Classic Provence

Leaving Orange you head to the world famous wine growing area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The town has given its name to many prestigious wines with the original vineyard having been planted here over 700 years ago. There is time to wander round this village, once the summer residence of Pope Jean XXII and now almost completely dedicated to its world famous wine. Visit the imposing fortified town of Courthezon, before returning to Orange.

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Leaving Orange you travel along the valley of l’Aigues detouring a little to visit St Cécile les Vignes which, as the name implies, is renowned for producing some of the best wines. Here there is time to meander around the picturesque village, steeped in the traditions of wine, with its wonderful open bell tower. Crossing l’Aigues, you continue through the charming little villages and vineyards of Côtes du Rhône before turning south to reach Vaison-la-Romaine and your overnight accommodation. Here you may view the many ruins of the old Roman settlement as well as the Romanesque Cathedral Notre Dame de Nazareth in this enchanting Provençal town.

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Vaison-la-Romaine to Carpentras. Today, you skirt the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail to the delightful village of Sablet. Picturesque shady lanes adorned with flowers, lead to the covered passageways, fountains, and houses wound around the 12th century church. Later you can make a detour rising further into the Dentelles to visit Gigondas, once famous for its water and which is now famous for its wines which you can sample here. Your overnight stay is at Carpentras. An evening stroll around the old town gives a glimpse of the past wealth of the city, richly decorated houses with Italian influence although it is now best known for its trade in truffles at the market held during the winter months.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Carpentras to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. A day of cool fountains and water, first you head for Pernes-les-Fontaines with an amazing 36 or so fountains fed from a large natural spring including the Fontaine du Cormoron with its outspread wings. Then, it’s a short trip to Velleron situated by la Sorgue and along the valley towards the rivers amazing source, the spring at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. From here it is just a short trip returning along the other side of the valley to your hotel in the island town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its old water wheels, bridges, art gallery and antique shops.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Avignon. After just a short distance along the flatlands of the Sorgue, at Le Thor you are greeted by the remarkable old Douzabas gate with its town clock and campanile. A medieval château and the church of Notre Dame du Lac have been watching over the town since the 12th century. Just another short distance to the Cave at Thouzon, where a guided tour may be taken of the only cave in the Vaucluse which is accessible to the public. Then it’s onwards using small roads and cycle paths to the walls of the city of Avignon for your overnight stay, allowing plenty of time to visit the historic old parts of the city including the spectacular Palais des Papes.

Miles: 28 Kms: 45

Avignon to Orange. With just a short distance to cover today there is plenty of time for more sightseeing in Avignon or a little shopping before making your way out of the city on a route alongside the river with fabulous views back across city and perhaps sing a farewell as you view the “Pont d’Avignon”. The route follows the valley of le Rhône to Roquemaure best known as ‘The Capital of Lovers’ due to the relics of St Valentine housed in the church – the annual ‘Fête du Baiser’ (kissing festival) attracts 20,000 people! Take a romantic lunch here perhaps with a glass of the local St Valentine wine before crossing the river Rhône and taking the quiet roads back to Orange and your overnight accommodation.

Miles: 22 Kms: 35

Extra nights in Orange may be booked if you would like longer to enjoy the unique experience, sights, smells and taste of Provence.