Cycling at the water’s edge
Family bike ride from Thor to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Sunny days are the perfect chance for you to get out on your bike with family or friends. Get some fresh air, take in the gorgeous scenery, unwind, take photos and make memories!
facile
intermédiaire
difficile
Duration:
2 hour
Distance:
27 km
Pratice:
Bike rides
Type:
Loop
Welcome to Vaucluse!
Today I welcome my friends and their little ones who are between 10 and 12 years old 🙂
Everyone’s delighted to join me for an exciting weekend. Plus, to keep the kids entertained and allow them to see (a bit) of the country, nothing is better than a nice, easy, flat bike ride. After looking at a number of itineraries, I’ve suggested a loop starting in Le Thor which will lead us along the Sorgue right up to the ‘Venise comtadine’ (L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue). Bingo!
Did you know?
Vaucluse really is the land of cycling. EuroVelo routes, greenway cycle paths, Espaces VTT (mountain biking areas), bicycle touring, long-distance itineraries and charging points for electric bikes… the possibilities are endless, and there’s something to suit everyone!
In a nutshell
- Le Thor is a small town situated in the Sorgue’s fertile plain, 20 km east of Avignon.
- With weeping willows and field elms, Le Thor benefits from protected nature (including a natural underground cave) and an exceptional heritage with its narrow streets and gargoyles in the old town, as well as its monastery on Thouzon hill
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a former fishing town, crossed by channels of the river (from where it got its name), and it’s situated 5 km from Le Thor.
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is also internationally known for its number of antiques events.
AND WE’RE OFF!
We park at the marketplace because the starting point is just opposite it, level with the Post Office. If you want to hire bikes here, it’s certainly possible at the rental company La Pédalerie (4 minute drive away) – their feedback is very positive! After a final check of the tyres (+ flasks, helmets etc.) we’re off, following the little green arrows which are nice and easy to spot. From now on, we’ll be cycling on a combination of small roads and pathways. Also note that you will come across some B-roads during the bike ride.
Worth going out of your way to see
Pierre Salinger, American writer and journalist who was JF Kennedy’s press secretary, spent the rest of his life in Le Thor. His former home is now a Museum run by his wife Poppy.
“Don’t expect to be cycling beside the river the whole time. You’ll come across it, just for a moment, and cycle alongside for small sections.
Whenever you approach it, the air gets fresher, the clarity of the water and its emerald colour alone have a refreshing effect”
Elodie,
Vélovore
IN THE HEART OF THE PAYS DES SORGUES’ GARDEN
Peace and tranquility out in the countryside
Our bike ride leads us between orchards and market gardens. The children are having a fantastic time and enjoying cycling as fast as they can in this natural space. Irrigated by the rivers’ channels, the plains are full of life. We can hear the sounds of insects gently in our ears, and feel the wind as we cycle on. Walkers wave as they pass us on the pathway. Life is good 🙂
Here, protected from the wind by a number of hedges, fruits and vegetables benefit from maximum sunshine. Long live our Provence markets!
MOUNTAINS AND MARVELS
Le chemin de la Petite Guillaine reveals to us in turn spectacular views of Mont Ventoux as well as the Vaucluse Mountains. We can distinguish the holes in the tortured limestone rock surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation even in the depths of the valley. We can’t help but stop the children for a moment so they can look at this beautiful sight with its interlacing minerals and greenery – the blossoming cherry trees and their fragrant scent turns heads!
Ah, a pedestrian footbridge! We get off our bikes to walk over this bridge and then cross the railway track a bit further on. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is getting closer…
Did you know?
On a fine day, you’ll be able to see Provence, from the Alpilles to the Cévennes Mountains, during your bike ride.
L’ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE BY BIKE
With its canals, the town lends itself well to getting around by bike – so much more practical
There are so many things to see in this old fishing town: narrow streets and their colourful boutiques, antique dealers, the docks with their mossy waterwheels and flower boxes… We take advantage of the shady banks to get to the ‘partage des eaux’ (where the river forks into two branches) 🙂 where we tuck into our well-deserved picnic lunch. For dessert, a delicious ice cream from the riverside cafe will certainly appeal to everyone 🙂
For the children… (young and old ;-))
Our web-footed friends are numerous in this little piece of paradise. Ducks bob up and down on the water on a mission to find a piece of bread. Don’t forget them! 😉 The Partage des Eaux is a beautiful place, perfect for cooling off during the summer.
