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.
Since we have owned la Baume des Pelerins 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.
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.
Mag 2 Roues
Rental and Repair
 |
| Fun and fitness in the "plein air" of Provence |
 | |
| 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!
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.
 |
| Ready for a day on two wheels |
 |
| 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.
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.
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...
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
 |
| Circuits re signposted |
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.
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? |
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
Carpentras 84200
Automne, Michel
 |
| Yikes! |
Location: 14, rue Vieil-Hôpital
Tel: 0490 633 712
Espace Deux Roues
Rental and 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
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
 | |
| Ubiquitous in Provence |
