Modène: Historic Town Center, Cycling Routes and Hiking Trails

Modène lies on the southern foothills of Mont Ventoux, in a protected natural landscape. Several specific themes can help you plan a stay: cycling routes, hiking trails, the historic town center and visits to local producers. If you’re looking for a hotel in Modène, you can first consider whether you want to spend your time mainly enjoying outdoor activities, exploring the town itself or discovering regional products.

Cycling and hiking in Modène

The Tour du Ventoux à vélo passes through Modène. One stage of this cycling route runs between Vaison-la-Romaine and Bédoin and is 41 km long. It is distinct from the 35 km Entre plaine et piémont cycling loop, which leads to Modène. So there is both a stage and a loop, each with its own distance; the kilometer figures should be read in the context of the corresponding route format. When choosing a ride, first consider whether you have a stage or a loop in mind.

One variant of the cycling loop runs from Modène to Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols. Check the latest route details before setting off, as routes may change.

The hiking trails starting in Modène offer another point of comparison: they are designated for all fitness levels and vary in length and elevation gain. To make your choice, you can compare the stated fitness level, length and elevation gain. Route availability may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

For an active stay, you can weigh the information in different ways. For cycling routes, you can consider the route format and length together; for hiking trails, fitness level and elevation gain are additional criteria.

Historic Town Center and Architectural Heritage

The historic town center is accessed through an old gate topped by a campanile, with a bell tower and clock above it. The town center includes the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Liesse, and remains of the former castle’s fortifications have also been preserved. The Seigneurial Castle of Modène dates back to the 14th century. The term “seigneurial castle” refers to the building’s connection to the lordship; its 14th-century date places the castle’s history in context.

An old noria on the edge of the historic town center is very well preserved, but is privately owned.

Tastings and Local Producers

Domaine La Rêverie in Modène offers free tastings of AOC Ventoux red, rosé and white wines, AOC Vacqueyras wine and olive oil. Check the seasonal opening hours before your visit. You can also visit local producers directly in Modène; participating businesses may change. For planning purposes, it makes a difference whether you have a tasting at La Rêverie or visits to local producers in mind: participating businesses may change.

Discover more destinations: Pernes-Les-Fontaines, Piolenc, Avignon, Lamotte-Du-Rhône, Mormoiron, Villes-Sur-Auzon, Caseneuve, Lagnes

For the overview of the wider area: Vaucluse.