With its perched villages, its lavender fields, its breathtaking landscapes, the Vaucluse invites you to cycle tourism. Lovers of the Petite Reine, this is timely: several new features await you on the roads, in the heart of the valleys and along the mountains. Sport in dream landscapes, who says better?
Ten additional km on the Via Venaissia
The Via Venaissia is one of the popular sections for cyclists. Built on the old railway line that linked Orange to Fontaine de Vaucluse, it has just been extended by 10 kilometers between Pernes-les-Fontaines and Velleron, on its own.
A superb beautiful getaway that crosses charming villages, refurbished stations and the fertile lands of the Comtat Venaissin, which allows you to reach Carpentras at the foot of Mont Ventoux. The last extension serves in a way as a link between the Rhône Valley and the Luberon, thus forming the junction between the ViaRhôna (EV17) and the Mediterranean by bike (EV8).
The ViaRôna continuation and end
The Vaucluse section of the ViaRhôna which joins the beaches of the Mediterranean on the shores of Lake Geneva over 815 km, is improving every year. Since the end of 2022, for example, it has been possible to reach the station and the city center of Sorgues thanks to a footbridge over the Ouvèze. A new Chartreux cycle route also provides access to the city center of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon from the City of the Popes. Highly anticipated, the inauguration of a Himalayan footbridge linking the tip of the island of Oiselay and the island of the Popes took place on January 25. A novelty which will thus offer a superb view of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the Tour Philippe le Bel.
30 gravel course to descend
The gravel, a mix of passages on the road as well as on paths, tracks and paths, offers a great diversity of cycling routes and sensations, through the vineyards of the Rhône Valley and towards Ventoux. Good to know: there is a gravel center in Rasteau and a VTOPO map offering 30 routes of different levels and a long crossing, just to satisfy all desires.
Home bikes: the concept that rolls
At the foot of Mont Ventoux, Pista cycling cafe, this is the other unmissable stopover for enthusiasts of the Petite Reine. We owe its creation to Quebecer Vicky Carbonneau, founder of GOW (Girls on Wheels) and member of the “Elles font du vélo” team. Here, everything is provided for cyclists, with of course a nice terrace on which catering adapted to athletes is served (from breakfast to aperitif), but also a mechanical workshop, precious terminals for recharging electrically assisted bicycles and a discovery corner to find your way around the region.
And also: Le Bistrot de la Gare in Loriol du Comtat, a restaurant nestled in a renovated old station.
Where to stay?
Along the Via Venaissia
The Mas des Escarrat which offers different types of accommodation available in the heart of typical Provencal old buildings.
Along the Via Rhôna
- The Grand Hotel Orangein Orange, which has benefited from a fine renovation and is renowned for its bistronomic table Aurasice.
- The bed and breakfast Le N°7 in Caderousse, equipped with a shelter for bicycles and an adorable micro-pool.
- The Château Gigognan in Sorgues, located in the heart of a vineyard.
- The Olivier’s housedifferent apartments located in the city center of Avignon
- The Villa Aigarden 2 steps from the ramparts of Avignon
More information on the region and its activities: www.provence-a-velo.fr
