24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2 to 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1420USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UPB

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through stunning Provence landscapes
  • Immersing yourself in landscapes that captivated renowned artists
  • Exploring historic cities of Avignon and Arles and medieval towns including St Remy and Uzes
  • Exploring the unique natural landscape of the Camargue
  • Soaking up the hospitality of small family run hotels

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.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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

The first stage of your cycle trip takes you into the world-famous wine town 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). +635m / -680m

Meals:  B

Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town 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 Alpilles. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its harmonic 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. +210m / -215m

Meals:  B

Loop cycle to the Camargue. It's 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. Return to Arles and your hotel. Flat terrain

Meals:  B

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 12 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. +110m / -68m

Meals:  B

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. Uzes 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. +206m / -119m

Meals:  B

The final 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. +248m / -340m

Meals:  B

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star comfort hotels - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • 7 or 21 speed bike with pannier & helmet (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Orange
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Excess luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE – GRADE 2 The cycling is introductory to moderate grade with daily cycling distances from 45 to 55km/28 to 34mi. You will cycle mostly on small side roads with low traffic and asphalted 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. Electric bikes are available on request.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season 1 Jul - 31 Aug, supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1420USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementUSD$140
  • Comfort hotel upgrade ppUSD$220
  • Single Supplement - Standard hotelsUSD$440
  • Solo traveller Supplement - Standard hotelsUSD$530
  • Single Supplement - Comfort hotelsUSD$600
  • Solo traveller Supplement - Comfort hotelsUSD$700
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

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.  

Self-Guided Specialists

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.

Our Wide Range

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. 

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