From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
Vineyards & Villages Along the River Sorgue
A gentle 16km ride along quiet country roads
Our ride starts from the Place du Marché aux Raisins in the village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne; a medieval village that still has the remains of its fortified ramparts and feudal chateau. Despite being heavily pillaged and damaged during the French Revolution, the chateau is considered to be one of the most beautiful in France. The village itself is delightful with narrow old alleyways, ancient doorways and fountains tucked amongst the nooks and crannies.
Cross the bridge across the river Sorgue, pass the old washhouse and follow the Chemin des Matouses alongside the river, following the green cycle route signpost. The many trees along here have been planted to offer a protective windbreak against the sometimes violent gusts of the Mistral. The road veers away from the river and bends to the right, passing underneath the railway track and carrying on picking up the green cycle route sign on the other side. Continue until you reach Chemin des Tailledes and turn left, after the sports fields turn right onto Chemin des Confines, a quiet tree-lined road with farmland on either side.
You’ll cross a small stone bridge onto Chemin du Pont de Bois and at the junction turn right, again following the green cycle route signs. You’ll cross another bridge before you come to another junction, where you turn left onto Chemin du Trentin then look out for the first road on the right, Chemin du Moulin de Vihlon.
At the stop sign, continue straight on along the Chemin du Réal de Montclar and follow the irrigation ditch through farmland for about 600m until you turn right onto a small road called Chemin de la Gaffe de Ragachon. Continue until you come to a crossroads, then turn left onto Chemin de la Tapy.
Look out for the next green cycle route sign, which will direct you to turn right onto the Chemin de Thouzon, a quiet road through open farmland that changes colour dramatically with the seasons. At the roundabout take the exit marked for Le Thor and continue along Route Saint-Saturnin through a pleasant residential area until you come to a right turn towards the village centre. Cross another bridge over the river and pass by the big stone church of Notre-Dame du Lac on your right.
Le Thor has plenty of architectural treasures; Notre Dame du Lac is a 12th century Romanesque church with impressive gothic arches, the medieval château was carefully restored in the last century, and the 19th century belfry is topped with a clock and a wrought iron campanile.
You will find yourself cycling down the main road of this small village, and passing under the stone gateway of the belfry, take the next right past the post office onto Place du Marché. When you get to a carpark turn left and cross the river again, at stop sign follow the road opposite onto Chemin du Mourgon. You’ll come to a dead end sign but carry straight on, the road bends to the right and takes you to a small underpass that goes beneath the railway track. On the other side of the railway track turn right and cycle along Chemin de la Grange until you reach another stop sign. Turn right onto the D1 and then cross the main road to get onto the small shady Chemin des Aubares. When you arrive at a junction with a railway crossing you’ll see a dedicated cycle path to your left, follow this past a picnic area and pick up the Chemin de la Jousseline on the left.
At the next intersection follow the green cycle route sign and turn right onto Chemin du Cavaillon, this quiet back road passes through beautiful fields of grapevines and brings you back to Route du Thor where you turn left to reach your starting point in the village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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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
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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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
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.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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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.
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La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue 
La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue
A church with a harsh exterior but a lavish & decorative interior
Originally built in 1222 this church was renovated and extended in the Italian Baroque style in the 17th century and was consecrated in 1672 by the Bishop of Cavaillon.
Read more about La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue
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Campredon Centre d'Art, Isle sur la Sorgue
Art centre situated within a beautiful 18th century mansion
The building itself has been protected as a historic monument since 1979 and is worth the journey just for that, let alone the art works inside.
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Coca-Cola Museum
A collection of 4000 Coca Cola memorabilia
Collector Michel Houche, has filled his house in Avignon, with over 4000 different pieces of Coca Cola memorabilia, creating a unique collection which tells an interesting story behind the brand.
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Ile de la Barthelasse 
Ile de la Barthelasse
One of the largest river islands in Europe, in the heart of Avignon
The perfect setting for a Sunday walk or a family bike ride is just a short ferry trip away from the city centre of Avignon on the Ile de la Barthelasse.
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Angladon Museum
The art collection of high-fashion pioneer Jacques Doucet
Located in a gorgeous 18th century building int eh centre of Avignon, this museum's mission is to share with the public the wonderful collection of paintings and furniture inherited from the couturier Jacques Doucet (1853-1929).
Where to lunch
This is only a short ride but if you want to make a day of it then Le Thor is a lovely place to stop off and you'll find plenty of cafes where you can enjoy lunch. Otherwise, pack a picnic and stop somewhere alongside the river.
Restaurants in Provence
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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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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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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
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 
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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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux 
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Good value small restaurant with great food for non fussy eaters
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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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.
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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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, 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.
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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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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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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a swimming pool and a view of Mont Ventoux
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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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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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.
