ViaRhôna by bike: stop at Cabanes des Grands Cépages, in Sorgues

Are you cycling the ViaRhôna, this 815-kilometer EuroVelo route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, and looking for an extraordinary stopover between Caderousse and Avignon? A night where you can put down your bike, breathe, and truly enjoy the region you're passing through? Welcome to Sorgues, in the Vaucluse. And above all, welcome to Cabanes des Grands Cépages.

Sorgues, the heart of the ViaRhôna in Vaucluse

The ViaRhôna (EV17) crosses the Vaucluse for approximately 63 kilometers, divided into two official stages. Sorgues is right in the heart ofstage 18, between Caderousse and Avignon: a section that cyclists remember for a long time.

The route follows the Rhône and its oxbow lakes, winding through the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, crosses exceptional river islands, and finally offers one of the most spectacular arrivals of the entire route: the view of the Palais des Papes, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, and Mont Ventoux on the horizon.

Sorgues is both a strategic crossing point and an ideal base for exploring this part of the Vaucluse by bike. The town's TER train station connects this stage to the region's major rail links, a valuable asset for cycle tourists planning their logistics.

Île de l'Oiselay: a Natura 2000 gem within reach

Since October 2023, the definitive ViaRhôna route in Vaucluse has been operational, and it's magnificent. The game-changing new feature: a 200-meter suspended walkway now spans the Rhône between Île de l'Oiselay (municipality of Sorgues) and Île de la Motte (Sauveterre, Gard).

Île de l'Oiselay, classified Natura 2000, is a preserved natural area of rare richness: wildlife, endemic flora, and riverside trails. Here, you can cycle along the Rhône for 5 kilometers, passing orchards, vineyards, and oxbow lakes. A green interlude that invites you to slow down: exactly what you look for on a cycle route like this.

From Caderousse to Avignon: what you'll experience on this stage

This stage is a concentrated dose of Provence. Here are the main highlights you'll encounter:

The vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A few kilometers north of Sorgues, the route climbs slightly to offer a panoramic view of one of France's most renowned vineyards: thirteen grape varieties, the scent of garrigue filling the air, and the ruins of the Popes' Castle visible on the hill. A 20-minute bike detour from Caderousse allows you to reach the village and its wineries.

The Arméniers oxbow lake and the historic bridge. The Pont des Arméniers in Sorgues, listed as a historical monument, spans an old arm of the Rhône. It's one of the picturesque landmarks of the stage, ideal for a photo stop.

The Himalayan footbridge over the Rhône. Arriving in sight of Sauveterre, followed by a spectacular crossing over the river. A highlight, with your legs dangling and your eyes on the water.

Avignon, a papal arrival. The ViaRhôna then reaches Barthelasse Island, Europe's largest river island, for an arrival facing Avignon's ramparts. The view of the Pont Saint-Bénézet with the Popes' Palace in the background is said to be one of the most beautiful on the entire cycle route!

After the effort, the reward — and what a reward it is

Let's be honest: a cycling stage in the Provençal heat deserves a good night's sleep. Not a camp bed. Not a dormitory. A true escape, worthy of the effort and the landscapes you've traversed.

That's exactly what you'll find just a stone's throw from the route.

Les Cabanes des Grands Cépages: your starting (or finishing) point

In the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard, on the shores of Lac de la Lionne, Cabanes des Grands Cépages awaits you on a 40-hectare preserved natural estate.

The estate, by Coucoo Cabanes, offers 27 cabins each with its own distinct character, floating on the water, on stilts, or nestled in greenery, all designed to blend discreetly into the environment, with no direct views, in absolute tranquility.

Here, you reconnect. With nature. With yourself. With your loved ones.

• Floating cabins : set on the pond, with the sound of water as your soundtrack, and the sunrise over the Rhône as your alarm clock
• Cabins on stilts : with your feet in the water, a terrace facing nature, perfect for families (up to 6 people)
• Green-roofed cabins : blended into the landscape, a comfortable green cocoon

Each cabin has its own bathroom, a private terrace, and most also feature a heated Nordic bath at 38°C, by the water's edge, facing the stars or the vineyard. We'll let you imagine the end of your day.

To complete the experience: gourmet baskets filled with local products, massages on the estate, wine tastings with our partner winemakers, and bike rentals to explore the surroundings.

Must-sees to discover by bike from Sorgues

With your cabin as a starting point, you have access to some of the most beautiful things Provence has to offer:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Approximately 20 minutes by bike. The medieval village, the remains of the Popes' castle (14th century), vineyard views, and cellar tastings. A must-see.

Avignon - Exploring the City of Popes on two wheels is an experience. Follow the ViaRhôna to Barthelasse Island, cross the Rhône, and enter the city through its ramparts. The Popes' Palace, the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the narrow streets of the historic center.

The island of Oiselay - 5 kilometers of unspoiled nature along the Rhône, classified Natura 2000. Ideal for a peaceful stroll at sunrise, before hitting the road again.

La Via Venaissia (V861) - This 45-kilometer variant connects Orange to l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on an old railway line. Views of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail that are well worth the effort.

Practical tips for planning your ViaRhôna stop in Sorgues

Stage difficulty Caderousse → Avignon: Fairly accessible, with only one uphill section (climb towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Greenway sections make up the majority. Some shared road sections: caution recommended, not advised with very young children.

Car-free access: Sorgues TER station is 4 km from the estate. Avignon Centre TGV station is 18 km away. Several TER connections daily from Marseille, Lyon, Nîmes.

Ideal season: The estate is open from March to November. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal for cycling: golden light, mild warmth, colorful vineyards.

Bike rental: Inquire directly with the estate for rental options and route advice according to your level.

What to bring: Plenty of water (the Provençal heat is unforgiving), a windbreaker for crossing the footbridge, and a big appetite: the gourmet basket awaits you upon arrival.

Book your stop

The ViaRhôna crosses hundreds of kilometers of exceptional landscapes. But some stops deserve more than just a night in a hotel room.

Cabanes des Grands Cépages offer you a different way to experience your journey: arrive by the water, drop your bags, dive into the Nordic bath, and let Lac de la Lionne tell you the story of Vaucluse.