Once in the town of Jonquieres there are several choices of cycle routes around the area. The country roads are the perfect platform to discover the local villages, view points and historical points of interest.
Via Venaissia from Jonquieres
Short, signposted tour with stunning views, perfect for all the family
Mont Ventoux is the largest mountain in the Provence region and is well known as one of the famous road climbs in the Tour de France. Known as the Beast or Giant of Provence it has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for road biking enthusiasts who come in hopes of joining some of the greatest names in road biking history and making it to the peak of this famous mountain.
Luckily, you can also see the glorious Mont Ventoux from the lower cycle paths of the Via Venaissia so this mountain can be enjoyed from an easy family cycle ride through the vineyards and plains of Ouveze!
With a distance of only 5.4km the Via Venaissia is the perfect family cycle around the Jonquieres area. From the village of Sarrians you will enjoy pretty canal cycle paths and in the distance the fantastic views of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range. At the end of 2013, a further 13.4km of signposted track was opened, giving you the choice of exploring further a field whilst still within the safety of quiet roads and cycle paths, suitable for all family members.
More information here.
Distance : 5.4km (or 13.4km)
Time : 40mins (or 1hr 30)
Vertical Gain : <50m
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.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Theatre Antique, Orange
One of the best examples in Provence of a Roman amphitheatre
Orange boasts the best preserved Roman Amphitheatre in the western world.
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Museum of Orange 
Museum of Orange
Art & history museum showcasing Orange's history throughout the ages
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.
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Orange Cathedral 
Orange Cathedral
The cathedral of our lady of Nazareth
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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Triumphal Arch, Orange 
Triumphal Arch, Orange
One of the largest & oldest Triumphal arches of Roman Gaul
The "Arc de Triomphe" or Triumphal arch is an impressive Roman structure on the old city limits of Orange.
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Pope John XXII's castle, Chateauneuf du Pape 
Pope John XXII's castle, Chateauneuf du Pape
The remains of a castle overlooking the village and surrounding countryside
This castle was originally built at the request of pope John XII who was elected in 1316, with the castle starting to be built in 1317.
Read more about Pope John XXII's castle, Chateauneuf du Pape
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Musee du Vin Brotte, Chateauneuf du Pape
Free museum & wine tasting
Created in 1972 by Jeanne Brotte, this wine museum is unique in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. First a modest museum displaying an impressing collection of old tools it has been renovated in 2002 and 2014 now presenting you with a museography called “In the footstep of the winegrower”.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour 
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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L'Autruche Restaurant 
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 Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
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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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.
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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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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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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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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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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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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.
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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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
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.
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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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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.
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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.
