The Comtat Venaissin, or enclave of the popes, is said to be blessed by the gods. The many popes of Avignon who succeeded one another understood this. They made these small villages and lands into secret gardens where they made the best wines and produce.

The city of Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin are not the same. The Comtat was ceded to the popes by the king of France whilst Avignon was sold to them by the Countess of Provence. They are considered differently under the tutelage of the popes: Avignon is a city state whilst the neighbouring Comtat Venaissin is a fiefdom, with Carpentras as its capital.

During each skirmish between the king of France and a pope, the French occupied the Comtat and Avignon. This lasted until 1791 when the Comtat became French again after a people’s vote. These small wars are the reason why there are so many fortified villages situated along the Tours in this Collection.

This two-day itinerary is perfect for a weekend trip. You can also complete the 120-kilometre (74 mi) ride in one day. The journey is suitable for all levels and doesn’t require any particular technical skills. It’s perfect to discover the region if you’re short on time, but still want a change of scenery.

Discovering the many authentic villages en route is fantastic. Some are well-known, whilst others aren’t. It’s a real treat to ride from village to village, without having to worry about refueling or filling your water bottles constantly. These villages all have cafés, restaurants, fountains, bakeries, grocery stores and sometimes ice cream and bike shops.

It’s worth discovering the historic centre of Carpentras, the start and end point. Many trains and buses run between Carpentras and Avignon, so it’s very convenient to reach the route.

The Comtat can be visited year round, as the climate is so mild in this part of Provence, but I advise avoiding the middle of summer, as temperatures can be unbearably hot.

Enjoy your journey!