Vaison-la-Romaine Medieval Villages Rides

Classic Provence on two wheels. These loops roll out from Vaison-la-Romaine and link up stone-built hilltop villages like Séguret, Sablet, and Crestet through vineyards and olive groves, with views to the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux. Expect steady, punchy climbs up to the villages and flowing descents—around 500 m of climbing on a typical loop.

Roads are mostly quiet and paved, with a few short unpaved or farm-track bits. A road bike is fine; 28 mm tires make the rough stuff easy. There are occasional busier connectors, so go early or on weekdays if you want it extra chill.

Start and finish in Vaison-la-Romaine—don’t miss the Roman bridge and the medieval upper town. Cafés, bakeries, and water fountains pop up often in the villages (Vaison’s market day is Tuesday). Spring and autumn are prime; summer gets hot and the mistral can blow, so pack bottles and a wind layer.

Want more? Add a detour toward Gigondas and the Dentelles for extra climbing, or keep it mellow with a shorter spin around the vines. Either way, it’s a sweet taste of Provençal cycling in a compact package.