This ride, between Mont Ventoux and the Monts de Vaucluse, takes you through the agricultural plains of the area known as the Comtat Venaissin. This is a landscape of hedges, irrigation canals, fields of vegetables, a reflection of the farming background of this plain. This itinerary lets you explore two cities that are very important to the Comtat Venaissin, Pernes-les-Fontaines and Carpentras. The architectural and historical heritage in Pernes-les-Fontaines and Carpentras reflect the successful agricultural model based on strict management of water, a sacred resource in Provence. Water is present throughout this itinerary.
Distance = 35,5 km
Landscape = Comtat Venaissin
Level = Experienced
Parking = facing the “Espace Auzon”, just below the Porte d'Orange in Carpentras
Marked itinerary
Do not miss:
In Carpentras : this capital city of the comtat Venaissin is labelled an "Art and History" city and is well worth a visit. Be sure to see the main monuments, including the Synagogue, the Hôtel-Dieu, the Roman Arch, Saint-Siffrein cathedral etc.
In Mazan : see the sarcophagi, Notre-Dame de Pareloup, the Château which belonged to the Marquis de Sade.
In Pernes-les-Fontaines : a very welcoming town, city of Water and History. This bike trip takes you into the very heart of the town, with its lovely squares and fountains.
Things to do:
Beautiful outdoor Provencal markets in Saint-Didier and in Mazan on Monday mornings, in Carpentras every Friday morning. Farmers’ market in Carpentras every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm.
Walk the oratory trail in Saint-Didier
Check with the Tourism Offices in Carpentras and Pernes-les-Fontaines to see the many interesting, varied proposals of things to do in these towns.
Information
Tourism Office and Maison de Pays - Carpentras, 97 place du 25 août 1944 - 84200 Carpentras Tel. +33 (0)4 90 63 00 78
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.carpentras-ventoux.com
Tourism Office - Mazan, place du 8 mai - 84380 Mazan Tel. +33 (0)4 90 69 74 27
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.mazantourisme.com
Tourism Office - Pernes-les-Fontaines, place Gabriel Moutte - 84210 Pernes-les-Fontaines Tel. +33 (0)4 90 66 47 27
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.tourisme-pernes.fr
Tourism Office - Venasque and Monts de Vaucluse, Grand' Rue - 84210 Venasque Tel. +33 (0)4 90 66 11 66
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.tourisme-venasque.com
www.provence-a-velo.fr
www.provence-cycling.com
On the way
From the Porte d'Orange in Carpentras, follow the bike path around Carpentras, then take the direction of Saint-Didier to cycle to Mazan
In Mazan, cycle along the Auzon river, then leave Mazan behind by crossing the bridge over the Auzon
In Pernes-les-Fontaines, cycle along the left bank of the Nesque river before entering the historical city centre.
Profile
