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Connecting the Swiss Alps with the Mediterranean, the Rhone River holds an important place in French history. Serving as an inland trading route where goods were transported as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations, the Rhone connected many of France's most important cities and subsequently many smaller villages were built alongside it. Today, the cultural and architectural legacy of this period can still be found in many places along the river and can be discovered by cycling sections of the Via Rhona Cycle Path. This section of the dedicated cycle route connects Provence with the Mediterranean at Sète.
Beginning in Orange your journey along the Rhone will be idyllic, passing by Provençal villages, olive groves, lakes and through the edge of the Camargue nature reserve. Like other sections of this long distance cycle route, it's the cultural remnants that make the journey so special such as the splendid cathedrals and relics from Roman times reminding us of an important era long ago. Reaching the natural landscapes of the Camargue with its abundance of birdlife and the vast beaches and saltwater lagoons of the Mediterranean coast, celebrate the end of the cycle with a dip in the sea and explore the charming port towns of Aigues Mortes and Sete.
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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(110kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Orange
On arrival in beautiful Orange, make your way to your joining hotel. Of the numerous Roman buildings and monuments originally built, you still can see parts of the City Wall, the Arc de Triomphe and the Theatre (UNESCO heritage listed), the stage wall of which the Sun King, Louis XIV, described as the most beautiful wall in his country. Overnight in Orange. Your bike will be delivered today or by 9.30am tomorrow.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Avignon (37 or 52km/23.1 or 32.5mi)
The first stage of your cycle trip has two options. One follows the Via Rhona, the other 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). Shorter option: 146m/479ft ascent, 167m/548ft descent Longer option: 295m/968ft ascent, 316m/1036ft descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle to the city of Vincent Van Gogh, Arles (56km/35mi)
Our recommended route today takes you off the Rhone Cycle Way to experience some of the delightful towns of Provence. Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and 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 hilltop “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 characterize the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel. 128m/420ft ascent, 126m/413ft descent An alternative flatter route is available following the Rhone Cycle way, taking you via Beaucaire on the right bank of the river. 58.4km/36.5mi, +59m/195ft ascent, -74m/244ft descent *It's possible to split today and stay overnight in St Remy. Must be requested at time of booking, supplement applies. Avignon-St Remy is 24km/15mi, continuing to Arles the next day.
Day 4
Continue along the Rhone River to Aigues-Mortes (53km/33mi)
Today's cycle route takes you from Arles to Aigues-Mortes. Through picturesque villages there is ample opportunity to explore the Mediterranean charm of the landscape. This stage crosses the Camargue Gardoise (the western, Languedoc side of the Camargue) and you will discover the unique flora and fauna of this nature reserve. You cycle along the former towpaths beside the Canal du Rhône à Sète, crossing typical marshland to reach the walled port of Aigues-Mortes. Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Aigues-Mortes captivates with its medieval allure and well-preserved city walls. Explore the charming cobblestone streets, visit the impressive Constance Tower and soak in the maritime ambiance of this historic French town. Aigues-Mortes blends history, architecture and coastal beauty. +155m/511ft ascent, -170m/561ft descent
Day 5
Cycle to the Mediterranean town of Sète (63km/39.4mi)
As the Via Rhôna route ends, the Mediterranean awaits, with its beaches easily accessible by bike. Cycle along the Canal du Rhône and past Le Grau-du-Roi. Continue along the Mediterranean and its beaches, with lively resorts and activities all around. You will be surrounded by water, the sea on one side and saltwater lagoons on the other. Between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète, close to Montpellier, the itinerary follows the sandy beaches. Visit the Maguelone Cathedrale for a glimpse of the massif of Gardioles covered with scrubland. Sète Harbour on the edge of the Etang de Thau, marks the conclusion of this great cycle. +55m/180ft ascent, -48m/157ft descent
Day 6
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast in Sète. We can assist with extra nights accommodation if you'd like to further explore Sète, 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, lock 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 fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and you should be a confident cyclist. Minimum age for e-bikes is 12 years and minimum height is 150cm.
GRADE 2 - with daily cycling distances from 35 to 63km/22 to 40mi over relatively flat to lightly undulating terrain. The Rhone cycle path is overall well-constructed and signposted making it easy to follow. 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 (supplement applies).
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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