For a cycling trip to the heart of the agricultural world of Provence, this route will please you! A true link between the Ventoux and Luberon, this route crosses the Vaucluse and its plain, between vineyards, crops and orchards. 65 km long, Via Venaissia is made up of a greenway for approximately 65%, partially built on the old railway line linking Orange to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
You will pass through towns and villages with a significant history, such as Orange, Carpentras, The markets of Pernes-les-Fontaines, Velleron et Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Starting from Piolenc or Caderousse (near Orange), you can drive south to Robion, where the Via Venaissia joins the ViaRhôna.
Flexible itineraries
Although the official route of the Via Venaissia extends from Piolenc to Robion, nothing prevents you from using it to create a tailor-made itinerary.
We offer several options that you might like!
Around Velleron
It is at Velleron that the Via Venaissia enters the Grand Avignon, and this can be a good starting or finishing point. Take advantage of it to discover this city (link to Velleron page) full of surprises!
Carpentras – Velleron : 10 km route, completely secure on a greenway. Ideal for families.
Velleron – Isle sur la Sorgue : 6 km route on shared road.
Carpentras – L'Isle sur-la-Sorgue : this 16 km route is suitable for families with children. If you don't want to make the round trip, you can take the TER to return to Carpentras, or vice versa.
Riding with the family
With the right equipment
Here are the rental companies that offer equipment for children.
Other routes
For those looking for a 3- to 4-day cycling trip, it is possible to combine the Via Venaissia, “the Mediterranean by bike,” and the ViaRhôna. This route will allow you to discover Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Orange, Carpentras, Velleron, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Another possibility that the Via Venaissia offers you is to take advantage of it to reach the routes located at the foot of the Lace of Montmirail and around Mont Ventoux.
Here are some other possible formulas:
Walk along the banks of the Ouvèze (bike ride 2):
23 km – 3 hours – BÉDARRIDES > JONQUIÈRES > COURTHÉZON
This route, punctuated by magnificent Provençal landscapes, allows you to reach Bédarrides from Courthézon via a peaceful little road on the banks of the Ouvèze.
Ride from Jonquières to Via Venaissia (bike ride 3):
25 km – 3h – JONQUIÈRES > VIOLÈS > CAMARET-SUR-AYGUES
Hop on your bike on this route accessible to all, and set off to discover the Ouvèze plain where landscapes of vineyards and cereal fields mingle.
Practical questions
If you are already convinced to undertake this journey, here are some tips that may help you.
with children
The Via Venaissia is an ideal route for starting bike rides with children. It's a great opportunity to teach them how to ride independently, at their own pace, on a safe cycle path between Jonquières and Carpentras and between Pernes-les-Fontaines and Velleron. As for equipment, some rental companies offer suitable equipment such as baby seats, bike trailers, cargo bikes, bars, and traction elastics.
To be well received
Throughout your journey, you will find professionals “Cycling welcome”, ready to offer you a tailored service. Restaurants along the route offer a quick lunch option, ideal for recharging your batteries. Accommodations are equipped with secure bicycle garages. If necessary, repairers offer express slots and fallback solutions if your bike is immobilized.
Benefit from the experience of professionals and their valuable advice on the best cycling plans in the region.
La Chartreuse – Centre national des écritures du spectacle
Go there by train?
The route is accessible via 3 TER stations (Orange – Carpentras and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue). Please note that these stations allow the transport of bicycles, but under certain conditions!
Some tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible:
- Prefer periods of low traffic to travel with your bike: after 9am and before 17pm
- Look for the bicycle pictogram on the outside of the train, next to the relevant gate, and board there.
- Remove your luggage and panniers.
- Arrive approximately 10 minutes before departure of your TER to load your bike.
- Prepare your descent in advance so as not to disturb other passengers
- For the TER trains concerned, in addition to your train ticket, bring the reservation required for your bike
Go on an adventure
Great hikes
Do you want more ?
Here is some suggestions for multi-day trips, on foot or by bike, to discover this region of Provence intensely.
Discover the Via Venaissia, an exceptional route from Piolenc in the north to Robion in the south. This cycle route will take you through the villages of Aubignan, Carpentras, Loriol-du-Comtat, Sarrians, and Jonquières, offering you an idyllic cycling journey through the center of Vaucluse. Whether you're a mountain biker, hybrid biker, or gravel biker, you'll have plenty to see, crossing villages and bridges, along canals and railways depending on the section. With or without a map, this is an unforgettable sightseeing and sporting outing!