Self-guided Cycling holiday in Provence
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Enjoy a relaxing week pedaling around Provence. From Orange to Avignon, Arles and Nîmes via Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Camargue. Take in the sights, sounds and scents of this historically and culturally fascinating region. The route is relatively easy and suitable for pretty much anyone who can ride a bike. It takes you mainly along quiet side roads and paved cycle paths so you can relax and enjoy the landscape, though there are some hilly sections around Garrigue and the Alpille (pedal assisted e-bikes are available if you don't feel like breaking a sweat). Price from € 1,018 per person
DURATION
7 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Orange
Check-in at your accommodation then take a wander around this charming Provençal city. Bike fitting and briefing.
Day 2: Orange - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon (approx. 50 km)
On your first day head to the world-famous wine town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, making time for a stroll through the town. Continue on to the city of Avignon along the quiet Rhône cycle path. If you can, squeeze in a visit to the papal palace or explore the town.
Day 3: Avignon - St. Rémy - Arles (approx. 55 km)
Take a leisurely ride to St. Rémy, probably the most beautiful town in the Provence. From here you have a bit of an uphill climb to Alpilles, where you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Les Baux, known as the “city in rock”. Your itinerary of carefully selected paths and quiet streets take you on to Arles, the second largest city of the Roman Empire and onetime home of Vincent van Gogh. You will stay here for 2 nights.
Day 4: Arles - Camargue - Arles (approx. 45 km)
The Camargue is a unique natural landscape of marshland, salt flats and lakes. Narrow paths take you into the nature reserve which you can explore by bike or on foot. In Mejanes enjoy a train ride through unspoiled nature and if you’re lucky spot some flamingos. The route takes you on quiet paths back to Arles.
Day 5: Arles - Nîmes (approx. 50 km)
In the morning head to the cities of Tarascon and Beaucaire, both next to the Rhône River. Enjoy views of medieval castles and laze on the riverbank or enjoy a spot of lunch at a café. Upon arrival in Nîmes visit the arena, the Maison Carrée or the Tour Magne.
Day 6: Nîmes - Pont-du-Gard - Uzès (approx. 50 km)
In the morning pedal through the vineyards of Costières-de-Nimes. You should arrive round noon at the Pont-du-Gard, the famous Roman aqueduct, now a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the heady scent of lavender, thyme and rosemary on the way to the pretty Provençal town of Uzès with its unique market square surrounded by arcades.
Day 7: Uzès - Orange (approx. 55 km)
This morning takes you up through the gentle hills and woodland of the Garrigue before reaching the vineyards and orchards of Provence. Cycle through other famous wine regions of the Côte du Rhône (Lirac, Laudan) and reach the city of Orange again in the afternoon.
Day 8: Departure
Check-out and departure
EXTRAS
Premium and e-bike hire also available
ACCOMODATION
You can choose from different categories of accommodation along the route: Category B: 2 star hotels and guest houses Category A: 2-3 star hotels, some with air-conditioning and pool Deluxe: 3-4 star hotels, some with air-conditioning and pool Should you have any requests regarding accommodation facilities, please let us know before you book.
GET IN THERE
Nearest Airport: Marseille (98 km), 1 h by car By Car: We don’t recommend car hire for this break By Public Transport: There is a direct train between Marseille airport and Orange (90 mins). If you are not flying, there are direct trains from Paris Gare du Lyon to Orange, the journey takes just under 3.5 hours. By Private Transfer: Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.
LOCATION
Provence captures the imagination in a way that stays with you long after the end of your trip. A full-on sensory experience, from the quality of its light that attracted so many famous artists, to the heady herbal scents of lavender and thyme growing in the fields, not to mention its world-class cuisine and wine. This trip takes you to the eastern end of the region around the Rhône delta, the rustic villages and haunting beauty of the Camargue a world away from the high glamour of the Riviera. The beginning and end of your trip will be dominated by the Rhône valley vineyards around Orange and Avignon, where the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from. From there you head down to Arles, the gateway to the Camargue and famous as the home to many French impressionist painters in the 19th century. You have a day to explore the marshland and salt flats populated by white horses, black bulls and pink flamingos. Then it’s back in time to ancient Rome in Nîmes, famous for its magnificent amphitheatre and the nearby Pont-du-Gard aqueduct, an awe-inspiring feat of engineering even today. The charming village of Uzès is your next stop before heading back to Orange for your last night. If you would like to take a longer stop anywhere on the itinerary just let us know before you book.