8 days / 7 nights
Self-guided Cycling Tour

 

Itinerary

Day 1 is arrival day and meeting day, which also gives the opportunity to explore Villeneuve-les-Avignon, an historical village 3km from Avignon. An English speaking team-member will welcome you at the hotel at 4:30 pm for orientation and bike delivery. Dinner out in a very charming local restaurant tonight. Optional orientation at 8:30 am next morning. (D) Hotel Atelier 

Day 2 the route will move out of Villeneuve-les-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, as well as at the hotel that night. You will cycle on to Uzes, a beautiful Provencal village with plane tree lined streets. 52 km route. Dinner on your own. Night in Uzes. (B)

Day 3 a loop tour from Uzes and back to your same hotel. There are 2 itineraries possible; 40 km and 64km. Both leave in the direction of the north of Uzes into a green area of scenic roads and light traffic. You will ride through small charming villages such as Vallabrix, Saint Quentin la Poterie. This is like "potter's tour" with the chance to visit ceramic shops and a museum. Return to your hotel for swim in the pool, and dinner out on your own. (B)

Day 4 Travel to the town of Arles, passing through Tarascon situated on the banks of the Rhone, where you can discover the beautiful medieval castle of Roi Rene and the Provençal fabrics of Souleiado. You will ride through the vineyards of Costieres-de-Nimes on the way to Beaucaire, a city of art and history. Along the route are the town of Fontvieille, situated amid olive, almond and cypress trees, and the windmill of 19th-century writer Alphonse Daudet, author of "Letters from My Windmill." In Arles there is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, antique theater, and many museums, among which is one devoted to Vincent van Gogh. Night in Arles. 67 km ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling. (B)

Day 5 you may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles before moving on to St Remy. The ride isn't too long today, so in function of weather you can leave at your desire. You will pass the Abbey of Montmajour and up to Baux de Provence. Take some time to visit this site. After you will descend to St Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Dinner included and night in St Remy. 27 km ride with hills at Les Baux. (B, D)

Day 6 is a loop tour day. The ride starts out flat and goes to the north before turning to Eygalieres and the Alpilles. You will pass through vineyards and olive groves. Normally this is a hilly ride but can be modified to be shorter cutting out hills. 50 km. Dinner on your own. (B)

Day 7 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, you can visit Avignon. Dinner on your own; stay in a deluxe 4 star hotel in the center of Old Avignon. 37 km ride. (B)

Day 8 is departure day. You can take your time with breakfast and visitation of Avignon in the morning, before departing. Additional nights can be arranged. (B)

Hotels on Tour in each stop respectively: L'Atelier or Jardin de la Livree, D'Entraigues or Provencale, Arlatan or Musee, Mas des Carassins or Castelet des Alpilles, Cloitre St Louis or Grand Hotel. Hotels subject to change for equivalent property when not available.