recommended route
Bedoin to Chateauneuf du Pape
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Photo: Iain Douglas, Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Safety information
Take care on the roads today - there are some sections of cycling on busier single carrieageways, between and entering towns along with a crossing of one fast-flowing road.
Before starting your ride it’s always worth inspecting your bike for any damage. Check for any damage to the frame, components or wheels. Ensure there are no loose cables and that the tyres are inflated and the brakes are working. Always wear a helmet when cycling. If you are doubtful of the condition of your rental bike please call the office or the local bike hire on the number provided in your information pack.
Beware of traffic especially when entering and leaving towns where the traffic flow tends to be highest. Take care on the day’s descents; make the most of the downhill but don’t speed around corners where you can’t see what’s coming ahead of you on narrow single-track roads. Always treat descents with respect!
Remember to ride on the right-hand side of the road and whilst drivers in France are respectful of the 'velo', please do be mindful of other road users at all times, obeying local road signs and any change in road conditions.
Tips and hints
Points of Interest
Caromb
Today you’ll pass through this fortified village, with one of the largest Romanesque churches in the Vaucluse, dating from the 14th century. The church contains an Italian organ from the 1700s, which has been restored to working order. The town also boasts a niche museum of wine-growing tools, and in June plays host to a cherry festival.
You’ll find a boulangerie, cafes and some restaurants on the town’s streets also.
The Chateau in Chateauneuf du Pape
The village itself is dominated by the ruins of the Papal Palace built as a summer house for the Popes in the 1300s, and latterly damaged by fires during a religious war. Little remains, but what does hints at past grandeur. The site is a great place for panoramic views over these world-renowned vineyards and is a stunning place to watch the sunset.
Dotted around the village you’ll find a variety of “caves” (wine cellars) where you can make appointments for tasting the region’s fine wines -the cellars vary from the relaxed to the bordering on pretentious. If you fancy a tasting but don’t have anything specific in mind then we recommend visiting the Musee du Vin (detailed below) for an overview of the area.
Le Musee du Vin
This museum, in the village centre of Chateauneuf du Pape, is operated by the long-standing family of Brotte who bottle wine around the region, along with growing their own. Their varieties include AOC certified Domaine Barville, Domaine Grosset and Chateau de Bord wines all grown to the French environmental standard Terra Vitis. We recommend a visit and wine tasting here, you can find the information you’ll need to book on the webpages below.
Visits and tasting: https://www.brotte.com/fr/musee-du-vin-brotte-chateauneuf-du-pape-visite-et-degustation-pour-tous-gratuit/
Opening times and contact information: https://www.brotte.com/fr/musee-du-vin-chateauneuf-du-pape-ouverture-adresse
Food & Drink
Before leaving Bedoin you can buy a picnic lunch or snacks from the Utile supermarket in the village centre. Alternatively, there are plenty of places to stop en route today, the route passes through the towns of Caromb, Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueryras, Jonquieres and Courthouzon before reaching Chateauneuf du Pape. In the latter there is plenty of choice and you’ll find a few restaurants and cafes at the base of the chateau in the village centre.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km – At the roundabout in Bedoin with the fountain on your right-hand side, take the first exit to TURN RIGHT following the D138 signposted for Crillon le Brave. At the next junction in 20m BEAR LEFT to continue out of Bedoin, continue to follow the signposts for Crillon le Brave.
3.30 km – As you ascend towards the village of Crillon le Brave TURN RIGHT sharply onto Chemin de Caromb a Bedoin to pass around the side of the hilltop.
3.60 km – At the junction continue STRAIGHT ON (ignoring the dead end road to the right). The road soon begins to descend – take care on the narrow road and pull over where necessary to let vehicles pass.
6.00 km – At the small roundabout TURN LEFT following the Centre Ville signpost.
6.30 km – At the T-junction TURN RIGHT and cycle into Caromb village. At the next junction TURN RIGHT to follow the one-way system.
6.90 km – After following the road around to the left at the junction (with the school on your right-hand side), move into the left land to TURN LEFT following the signpost for Beaumes-de-Venise.
At the roundabout with the fountain on your left TURN RIGHT onto the D21 for Beaumes-de-Venise.
7.70 km – At the junction with a cross monument in front of you BEAR LEFT (ignore the cycle path signpost on the right) and continue on the road.
9.90 km – At the large roundabout, taking care of traffic and signalling your intentions, continue STRAIGHT ON the D21 for Beaumes-de-Venise (6 km). At the next crossroads continue STRAIGHT ON.
11.80 km – On the corner of the road with a pillared entrance to a house on your right, TURN RIGHT onto the smaller single-track road following the cycle path signpost to ascend slightly.
12.50 km – Among the vineyards TURN RIGHT following the cycle path signpost to Beaumes-de-Venise. In 100m at the next junction BEAR LEFT.
13.50 km – Slow down to cross the river, don’t continue if the water is overflowing onto the tarmac. Continue STRAIGHT ON to cross the river then once across TURN LEFT following the cycle path signpost.
13.80 km – At the junction (with the campsite on your left) BEAR LEFT onto Chemin Saint Anne, taking care on the narrow road.
14.00 km – At the T-junction with the Chappelle Saint Anne on your right-hand side TURN LEFT and pedal into the town, taking care on this busier road.
14.20 km – TURN RIGHT for the Centre Ville on the D21.
14.30 km – At the roundabout with parking on your left and a restaurant behind you continue STRAIGHT ON the D21 for Vacqueyras. In 300m continue STRAIGHT ON at the next roundabout.
14.90 km – Where the road splits with a small chapel ahead BEAR RIGHT onto the D81 for Vacqueyras.
15.50 km – At the roundabout with Vigerons de Beaumes-de-Venise winery ahead take the first exit to continue STRAIGHT ON the D7 for Vacqueyras. Take care on this fast-flowing single carriageway road and you follow it for under 3 km, using the shoulder where possible.
18.10 km – At the large roundabout take care and continue STRAIGHT ON taking the second exit signposted for Vacqueyras.
18.80 km – At the traffic lights TURN LEFT in front of the Boulangerie & Patisserie. In 100m at the junction TURN LEFT (the village centre is to your right if you’d like to stop here).
19.10 km – Where the road splits BEAR LEFT to descend on Chemin de Lecques. Continue on the road ignoring any turn offs to cross the river and pass the winery.
20.50 km – TURN RIGHT with the limestone outcrop ahead and keep the high wall on your right. Ascend slightly following the cycle path signpost on Route des Rocques.
21.30 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON at the crossroads for Sarrians (5 km) with a high hedge on your right-hand side.
26.10 km – Go through the underpass then immediately TURN LEFT to cycle or push your bike up the ramp then TURN LEFT and follow the cycle path into Jouquieres town.
27.50 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON the cycle path at the crossroads.
27.90 km – At the next crossroads TURN LEFT off the cycle path onto the road and pedal into the town.
28.20 km – At the junction with the stone cross TURN RIGHT to follow the signpost for Courthezon (4 km). In 200m TURN LEFT onto Chemin des Cantons (follow the MJC parking signpost).
28.80 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON the D950A as Avenue de la Liberation splits.
30.20 km – TURN LEFT off onto a small side road and continue with trees on either side.
31.40 km – On Route des Plaines look our for a sharp turn on the right and TURN RIGHT to go back on yourself for 200m then TURN LEFT to pedal between vineyards on a poor tarmac road surface.
32.80 km – Arrive at a busy roundabout, you can choose to walk your bike on the grass verge to avoid cycling on the road here. TURN RIGHT to take the first exit at the roundabout following the signpost for Beaucastel taking the bridge over the motorway.
34.10 km – At the crossroads TURN LEFT off the single carriageway road following the signpost for Le Clos du Caillou on Chemin des Mulets. Continue STRAIGHT ON along this road.
35.70 km – At the crossroads TURN RIGHT for Le Clos Caillou.
36.30 km – After following the road around to the right TURN LEFT on Chemin de Pignon. Then where the road splits in 100m BEAR LEFT onto Chemin du Rayas.
37.40 km – Here the road surface changes to coarse gravel for approx. 100m. We recommend dismounting as the surface is uneven. Rejoin the tarmac road then TURN RIGHT.
38.80 km – At the crossroads TURN LEFT onto a quiet single carriageway road with care. Pass the Muse du Vine Brotte signpost on your right-hand side.
40.30 km – At the roundabout with the ruined chateau on your right continue STRAIGHT ON following signposts for the village. In 300m BEAR LEFT continuing on the Rue D’Orange as it curves right and leads you into the village centre past the Musee du Vin on your left and the tourist information centre on your right.
41.20 km – Finish in the village centre at the junction with the fountain. Stop here to enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the corner bars or sample a glass of local wine.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Always wear a helmet when cycling. Most (but not all) hire bikes come with a helmet, but taking your own can be more hygienic and is likely to be a better fit.
Always be prepared to cycle through a change of weather conditions and do check for any local weather warnings before cycling. Make sure to bring a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, as well as a small set of bike lights in case of poor visibility. Most cyclists wear [fingerless] cycle gloves for some padding on the handlebars. Don't forget a spare battery pack for an emergency charge of any navigation unit you may decide to use, and pack your suncream!
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