Your self-guided cycling tour links the towns of Avignon, Saint Rémy and Arles – towns of art and light. Along seldom-used roads and accompanied by the scents of thyme and rosemary, you’ll ride along the traces of Van Gogh in the plains and hillsides of Provence, through olive groves and vineyards.
During this cycling holiday in France, you will pass hidden stone farmhouses and Romanesque chapels, Roman ruins and perched medieval villages. Under the jagged limestone ridges of blue hues, and in the valleys of pine forests and aromatic herbs, we invite you to savour the local art de vivre thanks to our Provence cycling tour!
Your trip begins in the heart of Avignon. A medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River, Avignon hides many treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th century bridge, the 14th century ramparts, still intact, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by plane trees.
Meals included : none
Night : Avignon
You start your biking itinerary between the Durance and Rhône Rivers, through a mosaic of orchards and cypress trees. You cycle into the quaint village of Barbentane before climbing up on the “Montagnette” – literally “little mountain” – where your wide-sweeping views of the plains are accompanied by the scent of roasting pine needles and aromatic herbs. At the back of the Montagnette lies the monastery of St. Michel de Frigolet, built over eight centuries. You cycle through the charming villages of Graveson and Maillane before reaching Saint Rémy de Provence, an artists' town where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life.
Ride : 35 km - 22 miles | Elevation: +250m/-200m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Saint Remy de Provence
Add an extra loop ride to Eygalieres
You follow the base of the Alpilles mountains to the east, first on small roads and then on a track leading into the vines. You reach the picture-perfect Provençal village of Eygalières, off the beaten tourist path, whose main square offers a few restaurants and cafés for a midday break. Heading northbound on tiny roads you reach the sleepy village of Mollégès before returning to St. Rémy through the heart of the countryside.
Ride : 29 km - 18 miles | Elevation: +50m/-50m
Your continue towards Saint Etienne-du-Grès and the Romanesque chapel of Saint Gabriel. From here you follow alongside the imposing silhouette of the Alpilles, among olive groves and almond trees. After lunch or picnic in Fontvieille, you can visit the elegant Château d’Estoublon estate, and sample their olive oils and fine wines. Riding into the heart of the Alpilles, you reach Les Baux de Provence, a medieval village built atop a vertiginous rocky spur, and listed as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”.
Ride : 28 km - 17 miles | Elevation: +250m/-300m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Maussane
Big market on Saturday mornings in Saint Remy de Provence
Today you trade in the jagged limestone mountains for the plains, as you bike southward to Arles. Here you get a glimpse of the famed Camargue region–vast flatlands covered in rice fields, and ranches with white horses and bulls. You will pass an interesting set of Roman ruins along the way: a flour mill serviced by a 2000 year-old aqueduct. Arrive in Arles, capital of the Camargue, with its Roman amphitheater.
Ride : 20 km - 12 miles | Elevation: +100m/-100m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Arles
End of trip in Arles after breakfast. Bye Bye Provence ..
Take the time to stroll in Arles - on the banks of the Rhône River - that harbours a remarkable wealth of Roman monuments, including its majestic coliseum, and emits a warm and authentic charm.
Meals included : breakfast
Great market on Wednesday & Saturday (big one) mornings in Arles
You leave Arles and head south towards the vast expanses of the Camargue. Horses, ponds, bulls, rice fields and reeds: the landscapes do not deceive, you are here in the middle of the Camargue! You will discover the great wilderness of the Camargue with its large lagoons, its pink flamingos, and its ponds as far as the eye can see.
The Vaccarès - from the Latin "vaccarum regio" (country of cows) - vast pond of water covers to him only one third of the extents occupied by the ponds of Camargue. The National Reserve of Camargue was created in 1927 to protect animal and plant species.
Loop Ride : Arles > Vaccares > Arles | 46 km - 129miles | Elevation: quasi flat
