A Fall bike trip in the Rhône Valley vineyards

The village of Roque-Alric is the dream departure point for a gentle bicycle ride in the Dentelles de Montmirail or challenging climb to the summit of Mont-Ventoux. Arrive in late afternoon at Mas de Carabelle, set in the heart of the picturesque village of Roque-Alric with stunning views over the Dentelles de Montmirail, and began your stay with a delicious meal in the company of Jane and Serge, both Provence devotees. On the programme: tasting of local products and pairing with the region’s world-famed wines: Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Rasteau. The next morning,  start your day with a vitamin-packed organic breakfast.

Set off for the Dentelles de Montmirail in the cool morning hours. The jagged, lacy peaks of these unique mountains have earned them their unusual name (dentelle = lace). Cycle peacefully along the signposted Vacqueyras wine route and stop off at one of the gorgeous local vineyards. At lunch, you’ll be glad to sit down for a picnic and glass of red wine to lap up the views over the Dentelles.

Next is the charming village of Beaumes-de-Venise, where you can buy a bottle of the local Muscatel wine before stopping off at the local olive mill and enjoying a game of boules. Then it’s time for some well-earned relaxation and pampering at the Maison des Remparts Spa, followed by a glass of Muscatel while watching the blazing sun sink over the horizon. Finish with a fabulous dinner before falling into bed.

The Mont-Ventoux calls! Swap your mountain bikes for electric bicycles to make the climb up the 1,912- metre Giant of Provence a bit easier – after all, this isn’t the Tour de France! Even so, you still need to be in pretty good shape to tackle the itinerary starting out from the village of Bédoin at the gateway to the mountain. The prospect of a lunch on the truffle theme might prompt you to opt for a gentler slope. It’s the start of the season for Provence’s flagship gastronomic mushroom so make the most of it!