The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
Au fil du Comtat (Through the Comtat Venaissin)
With a distance of 33km, intermediate level circuit with great variety
This intermediate cycle itinerary leads you through the County and its varied agricultural landscapes: strawberries, asparagus and of course vines. It also encompasses several historical cities, Pernes-les-Fontaines and Carpentras, where cyclists can discover some of the historical monuments of the county, Of particular significance in the city of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue in France, built in the 14th century.
Other examples of Roman architecture and engineering can be seen along the way, as well as the many pretty courtyards, town squares and fountains. The Château in Saint Didier was built in the 15th century and extended in the 18th century, it was transformed into a hydrotherapy center in the last century. Whilst you are unable to visit the inside (it is now a private clinic) the outside and gate area are magnificent and add to the charm of this very Provencal village.
More information available on this leaflet.
Distance : 33km
Time : 3hr
Vertical Gain : 190m
What to bring
IGN Map 164 (Carpentras Digne-les-bains) covers this area.
- Water - One of the biggest problems in Provence in the summer is the heat. Fit two bottle cages to your bike and take 750ml bottles with electrolyte drinks.
- Sun Cream - The hot southern summer sun means you will burn quicker here than at home. And remember the backs of your hands if you are not wearing cycling gloves!
- Windbreaker - Although it may be warm in valleys temperatures can drop rapidly as you climb, weather can chage quickly and the fast descents can cool you down fast.
- Snacks - Energy Bars and gels are a very good idea if you are planning a day on the roads.
- Mobile Phone - Being able to contact someone to pick you up if your chain breaks is helpful.
- Money - You may need it in an emergency or just for a beer at the end of the day.
- Basic Repair Kit - You can't fix everything by the side of the road but not all breakdowns require the day to end.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
Friendly service, English spoken, and maps available to help you explore Mont Ventoux
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Town bike hire
Reserve your bike online or visit the store for personalised service and expert advice
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
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Town bike hire
Explore scenic trails with peace of mind, thanks to itineraries and a reliable battery replacement network
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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Town bike hire
Hire a bike for one hour or up to a week in the capital of Provence
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Bike and scooter rental in the Luberon region, based in Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Road bike hire
Bike delivery, guided tours, and everything you need for cycling in Provence
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The oldest synagogue in France, still in use today
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras 
Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras
A southern gothic style cathedral built on the remains of a Romanesque church
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
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Chateau du Barroux, Carpentras
12th century castle perched on the dizzy heights of Les Barroux
A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.
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Baptistry, Venasque
The Baptistery is one of the oldest buildings in France
Once connected to the cathedral by a semicircular vaulted corridor, the baptistery is a beautiful building situated in the narrow streets of Venasque.
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Abbaye du Barroux, Le Barroux
Benedictine monastery famous for Gregorian chant
This monastery was founded and built in the 1970's and is now famous for its monks broadcasting their Gregorian chants live throughout the day.
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Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue
Journey back in time in these ancient caves in Le Thor
You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Carpentras
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Le Grenache Restaurant, Carpentras
The first wine bar in the town of Carpentras
Grenache offers plates of cold cuts, Antipasti, Tapas and cheese with a large selection of wines of the Rhone Valley, Languedoc Roussiillon, Provence, Burgundy, Loire, Bordeaux, South West.
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Chez Serge Restaurant, Carpentras
Classic provence food in the town of Carpentras
Nestled into the breath-taking country side of Provence France is a city called Carpentras. This is where the dream began for one young couple who had a vision, Serge and Sophie Ghoukassian.
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Hibiscus Restaurant, Carpentras
Adventurous creative cuisine in Carpentras
With innovative presentations and recipes, this restaurant offers seasonal produce combined in creative dishes that mix traditional cuisine with an innovative flair. It is part of the Safari Hotel.
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Domaine de la Camarette Restaurant, Pernes les Fontaines
A 17th century Provence style farm
Located at the Mont Ventoux foothills, main mountain in Provence, the estate is implanted in the old capital of the Comtat Venaissin: Pernes Les Fontaines.
Read more about Domaine de la Camarette Restaurant, Pernes les Fontaines
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Camille Restaurant, Carpentras
Restaurant located away from the city in a pleasant countryside
Enjoy a peaceful place, customer parking, terrace ready to provide sixty covered seats, greenery all over and a safe place for children to play.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Carpentras
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
A 3 star hotel with a swimming pool at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a restaurant at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
