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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.
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16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(63kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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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
Cycle to Les Baux-de-Provence via Barbegal Castle (21km/13.2mi)
Today’s cycle is quite short, giving you time to explore. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle and on to Les Baux, a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool located at the foot of the village. Visit the hilltop town on foot or by bike, there are some great museums including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. 169m ascent, 34m descent
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Ride to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (28km / 17mi)
From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road with gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy, a small town in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Alpilles. Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum here (he also spent time in Arles) and the picturesque landscapes and light inspired many of his works. Other artists attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample time to explore this delightful town, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. The usual hotel is 3-star with a pool and ideally located near the town centre. Own dinner arrangements. 257m ascent, 386m descent
Meals: B
Day 4
Continue to Barbentane (25km / 15.6mi)
Today you pedal along back roads lined with orchards, typically olive groves and fruit trees. Pause to peek into the village of Eyragues, with its splendid 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque church of Saint Maxime dating from the 11th century. Stretch your legs on ancient lanes lined with the remains of ramparts, then continue through vegetable gardens and farmland around Châteaurenard. Finish by riding back into Barbentane (or Graveson). Dinner at the hotel. 79m ascent, 118m descent
Day 5
Trip concludes
Arrangements conclude after breakfast. It is approx 15 minutes by taxi to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport. We can assist with booking extra nights including in Avignon on request - please ask for our rates.
What's included
What's not included
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.
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 1 Daily cycles are a leisurely 22.5 to 28km (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).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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