Provence Velo Vin Voyage

Arrive at your first hotel in Avignon, just a 10minute walk from the banks of the Rhone River. Within walking distance of many points of interest and local restaurants, this is a great base for your stay in the city. Overnight Hotel d’Angleterre 3*, Avignon.

What better way to explore Provence than on two wheels as you embark on a leisurely ride along the Rhone River towards Chateauneuf-du-Pape and onto a local winery (approx. 25km each way). Some of the most magnificent wines await you; enjoy a traditional tasting and tour before riding back to Avignon. Overnight Hotel d’Angleterre 3*, Avignon.

After a leisurely breakfast in Avignon, you'll be transferred to your next hotel in the rural village of Gigondas. Lying at the foot of a small chain of mountains in Haut Vaucluse, Gigondas is a tiny village surrounded by vineyards, scented with the typical herbs of Provence - lavender, rosemary, and thyme. This is a serene retreat, allowing you to become fully immersed in the beauty and slower pace of life in rural Provence. We have included dinner at your hotel as their family-run gourmet restaurant is sure to be a highlight of your week; tucking into elegant cuisine on the sun-dappled patio is the perfect end to your day. Overnight Hotel Les Florets 3*, Gigondas. 

This morning, we have arranged a wine tour and tasting for you in Vacqueyras; you can't visit this region without sampling the exquisite wines! Returning to your hotel in the afternoon, wander the cobbled streets of Gigondas lined with cafes and wine cellars, boutiques, and art galleries. There are beautiful ancient stone houses with vines growing up their walls and shutters painted pink and blue. The 11th century Church of Ste Catherine is perched at the top of the village along with ruins of their medieval castle. There are plenty of options for longer walks should you want to embark on a hike around the countryside. Overnight Hotel Les Florets 3*, Gigondas.

You'll be transferred to your next hotel located in Fontaine de Vaucluse, a medieval village home to the source of the mighty River Sorgue. From here, take your e-bike across the charming hilltop villages to Gordes, proudly known as one of the seven most beautiful villages in France. Facing the Luberon, this hilltop village showcases buildings of white stone, rooting themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain. Take your time wandering the labyrinth of 'calades' (narrow cobblestone streets), stopping at the many cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, immersing yourself in the thriving arts scene. Dominated by Chateau de Gordes, this castle has been at the heart of the village since its completion in 1031; its architecture offers a wonderful link between the Middle Ages and the golden Renaissance period, certainly worth a visit. The Church of Saint Fermin is another must see in Gordes. Built on the grounds of an old 12th century Romanesque church, each of the small, eight chapels are dedicated to the patron saints of different professions such as shoemakers and blacksmiths to watch over their livelihoods. Overnight Hotel du Poete, Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Relax in Fontaine de Vaucluse or explore more of Gordes. One of the best things to do in Gordes is to simply follow your nose through the cobbled lanes and see where you end up. You'll no doubt stumble across beautiful viewpoints, ancient gateways, and charming little nooks among the hillside houses. It's hard to get lost, so stroll at leisure and take in all the little details as you go. You also have the option to canoe down the River Sorgue from Fontaine de Vaucluse (booked in advance). The village of Fontaine de Vaucluse is squeezed into the sharp end of a narrow valley and takes its name from the beautiful and mysterious spring feeding the River Sorgue. Canoeing here is a great way to see another side of Provence and the beautiful nature it boasts. Overnight Hotel du Poete, Fontaine de Vaucluse.

Enjoy a relaxing morning before returning to the picturesque city of Avignon. From the renowned Palais des Papes, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the lively nearby markets teeming with scents of ripe produce and aromatic herbs, Avignon presents a distinctive fusion of culture, artistic expression, and culinary delights. End your week on a high by dining at one of the many excellent restaurants in Avignon. There's a great range of options to choose from whether you want simple, good quality cuisine or more of a fine dining experience. Overnight Hotel d’Angleterre 3*, Avignon.

Wave goodbye to Avignon with fond memories of Provence.