Make your way independently to the Montélimar train station (there are regular rail connections with Paris, a 3-4 hour journey). Meet your guides around 3:30 p.m. (exact time to correspond with trains from Paris) for a half-hour van transfer to our first night’s accommodation at the Hotel l’Esplan (or similar) in Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. Dinner tonight in the excellent hotel dining room. Overnight Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. Hotel and dinner included.

Our ride takes us up onto a little-used ridge road that links small stone hamlets and isolated farms before dropping down into the valley and the village of Grignan, the perfect stop for a mid-morning café au lait. Grignan is famous for its imposing 16th-century château which sits high up on a rocky spur.  The ride continues past fields of lavender to the walled village of Richerenches which was formerly a bastion of the Knights Templar. Here we lunch beneath the shade of enormous plane trees. A short, flat afternoon ride takes us home. Optional wine tasting at Chateau Gourdon, whose excellent Veilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone is made from the fruit of 100 year old vines. Dine tonight in a lively bistro in the village square. Mileage: 50 km (31 mi) with longer options. Overnight Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

A gorgeous ride awaits us as we leave the Drôme region and head south towards the Mont Ventoux. On our way we stop in Villedieu, one of our favorite places because of its colorful village square, complete with enormous shade trees, sparkling fountain, bakery and café. Our destination is the remarkable town of Vaison-la-Romaine, which features extensive Roman ruins, a beautifully preserved Medieval upper village, and a vibrant town center with dozens of shops, cafes and bistros. We stay in the heart of town at the Hotel Burrhus (or similar) which is an “Art” hotel with a great central location. It also has a lovely terrace where we relax and enjoy an aperitif overlooking the main square. Dinner in the Medieval village. Mileage: 50 km (31 mi) with longer options. Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

The town buzzes with life this morning as it hosts the weely Grand Marché, considered the best of all Provençal markets. Hundreds of stalls sell handicrafts, linens, ceramics, herbs, soaps, and food, including olives prepared in every conceivable way. Partake in this quintessential Provençal experience in the morning and then meet up to explore the rest the old town, including the 2,000 year old Roman ruins and the dramatic medieval town, built in the 8th century as protection against invasions and hostile neighbors. Our afternoon ride meanders through the Côtes du Rhone wine villages of Rasteau and Cairanne, where we stop for a wine tasting along the way. Tonight is a free night dinner so you can choose to go big at one of the gastronomique restaurants or just enjoy some wine and cheese on the terrace. Mileage: 40 km (25 mi) with longer options possible. Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine. Hotel & breakfast included. Dinner not included.

Today’s ride takes us to the most remote part of the region as we ride along the northern edge of Mont Ventoux. This area is sparsely populated but still dotted with picturesque hilltop villages like Brantes. We follow the emerald-coloured waters of the Gorges du Toulourenc to return to our hotel in Vaison. As this is one of the most challenging days of the trip, our support vehicle can offer riders a lift to the top of the pass for an easier ride back to our hotel. Dine tonight at a small wine bistro in town. Mileage: 55 km (35 mi), or up to 70 km (45 mi). Overnight Vaison-la-Romaine. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

From Vaison la Romaine we ride through the wine village of Gigondas towards the Dentelles de Montmirail on our way to Bédoin. The Dentelles are short, steep mountains with a distinctive rocky limestone ridge. We have lunch in the quaint village of Beaumes de Venise, which is famous for its sweet Muscat wine. The afternoon ride passes by some of the most beautiful villages in France, Caromb and Crillon le Brave, which are perched high on a hill with breathtaking views onto the slopes of Mont Ventoux. We stay at a charming hotel just outside of Bédoin village, the Hotel des Pins (or similar) Unwind by the pool or in a hammock after your ride. We have dinner at the hotel where the chef creates recipes based on local seasonal products but with an exotic touch. Dinner and overnight near Bédoin. Mileage: 50 km (30 mi) with a longer options available. Overnight Bédoin. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

We have several fun options today, from the relaxing to the epic. You can choose a classic ride to picturesque hilltop villages, all linked by the beauty of the Provençal countryside. Or test your mettle against “The Giant of Provence” — the mighty Mont Ventoux — that towers over the surrounding countryside. Serious cyclists can pedal their way to the summit, where, on a clear day, you may see both the Alps and the Pyrénées. Our final option is as spectacular as the Ventoux but MUCH easier: bike the gradual but stunning Gorge de la Nesque, whose average grade is only 3%! Members of the group can choose to do different options and then meet up again tonight for one last dinner together at the hotel. Mileage: 50 km (30 mi) with Mont Ventoux and Gorge de la Nesque option. Overnight Bédoin. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

After breakfast, we offer a van transfer to the Avignon TGV train station for high-speed rail connections to Paris, Nice and other destinations. Or you may want to spend some time in this fascinating and vibrant Provencal city which is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its 14th century Papal Palace. It is also the perfect base for a day excursion to the famed vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape. Breakfast and transfer included.