Cycling In Provence
No matter what time of year you visit Provence, there is a picture you can count on seeing – bike riders – sometimes in larger groups – sometimes just one or two – out enjoying the scenery and sightseeing in Provence their way. 
Fun & fitness in the “Plein Air” of Provence
Since we have owned la Baume des Pelèrins in Sablet, we have come to know many more of our guests who are in Provence for one, two and sometimes three weeks to enjoy all of the spectacular scenery, charming villages and history, that a Provence bike riding vacation brings.
Even in the middle of winter, cyclists find Provence a very attractive venue for excursions
Why after la Baume? I asked myself the same question when I noticed the trend. It’s because la Baume has a lockable space, the “baume” in which bicycles and all the riding equipment can be securely stored and out of harms way, which can be something of a rarity in Provence vacation rental homes, especially in small villages where the streets are narrow and garages are not common.
Bravo! This is quite a ride and quite an achievement
The Vaucluse has a lot to offer bike riders of all capabilities. For riders like me, there’s lots of “flat land” riding, and for more ambitious riders, a mixture of flat and mildly hilly rides. For experienced riders who are ready to tackle the more arduous outing, Sablet is within close proximity to Mt. Ventoux which has been included on the Tour de France circuit more than once!
Ready for a day on two wheels
Many of our guests have told me that they particularly enjoy planning their rides to take in sites they want to see, often stopping to visit towns and villages, sometimes on market days, to pick up supplies for picnics, visiting points of interest, and often bringing back local specialties for a delicious and relaxing evening meal, in the cool and intimate space of the baume.
Spectacular Scenery
If a Provence Bike riding vacation is in your future … here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, about rides that you may enjoy in the Vaucluse.
For More on Bike Riding in Provence: Tour de Sablet
CYCLING ROUTES …
This cycling route is one of the many preplanned routes prepared by Tourisme en Haute Vaucluse and available at the Office de Tourisme in Sablet and those throughout the Vaucluse. These routes are centered around tourism themes such as “Landscapes of the Cote du Rhone” which gives the riders an opportunity to do some sightseeing in areas that interest them whilst enjoying the ride.
This ride will take you through the vineyards of Appellation d’Orignine Controllee Cotes du Rhone all with the backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mt. Ventoux. You will visit many scenic villages such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Sablet and Beaumes de Venise
PARKING: Place du Marche – Beaumes de Venise
DISTANCE: 33 kilometers/ 20.5 miles
DURATION: 3 hours
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Intermediate riding
CIRCUIT IS SIGNPOSTED
Each route shows the distance in kilometers, the riding time, the degree of difficulty of the ride, a vertical cross section graph that shows you the hills and flat areas, a guide on where to park the car once you have reached the beginning point and stage be stage directions.
TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE…
If you plan to bring your own bike, your travel agent or Airline will advise you on specific requirements for transporting it. This will include details about proper packaging, how you will have to handle your bicycle if you have connecting flights and customs regulations.
Train Travel in France: You can take your bicycle on any train in France, however if you plan to travel on the TGV (fast train), you will need to reserve a space for your bicycle as well as reserving a seat for yourself.
These bikes from “Velopop” are available for rental around certain towns and cities. They are not suitable for a riding circuit in the countryside. Avignon has 17 stations where you can rent a bike to get around the city.
BIKE RENTAL…
You can also very easily rent bikes and other equipment at specialty Cycling stores in the area, especially if you wish to perhaps spend just a few days of your Provence vacation on two wheels.
IMPORTANT – If you plan to rent a bike, experienced riders tell me that it is advisable to bring your own REAR VISION MIRROR if you have one that you are used to using when riding.
Vaison-la-Romaine 84110
Hurricane
Rental and Repair
Location: 9, rue des Ormeaux
Tel: 0490 287 786
Need a break from your helmet?
Mag 2 Roues
Rental and Repair
Location: Cours Taulignan
Tel: 0490 288 046
Orange 84100
Cycles Dupont
Rental and Repair
Location: 23,avenue Frédéric-Mistral
Tel: 0490 341 560
Cycles Olivier Trousse
Rental and Repair
Location: 176, rue de l’Irlande
Tel: 0490 517 161
Cycles Picca
Rental and Repair
Location: 544, avenue de Verdun
Tel: 0490 516 953
MBK
Rental and Repair
Location: 571, boulevard ƒdouard-Daladier
Tel: 0490 341 651
Provence Rent Bike
Bike tours, journeys, rentals. Tours include Around the Ventoux, wine, olive oil, antiques, markets of Provence.
Location: Sport Aventure; 1 Place de la République
Tel: 0490 347 508
Email: info@provence-rent-bike.com
Web: www.provence-rent-bike.com
Carpentras 84200
Automne, Michel
Yikes!
Rental and Repair
Location: 14, rue Vieil-Hôpital
Tel: 0490 633 712
Espace Deux Roues
Rental & Repair
Location: 258, avenue Notre-Dame-de-la-Santé
Tel: 0490 600 225
Evasion
Rental and Repair
Location: 233, avenue du Mont-Ventoux
Tel: 0490 600 024
Le Route de Ventoux
Rents a limited number of high-end bikes.
Location: 293 av. Victor Hugo
Tel: 0490 670 740; Fax: 04 90 60 39 84
Web: www.route-du-ventoux.com
Thorn Bikes
Rental and Repair
Location: Chemin Saint-Gens
Tel: 0490 635 077
Gigondas 84190
Gîte d’étape de Gigondas
Rental.
Tel: 0490 658 085
