Cycle Provence
Price- $2,521
8 Days | Pedal through the picturesque landscapes and quaint villages of Provence on this active cycling adventure.
Wind your way past neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and through forests on this active cycling adventure through Provence. This journey through Southern France is an idyllic blend of scenic trail riding, historical sights and wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works. Savour regional red wines at a vineyard outside Avignon. Walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux and marvel at the stunning views from atop its limestone cliffs.
Trip overview
StartAvignon, France
EndArles, France
DestinationsFrance
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 14
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 15
ThemeCycling
Trip CodeAMXC
Itinerary
Welcome to Avignon! Today is arrival day. There are no activities planned for today except for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Your leader will be collecting insurance and next of kin details at this meeting, so please make sure you arrange a flight that will deliver you in time. If arriving early, perhaps pay a visit to the historic Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon, or simply take some time to explore the leafy streets of this French city.
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After breakfast there will be a bike fitting session for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone's equipment has been set up properly. Depart Avignon and cycle approximately 32 kilometres on quiet and flat country roads en route to Orange. Along the way, pass through the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and have the option to stop and enjoy a vineyard visit. Sample (in moderation) some of the red wine the region is so famous for then continue on the road to Orange. Note that the terrain will become a little more hilly as you approach Orange. After checking in to the hotel in Orange and cleaning up, head out on an orientation walk of this compact town, visiting the Arc de Triomphe d'Orange and the outstanding Roman Theatre, one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe.
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Leave Orange behind and ride the quiet roads south to the delightful walled Provencal commune of Caderousse. Here, cross the mighty Rhone river and pass the medieval village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, cycling past the vineyards producing Lirac wines, the favourite wines of historic kings and the papal community in Avignon. Continue west through wine country and on to the legendary Pont du Gard, widely considered to be one of the world’s best preserved examples of a Roman Aqueduct. Towering high above the Gardon River, this three-tiered stone masterpiece never fails to impress. On a quiet day there may even be an opportunity to ride across it! After visiting the Pont du Gard we proceed west to the small town of Uzes with its graceful circuit of boulevards and cute cafes.
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Today is a long day in the saddle that will be rewarded with impressive sights along the way. Hopefully the infamous mistral wind will be blowing from the northwest, providing a tailwind all the way to Saint Remy! Winding back across the Rhone, travel beneath the old city gate and into the small town of Tarascon. Take a short break from cycling to visit the imposing medieval castle, before sitting on the riverbank to learn about the legend of the Tarasque, the namesake of the town. After lunch, continue to the charming village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In distinct contrast to the surrounding larger cities and towns, Saint Remy displays a typically Provencal way of life. Visit the serene gardens of Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent van Gogh was a self-admitted patient and where he painted many works of art, including ‘Irises’ and the famous ‘The Starry Night’.
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Today is a free day off the bike to explore charming Saint Remy and it's surrounds. Indulge your inner Van Gogh, chill out in a Provencal cafe or if you are still keen for a ride our crew can suggest a short ride around the local area.
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Hit the road again after breakfast. Today you start with a short 10 kilometre ride to the magical hilltop commune of Les Baux-de-Provence. Although the distance is short, it is also one of the more difficult rides. For those not wanting to ride uphill, your support vehicle is always available. The first climb through the forest is over quite quickly and is rewarded with a short but beautiful descent on possibly the smoothest road in all of France. Carry on through olive groves and vineyards before arriving at Les Baux, declared “one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France” thanks to its narrow cobbled streets and jaw dropping views of the surrounding countryside. Visit Chateau des Baux, which sits perched on a limestone cliff with magnificent 360 degree views.
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Swap vineyards for waves on a ride south to the capital of the Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 41 kilometres). Set on the Rhône River delta, the lakes of Camargue are a bird spotters paradise and home to more than 400 species of birds. The area is also known for its famous white Camarguais horses, often seen running free around Camargue.
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This cycling adventure comes to an end. Say farewell to your new friends and depart Arles at any time.
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Inclusions
Meals
Meals 7 breakfastsTransport
Transport Bicycle (e-bike option available, subject to availability), Support vehicleAccommodation
Accommodation Hotel (7 nights)
Activities
- Orange Roman Theatre
- Pont du Gard Entrance
- Saint Remy - Van Gogh Asylum visit
- Arles Amphitheatre
- Castle Visit - Les Baux de Provence
Add On Activities
- Avignon - Pont d'Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) - EUR5
- Avignon - Palais des Papes - EUR15
- Avignon - Museum of the Petit Palace - EUR6
- Avignon - Museum Calvet - EUR6
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Wine tasting - Free
- Orange Triumphal Roman Arch - Free
- Orange Art and History Museum - EUR6
- Uzes - Cathedral - Free
- Saint Remy - Glanum Archaelogical Site - EUR8
- Saint Remy - St Paul de Mausole Monastery - EUR8
- Mont Ventoux Cycling Extension (Including road bike hire & transport)) - EUR100
- Arles - Musee de Arles Antique - EUR8
- Arles - Reattu Museum - EUR8
- Arles - Vincent Van Gogh Foundation - EUR9
- Les Baux de Provence - Carriere des Lumieres - EUR14
- Les Baux de Provence - St Vincent Church - Free
- Saintes Maries de la Mer - Boat Tour 90 minutes - EUR16
- Saintes Maries de la Mer - Ornitology Park - Flamingos - EUR8
- Saintes Maries de la Mer - Cathedral Rooftop Climb - EUR2
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