Price
Sale
Share this trip with a friend
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Provence is blessed with fertile, lush valleys, the Mediterranean coast, ancient and medieval cultural centres, the scent of herbs and the Provençal lifestyle. Its unique light and intensive colours have attracted countless painters such as van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. Besides this wonderful and varied landscape, Provence offers rich history, art and architecture. Discover architectural masterworks such as the Papal Palace in Avignon (world heritage), the Arena in Arles and the Pont du Gard (world heritage), as well as the Greek-Roman excavation sites of Glanum and medieval Les Baux in the Alpilles. Cycling through the Camargue, the protected moor landscape in the Rhône delta, is another highlight - its famous pink flamingos and white horses are hallmarks of the landscape.
Read 58 reviews
More info about grading system
11kg of CO2-e PP per day
(98kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Expand all | Collapse all
Day 1
Arrive Orange
Arrive Orange and make your own way to your hotel. Orange has wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times: the Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. Enjoy exploring the old town, with its Provençal charm and small pretty shops and cafés.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to historic Avignon (37 or 52km/23 or 32.5mi)
On your first cycling day you have two options. The shorter ride is via the Viarhona along the new greenway past the Ile d'Oiselay and the Ile de la Barthelasse, Europe's largest river island. The longer route takes you via the world-famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the town should not be missed. Continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend visiting the old town including the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace). Shorter ride: 146m ascent, 167m descent Longer ride: 286m ascent, 306m descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle via picturesque St Rémy to Arles (57km/35.6mi)
Taking the Alpilles route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, one of the most beautiful and typical towns in Provence. Take a break in the shaded square or wander the old centre with its shops and cafes. A visit to the monastery Saint Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, you can admire the Roman Arch as you head to the hills. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its hilltop location and fortress ruins. Continue to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel, where you stay for two nights. Alternatively you can cycle on the ViaRhona path today, the distance is similar. 128m ascent, 126m descent It's possible to add an extra night and stay overnight in St Remy - a supplement applies. In this case it's 25km Avignon to St Remy and 30km St Remy to Arles. Must be requested at time of booking. Recommended, also if you want to visit hilltop Les Baux.
Day 4
Discover the unique beauty of the Camargue (45km/28mi)
You can do a loop cycle to the Camargue today or explore Arles. The Camargue is a unique natural landscape - half sea and half land, with brackish water lakes, vast salt steppes, wild horses and pink flamingos. Cycle along small paths exploring the nature reserve. In Mejanes you can take a small train through unspoilt nature, with the chance to see flamingos and wild bulls. The route today is almost always on cycleways and quite flat. Return to Arles and your hotel. 19m ascent, 20m descent
Day 5
Along the Rhône to Tarascon and Beaucaire then Nîmes (48km/30mi)
In the morning the route takes you to the towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire, located on the banks of the Rhône River. There are many lovely viewpoints and a castle dating from the 12th century en route. You can visit a café and enjoy a break beside the river, or visit the castle of King Remy in Tarascon. Nîmes has numerous well-preserved Roman buildings: the Amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne are impressive, or you can enjoy the modern part of the city and the “Carré d'Art” designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster. Overnight in Nimes. 102m ascent, 60m descent
Day 6
Via the Pont du Gard to medieval Uzès (49km/30.6mi)
The fortress of Tarascon accompanies you for a while as you cycle through the vineyards of Costières de Nimes, the area's southern-most wine growing area. After a few hours you'll see the Pont du Gard, the famous World Heritage listed Roman aqueduct. Aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary accompany you into the pretty Provençal town of Uzès, with its magical, medieval charm. It is a maze of small streets and shaded squares, along with a bell tower and 17th and 18th century mansions. Saturday is market day, and this is one of the best in the south of France. 239m ascent, 165m descent
Day 7
Through the Garrigue and vineyards to Orange (49km/30.6mi)
The last day's cycle takes you initially through the hilly landscape of the Garrigue, with its low growing holm oaks, juniper and wild Mediterranean herbs. Then the vineyards and lovely orchards of Provence take over once again, and you cycle through the Rhone valley's famous wine regions of Lirac and Laudun on the other side of the river, before returning to Orange. 246m ascent, 339m descent
Day 8
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude in Orange after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a minimum 21 speed hybrid bike. The bike will be equipped with a pannier, lock and repair kit. Helmet rental is included.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.
GRADE 2 - Daily cycling distances from 37 to 57km/23 to 36mi. The cycling is mostly on small side roads with low traffic and asphalt paths. The route is easy and varied, with a few small ascents in the hilly landscapes of the Garrigue and the Alpilles. The trip is considered suitable for beginners who have a reasonable to good level of fitness. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
|
We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
8Days
Introductory
6Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate
4Days