Cycling Holiday in Provence, France

This exploration combines beautiful landscapes with historical towns and cities. Our journey takes us from the attractive town of Orange, through the medieval St Laurent village, past the famous Pont du Gard, Frigolet and onto Avignon. There is plenty of time for you to savour wines from the famous vineyards of Côte du Rhône and Les Beaux.

We will also visit the romantic town of St-Rémy, famous for its aromas of wild herbs and the wonderful surrounding landscape in the shadow of the Alpilles range. Van Gogh once lived there and you will recognize many of the areas that he has painted.

You will then cycle towards the Mediterranean Sea and our route leads us through Arles, on the edge of the River Rhone with its beautiful amphitheatre and its numerous medieval and Roman monuments before heading on to the conservation area of Camargue, home of wild white horses and exotic wildlife. It is a wonderful end for this moderately challenging cycle tour as each day provides its number of climbs.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1
In Orange you could have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Roman theatre. During spring and summer, music and art festivals take place there which make a good night out. Once you have arrived in your hotel, your bikes (should you be hiring), route notes and maps for your trip in Provence will be available at the hotel reception/in your room.

Day 2
Today, you will cycle through a lovely landscape of orchards and vineyards, from the area where the famous Côte du Rhône red wine is made, to St. Laurent. Your overnight stop is Uzes, an attractive old town with narrow streets and a wonderful market place which is located on a hill, overlooking the River Alzon and the region.

Day 3
Small peaceful roads will take you to the spectacular site of Pont du Gard, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. The Roman aqueduct was built to carry water across the River Gardon to the City of Nimes, on the way you pass the fields of lavender. Today’s final destination will be Avignon.

Day 4
After breakfast you should have time to visit Avignon's Roman monuments and the Palace of the Popes. You leave Avignon by small quiet roads and you cycle towards one of the most beautiful villages in the region: St Rémy, known for the aromas of wild herbs. This is where Van Gogh lived and where Nostradamus was born. The wines from Les Baux are also worthy of note, having been granted their own appellation status in the late eighties .You can enjoy the end of the day in the romantic small streets and squares of St Rémy

Day 5
Today our cycle begins and finishes in St-Rèmy via Les Beaux. The fortified Les Beaux village is located on a ridge and offers scenic view of the surrounding countryside. In The Ville Morte, or upper town, you will see ruined houses which have been, in part, carved out of the rocky escarpment. Nearby, The Val d’Enfer (Valley of Hell) is also worth a visit.

Day 6
From St-Rèmy, you head towards the Mediterranean Sea to the bustling town of Arles located in the north of the Camargue. Its Roman amphitheatre and theatre are still used for cultural events and bullfights. Van Gogh also painted there in 1888.

Day 7
Today, we cross the River Rhone from Arles to the low-lying Camargue, the 780sq km delta of the mighty Rhone, where cream-coloured horses, black bulls, flamingos and other rare birds live. Once you arrive into Ste-Marie-de-la-Mer, you will be transferred back to Arles to celebrate the end of a very enjoyable week.

Day 8
After our breakfast, we return to Orange by train. For those of you who have brought your own bikes, you can easily pop them onto the train, then sit back and enjoy the landscape. After our arrival in Orange, it’s time to say au revoir to this charming region of France.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (although you are able to hire these), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your bike will be suitable.

What the price doesn't include
A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Lunch and evening meals (unless on the half board option).
C) Travel insurance (available if required, £26).
D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E) Bike hire (available if required).
F) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions.
G) Travel arrangements to the first nights hotel.