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NATURE , GASTRONOMY , CULTURE , CITY
Type :
Electric bike option  Self-guided  Linear cycle routes  Easy cycling  Classic Cycle Routes of France 
hybrid :
e-bike :
Duration :
6 days
Comfort :
period:
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
FRSB890
Nature Gastronomy Culture City
ViaRhôna - Cycle from Orange to Sète - 6 days
ViaRhôna - Cycle from Orange to Sète
6 days,  
€ 555

Introduction

Cycle from Orange to Sète French Bike Tours
  • Visit the ramparts and the towers of Aigues-Mortes
  • Discover Arles, its arenas and ancient theater
  • Explore Sète: a major port city with sandy beaches
  • Savour Provencal cuisine, based on fresh local produce 
  • Taste the famous wines of Provence and Côtes du Rhône

How about discovering Provence by bike following a peaceful cycle route for 6 days? You will start your trip in Orange, this town has wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times: The Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch are historical witnesses from this epoch.  

You will continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. Avignon stands proudly with its Palais des Papes, an imposing medieval landmark dominating the cobbled streets of the old town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace offers a glimpse into the history of the popes who once took up residence in this Provencal city. Enjoy a stroll around the city and discover the Pont d'Avignon.

You will then visit Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh.  

Next, you will cycle to Aigues-Mortes, a city encircled by sturdy walls that have weathered centuries. This city, with its salt marshes and medieval architecture, invites exploration, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Provencal past.

Finally your cycling itinerary will take you to Sète, a charming port town, where we recommend you take a stroll along the canals and the old port. 

Tapenade, bouillabaisse, pistou soup, olives, aioli, salade niçoise, herbs and, of course, olive oil. Enjoy the famous Provencal dishes!

You have the option to blend various stages we provide along the ViaRhona!


Day to Day

Day 1   Arrival in Orange
 

Arrival in Orange and check-in at your hotel. Orange has wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times: The Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. Enjoy exploring the old town, with its Provençal charm and small pretty shops and cafés.

  
Day 2   Orange - Avignon
 

We offer 2 routes on this cycling day. One follows the ViaRhona, the other takes you through the world-famous wine town Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the town should not be missed. Continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend a walk through the old town and a visit to the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace).  


Challenge: 37 km, 146m ascent, 167m descent
or
Challenge: 52 km, 295m ascent, 316m descent

  
Day 3   Avignon - Arles
 

Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town in Provence. Take a break in the shaded square or wander the old centre with its shops and cafes. A visit to the monastery Saint Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, you can admire the Roman Arch as you head to the Alpilles. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its spectacular location and fortress ruins. Continue to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel. 


You also have the option to split this day into two and enjoy an extended night in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. After 24 km, you can stop in Saint-Rémy and continue your journey the next day.


Challenge: 57km, 128m ascent, 126m descent

  
Day 4   Arles - Aigues-Mortes
 

Your itinerary today will take you from Arles to Aigues-Mortes, immersing you in the enchanting landscapes of southern France. You will cycle through picturesque villages and explore the Mediterranean charm of the landscape. This stage crosses the Camargue Gardoise (the western, Languedoc side of the Camargue) and you will discover an exceptional flora and fauna. You cycle along the former towpaths beside the Canal du Rhône à Sète, crossing through typical marshland to reach the splendid walled port of Aigues-Mortes, Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Aigues-Mortes captivates with its medieval allure and well-preserved city walls. Explore the charming cobblestone streets, visit the impressive Constance Tower, and soak in the maritime ambiance of this historic French town. Aigues-Mortes is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and coastal beauty.


Challenge: 53.5km, 0m ascent, 9m descent

  
Day 5   Aigues-Mortes - Sète
 

As the ViaRhône route ends, the Mediterranean awaits, with its beaches easily accessible by bike. You will cycle along the Canal du Rhône and pass Le Grau-du-Roi. Your ride continues along the Mediterranean and its beaches, with lively resorts and activities all around. As you follow the ViaRhôna, you'll be surrounded by the sea on one side and saltwater lagoons on the other. Between Palavas-les-Flots and Sète, close to Montpellier, the itinerary follows the sandy beaches. Visit the Maguelone Cathedrale for a glimpse of the massif of Gardioles covered with scrubland. Sète Harbor, on the edge of the Etang de Thau, marks the end of the adventure. 


Challenge: 62.4km, 54m ascent, 48m descent

  
Day 6   End of your trip
 

After breakfast, your trip ends in pleasant Sète, the biggest French fishing port on the Mediterranean coast, also known for its beautiful beaches.

  
Prices, Data, Booking

Practical Info

5 Nights included
 

2/3 Star Hotels

Breakfasts 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 information on request
 

We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.