Provence villages cycling route

Explore the famous Provence Villages as you ride

Explore this Provence villages cycling route which incorporates many of the picturesque villages this region of France is famous for. The Vaucluse area of Provence contains within it a lot of history – often dating back to the Roman times and you will see a lot of this in evidence as you make your way along this circuit. The older villages are all set on the highest ground – to provide themselves with defence from enemy attack. This of course means that you will have some climbs to get over as well – although nothing as tough as the mighty Mont Ventoux which looms off in the distance. Indeed you will ride through both Malaucène and Bèdoin – the base of the climb from the two main approaches.

This route was provided to us by the great folks at Bike Weekender who regularly run tours in this region of France. You can check out their list of available cycle tours and try one of their trips.

Dentelles de Montmirail

The other prominent mountains in this area are those of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Rising up from the landscape and as the name suggests resembling somewhat crooked teeth (Dente is French for teeth), these limestone peaks are a spectacular sight. At the foothills of the mountains are numerous wineries with which you can sample some of locally made AOC wines.

Col de la Chaîne

This category 2 climb takes you from the small village of Beaumes-de-Venise to the highest point of the ride. Whilst the average gradient is just 3.6% there are a few steeper sections which you need to watch out for in the middle of the climb. You will enjoy some outstanding views of the surrounding wineries as well as the limestone peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. All in all a very pleasant climb to include on this ride.

Fancy a wine?

Something you will never be too far away from on this ride is a winery. This region of Provence is well known for its production of Appellation d’Origon Contrôllée (AOC) wines. Naturally you may find yourself tempted to stop at one of the wineries to samples some for yourself. Perhaps plan ahead and make sure to include a winery as your designated lunch stop for this ride?

Suggested cycling route

Food and water

There are numerous options for replenishing food and water including Bèdoin and Malaucène Be aware some of the smaller villages on this route do not have much variety in way of cafes etc. Of course it would be remiss to not stop in at a cellar door perhaps for lunch…

Highlights

• Stunning views of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

• Stop in at a winery and sample some of the famous AOC wines produced in the region

• The climb of the Col de la Chaîne whilst not super steep will keep your climbing legs honest, as you take in the views of vineyards on the slopes below.

Col de la Chaîne

Length: 10.6km / 6.6mi

Average gradient: 3.6%

Start point: Beaumes-de-Venise

Elevation at top: 486m / 1,595ft

This particular Provence VIllages cycling route is just one of many great rides you can discover whilst staying in the Luberon and Provence regions of France. We have mapped out several other rides which you may also wish to consider and you can read more about them here.

If you are interested in a holiday in this area of France then check out our destination guide. We have listed out lots of helpful information such as travelling to and from the region, accommodation available as well as other attractions and activities to explore.