The Perched Villages of Vaucluse
A mini cycle tour of some of Provence's most beautiful villages
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
Starting in the small picturesque village of Saint Didier, set off from the ancient stone clock tower that stands astride an imposing stone gateway in the centre of the village. Cycle north along the tree-lined main street of Le Cours until you leave the shops and cafés behind and it becomes more residential. Look out for a washing well on the left and turn right down the small side street called Chemin de Saint Geniez.
Continue as the road bears round to the right until you reach the D4, join the main road briefly before turning off onto the Route de Beaucet and start climbing uphill in the direction of Venasque.
Once you reach Venasque ride through the centre of village past the crumbling old ramparts, stone fountains and Romanesque churches. Venasque is classed as one of France’s most beautiful villages and is well worth a wander round if you have time to stop for lunch. You’ll come out at the south end of the village on to the Chemin des Aires and continue downhill towards the D247.
Carry on until you arrive at Le Beaucet, another charming old Provencal village with tiny streets crammed full of fountains, washing wells, chapels, medieval architecture and an ancient fort. If you have time to browse then check out the local artisan crafts such as pottery, earthenware and weaving.
From Le Beaucet you should head in the direction of La-Roque-Sur-Pernes, to visit our final perched village. Dominated by its 11th century chateau, the steep cobble-stoned streets of La-Roque-Sur-Pernes twist their way up to a number of vantage points from where you can enjoy glorious views of the Monts de Vaucluse. This well-kept little village has been restored a number of times over the years and bears traces of many different eras, dating all the way back to the stone and bronze ages.
From here you can turn north on to the D210 to get back to your starting point at Saint Didier.
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What to bring
Remember that summer in Provence can be scorching hot - pack plenty of drinking water, sun cream, sun glasses and a hat to protect from the sun.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
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Mountain bike hire
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Town bike hire
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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Town bike hire
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Town bike hire
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
What to see
Four villages of great charm with fantastic views of the surrounding Provencal countryside.
Sights in Provence
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Baptistry, Venasque
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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Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Musee d’Histoire 39-45, Fontaine de Vaucluse
This museum exhibits photos, records and videos of life during the occupation of France, the resistance movement in the Vaucluse and pieces by poets, writers and artists.
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Saint Veran / Sainte Marie Church, Fontaine de Vaucluse
This old Romanesque style church dates back to the 10th century and was modified in the 12th century. Its austere exterior matches very plain interior decor, very typical to the Romanesque style of the old ages.
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Abbaye Notre Dame de Senanque, near Gordes
This 12th century Cistercian monastery is an iconic scene of Provence. With fields of rows of lavender in an isolated valley leading to a beautifully solumn sanctuary, the Abbey Notre Dame de Senanque provides a glimpse back in time - if you can ignore the crowds of tourists that invariably will share the moment with you.
Where to lunch
All of the villages are wonderful places to stop for 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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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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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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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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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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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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.
Price: €979
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
Price: €667
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
Directions
Saint Didier is about 10km south-east of Carpentras, via the D4 followed by the D39.