Provence Alpilles by Bike

Name: Provence Alpilles by Bike
Brand: UTracks
SKU: PAB
Rating: 4.69 (13 reviews)

Lavender box, Les Baux, Provence | Rachel Imber

Cycling in Provence, France | Ewen Bell

A field of poppies in the Provence Alpilles | Jean-Michel Sachot

The Alpille Mountains near Les Baux, Provence | Rachel Imber

The village of Les Baux, Provence, France | Rachel Imber

Lavender box, Les Baux, Provence | Rachel Imber

Cycling in Provence, France | Ewen Bell

A field of poppies in the Provence Alpilles | Jean-Michel Sachot

The Alpille Mountains near Les Baux, Provence | Rachel Imber

The village of Les Baux, Provence, France | Rachel Imber

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Duration

5 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

4 nights in 2-3 star hotels

Meals

2 Dinners
4 Breakfasts

Price

$1090USD

Overview

Trip Code: PAB

Trip highlights

Cycling through the stunning Provence past olive groves and vineyards
Exploring the great towns of Arles and St Remy
Experiencing the timelessness of the landscapes made famous by Van Gogh
Enjoying the exceptional cuisine for which the region is famous
Soaking up the hospitality of small family run hotels

The sublime landscapes and pretty villages of Provence have been an inspiration for artists for centuries. To really appreciate the countryside the ideal means of travel through the region is by bike. Fields of lavender and poppies, old olive groves and vine covered hills, orchards brimming with fruit and crumbling farmhouses are characteristic of the landscape. Explore historic relics from prehistoric to Roman times, and take your time to soak up the sights and sample the wine and produce of the Cotes du Rhone and greater Provence. Splendid churches, medieval castles and picture-book Montagnette villages along the way provide an excuse for frequent stops. The night in St. Remy de Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus and the town where Van Gogh spent his last years painting some of his best works, is one of the many highlights of this inspiring cycling adventure.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Arles

Arrive in historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you should visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre. Our first choice of hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Dinner is at leisure.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
To Les Baux-de-Provence via Barbegal Castle (22.5km/14mi)

Today’s cycle is short, giving you time to explore the area. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle then there's a short steep climb to Les Baux, a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. There are some great museums in the village including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
To Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (28km / 17mi)

From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road, from which there are gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy. The year before his death, Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum in this town and also in nearby Arles. The colours and light were an inspiration in his paintings. Other artists who have been attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample opportunity to explore the delightful town of Saint Remy, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. Overnight in a comfortable 3-star hotel with a swimming pool.

Meals: B

Day 4
To Barbentane (27.5km / 17mi)

Today you will cycle along back roads across the market garden plains of Châteaurenard to your hotel in Barbentane (or possibly Graveson, dependent on availability). Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Trip concludes

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. It is a 15 minute taxi ride to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport.

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

What's included

4 breakfasts, 2 dinners – breakfasts are continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which usually include some regional specialties. There are usually, but not always, 3 choices for each course.
Dinners are based on the basic set menu available at the restaurant. These are usually of a high standard and often reflective of the local cuisine. However, it is usually possible to upgrade to the 'a la carte' menu or a more superior set menu for an additional cost. Such an arrangement must be made directly with the hotel or restaurant.
4 nights in 2 and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
21 or 24 speed bike rental with pump, repair kit, lock, helmet and panniers (electric bike available on request - supplement applies. Child bikes are also available on request)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Tourist tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Arles and from Barbentane
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance – mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers if you need to skip a stage
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

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, anti-theft device and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

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.

Grading

introductory

INTRODUCTORY – GRADE 1 Daily cycles are a leisurely 22.5 to 28kms (14 to 17 mi) on undulating to sometimes mountainous terrain (the ride to Les Baux is steep but short). The cycling is on a combination of low traffic side roads with some crossings and short stints on higher traffic roads required. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. This trip is suitable for beginners and children (electric bikes, children’s bikes and trailers are available on request).

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

Note:

High season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug, Mid season is from 1 May to 30 Jun and 1 to 30 Sep, supplement applies

Note:

Child price based on child aged 2-6 sharing with 2 adults. Other prices available include less than 2 and aged 7-12. Ask our office for details.

Note:

The hotel restaurant is closed in St Remy on Wednesdays and Sundays and a discount applies if you are in St Remy on these nights. If you are looking forward to the gourmet meal in St Remy please avoid beginning your trip on a Monday and Friday.

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

$1090USD

Options & Supplements*

Electric Bike SupplementUSD$70
Single SupplementUSD$410
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$430

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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