This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
The Perched Villages of Vaucluse
A mini cycle tour of some of Provence's most beautiful villages
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.
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
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
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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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bikes, road bikes, tandems and children's bikes
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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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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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.
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
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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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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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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Musee d’Histoire 39-45, Fontaine de Vaucluse
A museum dedicated to the Resistance in Vaucluse during WWII
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
A very austere church in the Romanesque style
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
Wonderful Cistercian monastery with the quintessential lavender fields
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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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
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
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
Delicious food and wine at reasonable prices in a charming setting
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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
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
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to 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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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
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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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of 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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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
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
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
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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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Impressive B&B in a great location with plenty of outdoor space
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
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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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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
A quiet little B&B with a swimming pool overlooking the village of Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
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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.
Directions
Saint Didier is about 10km south-east of Carpentras, via the D4 followed by the D39.
