Vineyards & Villages Along the River Sorgue

Ancient ramparts at Chateauneuf de Gadagne in Provence

Vineyards & Villages Along the River Sorgue

A gentle 16km ride along quiet country roads

Featured in: Cycling Routes
Updated: 19 April 2017

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.

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

Town bike hire

Where?
Avignon

Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
Town bike hire

This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Road bike hire

This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
Town bike hire

This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux

Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
Mountain bike hire

This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.

What to see

Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue

Distance from location
4.3 km

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.
La Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges, Isle sur la Sorgue

Distance from location
8.6 km

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.
Campredon Centre d'Art, Isle sur la Sorgue

Distance from location
9.2 km

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.
Coca-Cola Museum

Distance from location
9.4 km

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.
Ile de la Barthelasse

Distance from location
10.7 km

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.
Angladon Museum

Distance from location
11.2 km

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.

Mickael Feval Restaurant

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.
L'Epice & Love Restaurant

Where?
Avignon

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.
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour

This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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.
La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant

Where?
Avignon

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.
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.

What to do

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Where to stay

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.
L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin

Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin

This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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.
Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault

This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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.