The way points of this bicycle route:
Start (Since this is a roughly circular route, it can also be started at any of the other towns.) Head north on the D88 towards Roaix.
1 o'clock at the roundabout, onto the D7 towards Roaix.
L onto the D975 towards Rasteau if you want to visit that town and/or Domaine des Girasol (recommended by Rick Steves, open Mon-Sat 9-12, 14-18). Look for the sign for Domaine des Girasol on the road to Rasteau and ride uphill to the winery.
A somewhat obscure appellation in the Southern Rhone, but there are one or two very good wineries here, including Domaine de la Soumade. From Rasteau, return the way you can to Roaix and continue on the D975 to Vaison la Romaine.
A chic town favored by wealthy Parisians, Vaison is built on separat e Roman and medieval sites. Attractions include cathedral with 6th sarcophogus of St Quenin and a Romanesque chapel. From Vaison, follow signs for Carpentras (D938).
R off the D938 to enter into the town. English-language walking tour guide available for 3 Euro at 1st house on the right after the No Bus Allowed sign. (Small solar panel above door.)
Founded after the fall of the Roman Empire. Le Panoramic has OK food, but greate view tables.
Return to the D938 to continue tour.
R on D938 to Malaucene.
This town is one of the three main bases for ascending Mt Ventoux by bike. R on the D90 towards Suzette when entering town, unless, of course, you want to visit the town.
At the sign for La Col de la Chaine, you're entering the area of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Opposite the Dentelles are Mt Ventoux and Alps.
12th century chapel. There's an orientation board above the parking lot. Across from the orientation table is a tasting room for Chateau Redortier (good rose and reds). Les Coquelicots cafe is idyllic and perfect for coffee, drinks, snacks and simple meals. Follow the signs to Le Barroux through tiny La Piniere for more scenery or procede directly to La Fare for a shorter route.
Overlooked by 12th century chateau. Take the D90A westbound through La Roque Alric to La Fare.
Leave town on the southbound D90 towards Beaunes de Venise. Just after La Fare is the turnoff for Domaine de Coyeux, recommended by Rick Steves ("impossibly beautiful setting , with the best views of the Dentelles I found.") Modern tasting room with solid wines (dry Muscat, Cotes du Rhone Village red, sweet Muscat, Mon-Sat 10-12, 14-18). Continue towards Beaumes de Venise. Along the way is Restaurant le Redortier (unspoiled and unpretentious, with reasonably-priced lunch and dinner options on an outdoor terrace, closed Tue-Wed, arrive by 1330 for lunch).
Per Rick Steves: Great views and solid wines at Domaine de Coyeux (accessed via private road). Also Restaurant le Redortier (lunch on outdoor terrace). Closed Tue, Wed. Arrive by 13:30.
R at 1st Centre Ville sign onto Chemin des Platrieres and Chemin d'Urban, following signs for three incredibly scenic miles to Domaine de Durban.
Winery in stunning setting, charming hostesses and a nice variety of appealing writes, reds and Muscats. Return via the same road Beaumes de Venise.
Take route towards Vacqueyras out of town.
Massive (and too slick) cave cooperative at roundabout 8:30-12:30, 14:00-19:00). Follow signs for Vacqueyras.
Famous wine village with cave cooperative. Follow signs for Gigondas.
Famous wine town with TI office. Le Caveau de Gigondas near TI office for wine tasting (10-12, 14-1830). Du Verre a l'Assiette at Place du Village, closed Mon has terrific indoor ambiance. Follow signs to Sablet.
Less famous wine town, with generally inexpensive yet tasty wines. Cave cooperative at the TI in the town center. Follow signs to Seguret.
Le Mesclin on Rue des Poternes is a romantic restaurant with outdoor garden tables, book ahead, closed mon-Tue.
Welcome to Bikely, take a step by step tour of this path:
Press Start Tour - then use the navigation buttons below to move along the path.
Tagged with: Intermediate, Rural, Scenic
