A new circuit to reach Carpentras: The “Via Venaissia” cycle route

The end of year celebrations are often synonymous with rich and well-drunk meals... So to eliminate calories and toxins, there is nothing like a bike ride! And that's good, today we invite you to test a new walk.

La Via Venaissia

Alone, as a couple, with family, or with friends, this beautiful bike ride allows you to enjoy the diverse and varied landscapes that our beautiful region offers us. Recently inaugurated, the cycle route between Pernes-les-Fontaines and Velleron is reserved for pedestrians (rollers, wheelchairs, etc.) and cyclists or even horse riders.

A bit of history

The latter essentially follows the route of the old railway line which, when it was put into service at the end of the 19th century, linked Orange to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue via Carpentras; its total length is 60 km. This railway made it possible to transport tourists to the healing baths of Dentelles de Montmirail, and to feed the capital thanks to abundant agricultural production.

The Via Venaissia is a journey to the heart of the history of Vaucluse and these rural landscapes, between vineyards, orchards and canals. Each break will be an opportunity to discover a part of history or, depending on the season, local products such as olives, strawberries, melons and cherries. This axis connects the “Via Rhône” in the north, to the “Mediterranean by bike” in the south, using shared routes for 28 kilometers.

This link between the different routes makes it possible to roam for 3, 4 days or more!

Today, we present you part of this cycle route but if you feel like it, you can go to Orange, or Caderousse to join the Via Rhône!

The course that we recommend

This new axis is the best way to discover superb views of the vineyards, the fields, and in the distance, the Dentelles-de-Montmirail massif and Mont Ventoux, open your eyes carefully!

For the starting point, go to the Portalet car park in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Here you can join circuit number 11, which passes through the Thor and Velleron. Follow the signs in the direction of Velleron and join the Via Venaissia cycle route at the Velleron exit. From here and for a few kilometers the path is yours!

Without a car and safely to reach Pernes les Fontaines. What if you made a short stop to look for the 41 fountains in this beautiful village? Once done, get back on your bike and join Carpentras on a shared road (circuit number 41).

We invite you to stroll through the streets of Carpentras and if you go for a walk on a Friday it's even better to discover its pretty market... Do not miss the synagogue, it is the oldest active in France, and well worth a visit! Indeed, it was elected 7th Favorite Monument of French people in 2022!

Back in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, after this great effort, relax with a hot drink at Eugénie's, or on the banks of Sorgue at the Grand Café de la Sorgue...

Practical information

Walk of about fifty kilometers (round trip). Download the bike sheet here.

To take these marked routes, we recommend that you follow the itinerary from a leaflet (pdf island link) available at our tourist offices as well as on the “La Provence à Vélo” website.

Equipment: wearing a helmet is recommended, for greater safety on shared routes please respect the highway code and for the environment, let's preserve nature and respect agricultural production.

Bike rental if necessary: TrujiBike, KVelo.com, La Pédalerie and Sport 2000 Mondovelo in the Intermarché shopping center.

All we have to do is wish you a good ride behind the wheel of your pretty car.

Share your cycling moments with #islesurlasorguetourisme

Article written by Lise Chirpaz, Isle sur la Sorgue Tourism