de Venise vineyards. Each of the eight Provencal style bedrooms opens on to its own terrace and garden, and meals are taken on the vine-covered terrace by the pool.

Day 3 - At Beaumes de Venise
You are spoiled for choice today: Beaumes de Venise vineyards, olive oil museum, mediaeval Carpentras (colourful Provencal market on Fridays), or the cobbled streets of nearby picturesque Bedoin, named after the C8 Bedouins who settled here. You might like to make a leisurely visit to the nearby chateau at Crillonle- Brave or Mormorion with its museum of 'mechanical' music made on instruments like fairground organs, pianolas and musical boxes. Lots of circular walks available or simply relax by the pool.

Day 4 - Beaumes de Venise to Vaison-la-Romaine 32km/20mi
Fabulous views of Les Dentelles this morning as you wind your way up to the pretty village of Suzette and then on to Le Barroux with its chateau. Your route continues through forests, vineyards and cherry orchards, to a lunch stop at the fortified village of Malaucene (where Pope Clement V once lived). The final section is an easy paced cycle along country lanes to the Roman garrison town of Vaison-la-Romaine, where a warm welcome awaits you at our charming hotel in the heart of the town centre. Evening meals are arranged (included) at local restaurants.

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 13C cathedral and cloisters, a castle 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.

Day 6 - Vaison-la-Romaine to Cairanne 29km/18mi
Via Roaix and across the Ouveze to mediaeval Seguret - officially ranked among the most beautiful villages in France - whose streets climb up the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. There's a 15C fountain and a 14C belfry, a ruined feudal castle and a table d'orientation which explains the glorious view across to the distant Massif Central. You can browse in the craft shops and enjoy the opportunities for wine-tasting. Then it's on through pretty little Sablet and along the River Ouveze to our friendly little hotel in Cairanne.

Day 7 - At Cairanne
Lovely Gigondas, famous for the ruby red wine it produces from the grenache grape, is a short cycle away - there are plenty of caves and it's a good place for tasting. If you feel like a walk, there are many GR routes in the Montmirail hills. Orange, a thriving regional centre, is 12km away. It has two marvellous World Heritage sites - an elaborately decorated triumphal arch and a beautifully-preserved Roman theatre which hosts regular evening performances - no problem to arrange a taxi.

Day 8 - Cairanne to St Didier 38km/24mi
The final day's cycle ride takes you through vineyards to two wine-producing villages. You reach Vacqueyras first. It's a pretty place with a cafe and lots of tempting caves selling Cotes du Rhone. On the outskirts, the chapel of Notre Dame d'Aubune is worth the short steep climb. The village is tucked into the southern slopes of the Dentelles. There's a Tuesday morning market and an olive co-operative. The final stretch takes you through Aubignan and back to our hotel at St Didier.

Day 9 - Leave St Didier

Is this trip for you?
This is an upper 1 cycle holiday (See Headwater’s Cycle Rating System) that appeals to those with an appetite for excellent food and wine. St Didier to Beaumes de Venise is very easy, totally flat and of a short distance, the next section from St Didier starts with a fairly steep 3km climb but is then lovely and flat for the rest of the day to Vaison. On day 6 when you walk from Vaison to Cairanne it is really easy, mainly flat. Then the final day from Cairanne back to St Didier it is mostly flat but is a slightly longer distance.

(If it were not for the climb on the second cycling day and the distance on the last day, this holiday would be at a lower end of the 1-bike).