Provence Lavender Fields and Vineyards

Today, you ride through the vineyards of the renowned appellation “Cotes du Rhone” de Chateauneuf-du-Pape where you can stop to visit and taste in one of the cellars of the village. On your way, you can stop at the village Roquemaure, where you can see the remains of the 12th century medieval castle, where Pop Clement V died in 1314. 

On this itinerary you will pass Serignan du Comtat, an important medieval village (origins go back to 6C BC) in the history of the Counts of Toulouse and the domain of Diane de Poitiers. Continue on to Rochegude in the Drome department and lavender country and then on into the town of St Paul les 3 Chateaux where you can walk through its old cobbled streets and visit the historical church. 

Todays ride will bring you to the village of Clansayes before Grignan. In Clansayes, you will find the Templar knights tower, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the area. Also on your itinerary are the villages of Colonzelle and La Baume de Transit, with remains from a medieval castle.

 If you choose to ride, you will travel to the lavender areas around Grignan to La Garde dAdhemar. This village is a classical provencal village with exceptional beauty. La Garde dAdhemar has preserved its medieval structure and ramparts and was originally colonized during the Roman era by veterans of the Roman legions in the 1st century. Return to Grignan. If you stay in Grignan, you can explore this beautiful 16-17C chateau and learn the story of Madame de Sevigne. 

 Vaison, a town of art, has a rich cultural heritage. It was built up in the middle ages and modern times but the town owes its fame to the ancieant Roman foundations and its ruins. La Romaine was added in 1924! 

2 options:

• Option 1: the easier ride, it passes through the wine villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise to finish in Bedoin (38km).
• Option 2 crosses the Dentelles de Montmirail involving some climbs (40km). A variant of option 2 is to ride Mont Ventoux, famous Tour de France climb fondly known as the Giant of Provence! This will add 25 km and at least 1-2 hours of climbing up to 1909 meters (approx 6000 ft).

Tonight you stay at the edge of the village of Bedoin in a very charming inn. The scent of lavender is in the air from mid-June through the beginning of August in this countryside! 

 Breakfast is included and possibly some time to visit Bedoin before leaving back to Avignon. We will transfer you back to Avignon TGV station at 9:30am; allow 1 hour travel time before a train departure.