Today, we're heading out for a cycling getaway starting from Villeneuve lez Avignon, in the Gard, to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, in the Vaucluse. This adventure allowed us to discover a strategic route linking two major cycling routes: the ViaRhôna, which follows the Rhône from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, and the Via Venaissia, which crosses the heart of the Vaucluse on an old railway line.
On a beautiful autumn day, we hopped on our bikes to Villeneuve lez Avignon to join the ViaRhôna, peacefully following the Rhône. This beautiful route then led us through the Vaucluse, passing through Sorgues, Monteux, Pernes-les-Fontaines, Carpentras and Velleron, before reaching L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue via the quiet Via Venaissia.
We then returned to Avignon by train, and then went back Villeneuve lez Avignon through the development of the Chartreux loop cycle path.
A day of gentle travel, combining cycling and train journeys, with two options to choose from:
– An accessible version (37 km), ideal for beginners wishing to enjoy safe greenways – — A sporty version (53 km), combining shared roads and protected sections.
A getaway to the Sorgues region: the sportiest version
We set off on our bikes for the sporty 53-kilometer route starting from Villeneuve lez Avignon toward le Sorgues CountryThe route begins on the ViaRhôna, which runs peacefully alongside the Rhône. Along the way, we pass a few barges, admire the Tour Philippe-le-Bel and let's cross the Oiselay footbridgeelegantly designed for cyclists and pedestrians.
We then continue towards Sorguesthen Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue et Althen-des-PaludsThe route proves pleasant, alternating small roads, quiet paths et varied landscapes.
A break is needed by the edge of the Lake Monteuxwhere we enjoy the peace and quiet and the soft golden light of autumnReinvigorated, we resume our journey, guided by our faithful GPX track, towards the next part of our escapade.
Our goal was clear: to join the Via VenaissiaThis greenway, built on a former railway line, promises a gentle and safe journey to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. It is at The markets of Pernes-les-Fontaines that we found her.
Following the route, we passed close to Velleron, a charming village renowned for its agricultural marketGradually, the landscape opened up, straight lines followed one another, and the the pleasure of cycling in complete tranquility has intensified.
La Via Venaissia offered us a truly blissful cycling experience: a smooth route, surrounded by nature, punctuated by views of Mont Ventoux
Vaucluse Mountains and, in the distance, Lace of Montmirail.
With each pedal stroke, we got a little closer to L'Isle-sur-la-SorgueWith its canals, Its paddle wheels and his charming atmosphere.
Here we are in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a true gem of the Vaucluse, crisscrossed by its canals and punctuated by the gentle lapping of its waterwheels. Strolling through its narrow streets, admiring its monuments and letting yourself be carried away by the peaceful charm of the town center: the perfect reward after a beautiful day of cycling.
But the adventure didn't end there! We headed to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue train station, where we boarded a train to Avignon with our bikes. A short journey, just enough time to catch our breath, before getting back in the saddle to return to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.
Thus ended this autumn getaway, a sweet interlude between the Rhône and Sorgues, combining discovery, nature and tranquil wandering.
A family getaway to the Sorgues region: the gentle version (100% greenway + train)
A 37 km route starting from Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, heading towards Sorgues station via the ViaRhôna. There, you board a train to Carpentras, in order to avoid the section on shared tracks.
From Carpentras, the Via Venaissia takes you in complete tranquility to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, on a pleasant greenway laid out on an old railway line.
The return to Avignon is by train, then the last few kilometers to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon are covered serenely on the cycle paths of the Chartreux loop.
Our tip
