DAY 1: Arrival in Avignon. You can visit Avignon and Villeneuve today and take in its many sites. Installation at your charming hotel, orientation at 4:30 PM, bike delivery, dinner in Villeneuve. Option for orientation at 8:30 am next day. (D)

Day 2: From Avignon to Chateauneuf du Pape (23 km): Today, you ride through the vineyards of the renowned appellation “Cotes du Rhone” de Chateauneuf-du-Pape and if you like, stop to visit and taste in one of the cellars of the village. On your way, you can stop at the village Le Pontet, in the outskirts of Avignon and visit the 14th century chapel. Night and dinner at a very charming chateau hotel in Chateauneuf du Pape. (B,D)

Day 3: From Chateauneuf to Rochegude (35km): On this itinerary you will pass Serignan de Comtat, an important medieval village (origins go back to 6C BC) in the history of the Counts of Toulouse and the domain of Dianne de Poitiers. Continue on to Rochegude in the Drome department and lavender country. The village is built around its castle and your hotel is a charming and elegant 4 star Relais et Chateaux. (B,D)

Day 4: From Rochegude to Grignan (35km) Today's ride will bring in the village of Suze la Rousse before Grignan. In Suze, you will find the a 12th century castle in which today operates the University of Wine. From the castle you can see the Dentelles de Montmirail (craggy mountain peaks) and Mont Ventoux. In Grignan, you stay below its famous chateaux in a very comfortable 3 star chateau/manor house. (B)

Day 5: Grignan loop tour or day off (44km): If you choose to ride, you will travel to the lavender areas around Grignan to St Paul Les Trois Chateaux and La Garde d'Adhemar. These 2 villages are classical provencal villages with exceptional beauty. La Garde d'Adhemar 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. (B)

Day 6: Ride from Grignan to Vaison la Romaine (43km)
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! Stay in an historic 15th century mansion in the center of town. (B,D)

Day 7: Ride from Vaison to Bedoin; 2 options:
Option 1: the easier ride, it passes through the wine villages of Gigondas, Vacqueras, and Beaumes de Venise to finish in Bedoin (30km). Option 2 crosses the Dentelles de Montmirail involving some climbs (35km). 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 10 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 during June and July in this countryside! (B)

Day 8: Departure. You are transferred back to Avignon; about 45 min drive.