Le Tour du Massif d'Uchaux
An intermediate ride, rich in history & passing through many vineyards
This circular route offers a variety of scenery and landscapes, with gently rolling hills to ensure a bit of downhill after any short climbs.
The Tour du massif d'Uchaux begins and ends in the historical and medieval town of Bollene. The centre is filled with small streets and old houses that wind their way up to the top of the hill where the Collegial Saint-Martin stands, with excellent views over the town, the Donzere-Mondragon canal and surrounding hills.
Along this route you will pass through the town of Uchaux itself, then on through Poilence and finally Serignan, before looping back through Uchaux and taking an alternate route back from there to Bollene.
Other major heritage sites along the way include the Romanesque chapel of the Penitents in Piolenc, medieval architecture in Serignan and the Chateau d'Uchaux.
This route can be cut short at either Les Farjons, creating a 16km loop to Bollene, or slightly further at Uchaux where you can loop back to Bollene creating a 24km circular. The full route is 42km and worth taking the extra time to see the sights and changing countryside - plus the option for a bathing stop in Piolenc is hard to resist on a hot summers day!
Distance : 42km
Time : 4.5hr
Vertical Gain : 120m
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What to bring
IGN Map 163 (Avignon Nimes) 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.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Château Suze la Rousse
Originally a defensive fortress, this impressive château was built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding plains.
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The Fortress, Mornas
This fortress dominates the town of Mornas below, rising up from the 137 metre tall cliffs.
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L'Essentiel de Lavande, Grignan
From cultivation right through to the essential oil, come here and discover the journey of a plant whose fragrance and many virtues have been our childhood companions!
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Triumphal Arch, Orange
The "Arc de Triomphe" or Triumphal arch is an impressive Roman structure on the old city limits of Orange.
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Orange Cathedral
The cathedral of our lady of Nazareth, or Notre Dame de Nazareth, lies in the centre of Orange not far from the river.
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Museum of Orange
Located across the street from the Theatre Antique, you'll find this small museum housing many of the Roman artefacts found at some of Orange's best archaeological sites.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
