Most of this circuit follows the canal tow paths to the north of Carpentras, within sight of Mont Ventoux.
Cycling the canals of Carpentras
An easy, signposted circuit along the waterways
It's signposted on the way around and you'll pass through a few small towns and villages, including Baumes de Venise which is famous for its sweet Muscat wine, fields and some interesting buildings along the way.
It should take the average rider around 3 hours to complete the 34 kilometre circuit.
What to bring
IGN Maps 163 (Avignon Nimes) and 164 (Carpentras Digne-Les-Bains) cover 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
See all Bike Hire in Provence-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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!
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
What to see
Sights in Provence
See all Sights in Provence-
Visit website 
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.
-
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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.
-
Visit website 
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
See all Restaurants in Carpentras-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
-
Enquire 
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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Carpentras
See all Cycling Hotels in Carpentras-
Check Booking.com 
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
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.
-
Check Booking.com 
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.
