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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 two nights 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, are one of the many highlights of this inspiring cycling journey.
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13kg of CO2-e PP per day
(94kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in Barbentane/Graveson
The neighbouring towns of Barbentane and Graveson offer a great start to your cycle trip in Provence, just a 15 minute taxi ride from Avignon TGV rail station. On arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy the gardens and, subject to weather, swimming pool. You can also wander into the nearby town. Dinner at the hotel is included tonight. The usual hotel is in Barbentane. Overnight may be at Graveson, subject to availability.
Meals: D
Day 2
Through typical Montagnette villages to King René's town, Tarascon (20 or 27km/13 or 16.8mi)
After breakfast, begin cycling to Tarascon. Depending on your hotel the previous night, you'll cycle through the foothills of the Alpilles to reach Tarascon or alternatively via the Abbey of St Michel de Friogolet. Whichever route you take, today is full of superb scenery through typical villages of Provence. Situated on the Rhone River, Tarascon has some interesting sights. Its well preserved castle was once home to Count Rene d’Anjou, the King of Provence, and has an excellent display of tapestries and earthenware jars. The Souleiado (fabric) museum is also worth exploring (closed on Sundays). Tuesday is market day, where you can discover some local specialties. Across the river are some great 17th and 18th century houses. The usual hotel is 3 stars in the centre of Tarascon. Own dinner arrangements. 27m ascent, 32m descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to Arles (25km/16mi)
Today's route takes you north into rugged and rocky scenery close to the town of Fontvieille. Here you can see the windmills (including Daudet’s Mill as described in the short stories ‘Lettres de mon Loulin’, written by Alphonse Daudet in 1869), some interesting churches and the Musee de Daudet. Continue to historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you can visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre, and cycle along the canal to the reconstructed Van Gogh bridge, the setting of his famous “Pont de Langlois” works. The Frank Gehry-designed Luma-Arles is worth a visit. Our usual hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Own dinner arrangements. 31m ascent, 22m descent
Day 4
To Les Baux-de-Provence via Barbegal Castle (21km/12.5mi)
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 5
Cycle to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (27km/16.8mi)
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
Day 6
Free day in Saint Rémy-de-Provence
Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Saint Remy, including the Van Gogh walking trail to discover where his great works were painted. Wednesday is market day. Own dinner arrangements.
Day 7
Return to Barbentane/Graveson (25 or 27.5km/15.5 or 17mi)
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 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes 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.
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 20 to 28km / 13 to 17.5mi on undulating to sometimes mountainous terrain (the ride to hilltop Les Baux is steep but short. The usual hotel is at the foot of the village). 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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