Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

7 Days Excluding Flights From

7 Days from

USD 2285

Cycling

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Ages :

18+

Trip Code :

C06PV

This 6 night cycle takes you around the eastern side of the Vaucluse, where you will have ample opportunities to taste the local produce as you venture right up to the foot of the iconic Mont Ventoux

With a history dating back to Roman times, today the Vaucluse is a patchwork of vineyards punctuated by olive groves and watched over by the silent majesty of Mt Ventoux – a Mecca for cyclists who come to challenge themselves in emulation of their Tour de France heroes. Our gentle 6 night cycling holiday, however, offers you a much more relaxed way to take in this fabulous region, one of the most fertile plains in southern France and home to such wine appellations as Gigondas, Vacqueyras and, further afield, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It’s also home to the Ventoux appellation which, although not as well-known as its cousins from the Rhone Valley, offers some fantastic wines at equally impressive prices.

Highlights

Gentle cycling between the vineyards of the Cotes-du-Rhone and Ventoux appellations
Colourful Medieval towns and villages; eclectic markets; good local wines with plenty of tasting opportunities
Quiet lanes and tranquil countryside at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail
Lively Bedoin, gateway to the incredible Mt Ventoux
Wonderful family-run hotels, each with a pool

Key Information

6 Nights, hotel-to-hotel accommodation in 3 star hotels
Management by your local Headwater appointed agent
5 Days cycling
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: France

What's Included

All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals
GPS Navigation for routes
High Quality Bikes
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single supplements (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Visas and vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers (if booking a land only package)

5 Days of Cycling

Terrain:

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

Day 2

31 km / 19.3 miles

Day 3

16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 4

25 km / 15.5 miles

Day 5

27 km / 16.8 miles

Day 6

26 km / 16.2 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

C06PV - Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Pernes-Les-Fontaines Pernes-Les-Fontaines London London

Arrive at your 3-star hotel in time to relax before dinner. (Staying at Hotel l’Hermitage)

Meals included: Dinner

Setting out from Pernes-les-Fontaines you immediately find yourself surrounded by a sea of swaying vines and spectacular views of the ‘Giant of Provence’, Mt Ventoux, and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Heading towards the mountains takes you around Carpentras into the sleepy village of Loriol-du-Comtat. It’s then on to Aubignan, a small market town with ramparts dating back to the C14 and a pretty old quarter to explore – it’s a perfect lunch spot. In the afternoon you’ll come to the wine village of Vacqueyras, home to one of the Southern Rhone’s bigger names, and from here make the short climb up to your beautiful hotel in Les Dentelles. (Staying at Hotel Montmirail)

Distance covered: 19mi (31km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you are spoiled for choice. You can cycle through the Vacqueyras vineyards to the village of Gigondas, famous for its ruby-red wine, where you’ll find masses of tasting opportunities (you can also visit Gigondas on foot by taking a leisurely stroll through the stunning Dentelles de Montmirail). Alternatively you could take a taxi to explore Orange with its famous UNESCO Roman amphitheatre and cathedral or to Chateauneuf du Pape for the world-famous vineyards there. However, if that all sounds too much you can simply relax by the pool and take in the wonderful Provencal ambiance.(Staying at Hotel Montmirail)

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you leave Les Dentelles behind as you head for the village of Beaumes-de-Venise with its muscat wines and olive oil museum. Then it’s a gentle ride along quiet lanes, past olive groves at the foot of Mt Ventoux, to the ancient, fortified village of Caromb. Home to an impressive church, a 16th century watchtower and 14 fountains, it makes a nice option for lunch. With Mt Ventoux at your back now, head south through the vineyards to the mediaeval village of Mazan with its church wall made up of more than 60 Roman sarcophagi. Your home for the next two nights is the country chic Jardin de Mazan. (Staying at Jardin de Mazan)

Distance covered: 16mi (25km)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast take a ride to the lively village of Bedoin, named for the C8 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 Mt Ventoux for more hardy cyclists seeking a challenge! From there 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. Then it’s back to Mazan, either to explore the village or relax by the pool before dinner. You stay at the Jardin de Mazan (breakfast included)

Distance covered: 17mi (27km)

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning follow empty lanes and vineyard tracks to Malemort-du-Comtat before coming to the foot of the hill on which the wonderful mediaeval village of Venasque sits perched, still surrounded by the remains of its ramparts and three Saracen towers. Listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’, there is also a lovely C11 baptistery right in the heart of the village. Heading back down leads you to the popular village of St-Didier with its great variety of lunch options. It’s then a fairly short distance to the old town of Pernes-les- Fontaines where you should have time to explore before heading back to your hotel for a swim in the pool before dinner. (Staying at Hotel l’Hermitage)

Distance covered: 16mi (26km)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

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. Highlights include 12th century Vacqueyras, which lies in close proximity to the major names of the Southern Rhone as well as Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine with their UNESCO listed Roman World Heritage sites, and Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its Muscat wine! From Mazan, birthplace of the Festival de Provence, you can head off to the lively village of Bedoin at the foot of ‘The Giant of Provence’, then on to sample a bespoke picnic and wine pairing in the grounds of Chateau Pesquie. On your way back you have the option to visit the perched village of Venasque before coming to Pernes-les-Fontaines with its delightful old town and over 40 ancient stone fountains.

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 25km (15.8 miles).
No. of days cycling: 5 (including 1 optional ride)

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, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

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. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

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 an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies.

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.

Joining Instructions

The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Pernes-Les-Fontaines on the afternoon of day 1 of the itinerary.Arrival and departure transfers from Marseille airport are included.

Flights:
We can also book flights for you. British Airways Heathrow to Marseille 07:20/10:15 then rail Marseille to Avignon TGV 12:39/13:19 and transfer to hotel 40 minutes. Return: Transfer to station 40 minutes then rail Avignon TGV to Marseille 12:43/13:25 then British Airways Marseille to Heathrow 16:50/17:50. Business/club/first class seats are available on request.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Pernes-Les-Fontaines
Location end: Pernes-Les-Fontaines

Transfer Details

Air prices include our standard flights/transfers
Transfers included from Avignon TGV train station at 13:19, and back to Avignon TGV train station at 11:50.

Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).

Vaccinations and Health

France

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

France

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html

Food & Drink

All continental breakfasts and 4 evening meals included.

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. Regional dishes include the famous bouillabaisse, a rich fish stew served with aioli and rouille; the bourride – a lighter version of the bouillabaisse; pistou soupe (summer vegetable soup with a blend of garlic, basil and olive oil); authentic ratatouille, large colourful salads an delicious courgette flower fritters. Tapenade and anchoïade are savoury dips made with local olives and anchovies; pissaladière is an onion tart with olives and anchovies and is very likely to have come from the Romans.

Making wine, particularly rosé, has been Provence’s specialty for a long time. The grapes and soil throughout the region vary a lot, but the hot, sunny and dry climate is ideal for the local wines. The local red grape varieties are used because they cope well with strong sun exposure and poor soils: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren and Calitor. The rosés are made out of the same varieties but the musts only macerate for a few hours so the fruits’ skin don’t darken the juice or release too many tannins.

Weather

Temperatures tend to average around 30°C during the summer months and fall to an average of 15°C during winter. The infamous Mistral wind can have a great effect on the temperatures, particularly in the western part of Provence.

July and August are very warm with little to no rainfall. Temperatures tend to climb up to 30°C during the day. At night it cools off considerably, especially on the coast, near a lake or in the mountains. In general, the farther away from the coast the more oppressive the heat becomes during the day.

The months around the high season are the most pleasant (May, June, September, October) with average temperatures between 22°C and 27°C . October is the most uncertain month of the four, but of course it can also be a splendid month with warm, sunny days and practically no rain.

Weather Charts

TRIP

C06PV - Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels

We’ve hand-picked a great mix of hotels for you, each with a swimming pool and each offering fine Provencal cuisine and cellars full of local wine. In Pernes-les-Fontaines you stay in a 19th century stately manor house surrounded by landscaped gardens; in Montmirail your hotel is a 17th century villa tucked between vineyards and olive groves; then in Mazan you stay in a 18th century chateau, the former home of the Marquis de Sade.

TRIP

C06PV - Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

10 Jul 2025 10 Jul 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

16 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025

Friday Friday

18 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

17 Jul 2025 17 Jul 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

23 Jul 2025 23 Jul 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

19 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025

Friday Friday

25 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

24 Jul 2025 24 Jul 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

30 Jul 2025 30 Jul 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

26 Jul 2025 26 Jul 2025

Friday Friday

01 Aug 2025 01 Aug 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

31 Jul 2025 31 Jul 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

06 Aug 2025 06 Aug 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

21 Aug 2025 21 Aug 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

27 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

23 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025

Friday Friday

29 Aug 2025 29 Aug 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

28 Aug 2025 28 Aug 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

03 Sep 2025 03 Sep 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025

Friday Friday

05 Sep 2025 05 Sep 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2285

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

04 Sep 2025 04 Sep 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

10 Sep 2025 10 Sep 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025

Friday Friday

12 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

11 Sep 2025 11 Sep 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

17 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025

Friday Friday

19 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Thursday Thursday

18 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025

Wednesday Wednesday

24 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025

Availability Guaranteed (On Request)

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Saturday Saturday

20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025

Friday Friday

26 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025

Availability On Request

Land Only Trip Price USD 2375

Optional Single Supplement +USD 545
Available upon Request