Cycling Tour of Provence and the French Riviera

Our planned schedule below will vary depending on factors such as weather. Meals included: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

The south of France is a Mecca for wonderful cycling. Whether it is in the hills and limestone escarpments, the fields of lavender and vineyards or the rocky paths and pebbly beaches of the south coast, you will fall in love with this colorful region.

DAY 1: Arrival Day – Avignon Make your way to the first hotel on your own. After checking in at your hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the many sites of Avignon.

Orientation & bike set-up: Our local guide will meet you in person in the hotel lobby.

Our local guide (French native & English speaking) will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. He will bring your bicycles, road-books and touristic information. An expert of the region, you can ask him all the questions you have about your trip. Then he will adjust your bike so you feel comfortable riding.

Optional loop ride: if you would like to try your bike out on Day 1, please arrive to Avignon by 11am local time for a loop ride through the area of Avignon!

Avignon Grand Hotel (B+L)

DAY 2: Avignon to Uzes The route will move out of Avignon through the Gard forests and vineyards and to visit the famous roman aqueduct Pont du Gard which dominates the river at over 165 feet high. Swimming is possible in the river. You will cycle on to Uzes, a beautiful Provencal village with tree-lined streets.

Distance: 34 mi (54 Km)
Elevation: 1713 ft (522 m)

Hotel Entraigues (B+L)

DAY 3: Uzes to Arles Travel to the town of Arles, passing through mostly flat countryside except in the gorges around the Gardon River. You first ride to Collias at the confluence of the Gardon and Alson rivers. From there to Ledenon, famous for wine production, and then Meynes and its old fortified village. At Tarascon you can visit the Chateau and Souleiado Museum before going on to Arles. In Arles there is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, antique theater, and many museums, among which is one devoted to Vincent van Gogh. The ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling.

Distance: 36 mi (59 Km)
Elevation: 961 ft (293 m)

Hotel le Calendal with access to the spa (B+L)

DAY 4: Arles to St Remy You may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles and the many sites to see in this old Roman town. Your ride goes to St Remy de Provence. The ride is not too long today, so in function of weather you can leave as wish. You will pass the Abbey of Montmajour and up to les Baux de Provence. Take some time to visit the site of Les Baux, walk the old stone streets, and imagine what it must have been like 2000 years ago. After you will descend to St Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Ride with hills at Les Baux.

Distance: 18 mi (29 Km)
Elevation: 1509 ft (460 m)

Hotel de l’Image (B+L)

DAY 5: Saint Remy de Provence to Avignon On to Avignon via Graveson and Barbentane where you can have lunch and visit the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet from the 10th century. Arriving in the afternoon, this 42 km ride leaves time to visit some of the many sites in Avignon.

Distance: 27 mi (44 Km)
Elevation: 820 ft (250 m)

Avignon Grand Hotel (B+L)

DAY 6: Avignon Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Avignon by train for Paris or other destination. (Depart on your own). Additional nights can be arranged, please inquire.

Optional loop ride: if you haven’t had enough riding and would like to do one more loop before departing, please make travel plans out of Avignon for after 1pm local time (B)