The sublime landscapes and pretty villages of Provence have been an inspiration for artists for centuries. To really appreciate the countryside the ideal means of travel through the region is by bike. Fields of lavender and poppies, old olive groves and vine covered hills, orchards brimming with fruit and crumbling farmhouses are characteristic of the landscape. Explore historic relics from prehistoric to Roman times, and take your time to soak up the sights and sample the wine and produce of the Cotes du Rhone and greater Provence. Splendid churches, medieval castles and picture-book Montagnette villages along the way provide an excuse for frequent stops. The two nights in St.Remy de Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus and the town where Van Gogh spent his last years painting some of his best works, are one of the many highlights of this inspiring cycling adventure.
Check out our video to discover the Lavender fields in Provence:
APP
The route descriptions we have made for this trip will be supplied via a travel app, for “GPS” navigation with visual/audio guidance (reading of the track on your smartphone).
You individually travel to Arles, historic town which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you should visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre, and you can cycle along its canal to the reconstructed Van Gogh bridge, the setting of the painter's famous “Pont de Langlois” works. Our first choice of hotel is in the old centre of Arles.
Today’s cycle is short, giving you time to explore the area and Les-Baux-de-Provence, a picturesque village with a royal history and high fortified ruins. There are some great museums in the village including the History Museum and the Olive Museum. Evening meal and accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Les-Baux-de-Provence.
Challenge: 21.2km, 223m ascent, 88m descent
From Les-Baux-de-Provence you return to Maussane along a back road, from which there are gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The year before his death, Vincent Van Gogh spent time in an asylum in this town and also in nearby Arles. The colours and light were an inspiration in his paintings. Other well known artists that have been attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample opportunity to explore delightful Saint-Remy, including the house where Nostradamus was born.
Challenge: 27.4km, 320m ascent, 449m descent
Today you will cycle along back roads, between olive and fruit trees. You will cross the charming village of Eyragues, where you will see its splendid 18th century clock tower and the fortified, Romanesque-style Saint Maxime church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Along the lanes, you will see the remains of the ramparts. After reaching the market garden plains of Châteaurenard, you will cycle to your hotel in Barbentane or Graveson. Evening meal supplied by a caterer at the hotel.
Challenge: 24.8km, 164m ascent, 203m descent
End of your trip after breakfast. A taxi driver can will pick you up at the pre-arranged time for your transfer to Avignon train station.
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included and 2 dinners during the trip.
GITANE Verso, 21 Speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
GAZELLE Arroyo / GAZELLE Medeo
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
4 Nights included
2/3 Star Hotels
Tourist tax included
Breakfasts and 2 Dinners (days 2 & 4) included during the trip
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next accommodations. Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum)
For time tables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
We strongly advise you to download the sncf mobile app prior to departure.
If you want to travel on a train with your bike, you can find more information via this link.
Parking informations on request
We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.
The international Marseille Airport is served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines. Almost all trains connecting Marseille-Provence Airport to Arles.
You can get to Arles by train (train station TGV). On the end of your trip you can take a taxi from Barbentane or Graveson, it's just a short taxi ride to Avignon train station (approx. 20 min).
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Barbentane / Graveson (approx. 7h10 - 745 km/463 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin
We really enjoyed our cycling experience in the Alpilles. Beautiful countryside, cosy hotels with relaxing pools, breathtaking scenery and villages rich in culture. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh and cycle among olive trees, lavender fields and vineyards. This is your trip. We loved the Hotel Le Mas d'Aigret. It has a beautiful view, a relaxing pool, friendly staff and very good food.
Gian Giacomo S.
An amazing trip through beautiful landscapes filled with history and beauty. Most of the way we cycled on small paths through fields, olive grooves and forests, which we would never have been able to find on our own had we only used a normal map! We loved the hotels which all had a unique charm and personal touch!
Elisabeth E.
55, rue Saint Jacques
24540 Monpazier
France
info@french-biketours.com
+33 (0) 5 53 73 08 61
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