Cycling holiday Villages of the Provence

Villages of the Provence

Cycling through vineyards and lavender fields

Starting at € 1.075,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days
  • 53 km average per day
  • Arrival Avignon Marseille airport
  • Departure Avignon Marseille airport
Highlights
  • Châteauneuf du Pape
  • The heart of the Provence
  • Van Gogh's inspiration
  • Avignon
Characteristics
  • Self-Guided Tour
  • Individual Tour
  • Bike & Hotel
  • Cycling level 2

    Distance: 40-60 km average per day. Altitude: 100-500 hm average per day. Not too steep and not too long slopes on not very difficult terrain. The daily distances are sometimes a bit longer, up to approx. 60 km per day.

Villages of the Provence

This tour will take you through the main places of the Luberon, the Alpilles’ chain and the “Côtes du Rhône” vineyards. Small villages, noteworthy sites and monuments, they became famous for their beauty and now, they are a must!

Nevertheless, we are not proposing you a classic discovery for tourist in hurry, by bus or car, but a slow and progressive way to discover it that will enable you a more authentic approach. Far from the main roads, following the rate of your bike, you’ll go from Gordes to Les Baux de Provence, from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Châteauneuf du Pape, from Venasque to Roussillon, and you’ll take a great pleasure to reach those famous places by unusual paths. Nevertheless, we are not proposing you a classic discovery for tourist in hurry, by bus or car, but a slow and progressive way to discover it that will enable you a more authentic approach. Far from the main roads, following the rate of your bike, you’ll go from Gordes to Les Baux de Provence, from Fontaine de Vaucluse to Châteauneuf du Pape, from Venasque to Roussillon, and you’ll take a great pleasure to reach those famous places by unusual paths. In addition the sun, the light, it was not by accident that Van Gogh found his inspiration here. Cycle in his footsteps.

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Arrival in Avignon

    Arrival at the hotel. Free time in Avignon. Meeting at our store “Provence Bike” between 3 and 6 PM. Should your first day be on a Sunday, then meeting at our store “Provence Bike” will be on Monday morning at 9 AM.

  • Day 2 Avignon - Châteauneuf du Pape - Avignon, 48 km

    This day is dedicated to wine discovery: the “Tavel”, first rosé in France and the “Lirac” with its rare elegance (option), the “Châteauneuf du Pape”, a vintage wine which specificity is to grow on a ground full of pebbles (that accumulate heat during the day and give it back at night) and to use thirteen variety of vine. From Tavel, small village surrounded of vines to Châteauneuf du Pape, topped by the ruins of the castle which used to be the popes’ summer residence, small roads will offer you the pleasure of a discovery following your rhythm.± 48, 51, 62 or 67 km depending on the options chosen. Flat and hilly ground. Night in Avignon.

  • Day 3 Avignon - Les Baux de Provence, 55 km

    Going south to the heart of Provence is the Alpilles chain, small hill with chalky ridge shinning under the sun where painters such as Van Gogh came for inspiration.
    In St Rémy de Provence where Nostradamus, doctor and astrologist famous for his predictions, was born you will appreciate 2 well-preserved roman monuments: the Mausoleum and the municipal arch. There, was situated the rich Glanum city abandoned at the end of the 3rd century; now there are only ruins. On your way, stop to discover “l’elixir (liquor) du Révérand Père Gaucher” in the abbey of St Michel de Frigolet situated in the “Montagnette” (small hill which highest point is 170 m).± 55 km. Hilly. Night in Les Baux de Provence.

  • Day 4 Les Baux de Provence- Arles - Les Baux de Provence, 49 km

    Two options are proposed on this day: resting time in the hotel and visit of the village of Les Baux de Provence, or biking for about 51 km including the visit of Arles.
    Les Baux de Provence village, with nice houses confined all together, is hung up on a roc where the view is magnificent: olive trees fields lying on the plain, cypress stretching to the sky, thick and short garrigue dotted with odor full thyme and rosemary, small villages spared in the landscape and, further on, we can guess the sea. Arles, roman capital, large religious center in the middle age, with its houses surrounding the arenas that is maybe the most spectacular monument. In the streets of the city is every Saturday morning a very typical
    market. And everywhere in the heart of the old city, the café’s terraces with shadow will offer you a fresh stop. ± 49 km for the itinerary Les Baux – Arles – Les Baux.

  • Day 5 Les Baux de Provence - Isle sur la Sorgue, 50 km

    On this day, you will cross the small hill of Les Alpilles (highest point: 390 meters only). On your way, nice villages are waiting for you. In Eygalières, against the hill under donjon vestiges, you will be able to have a rest at the foot of the 12th century chapel built in the roc, where it used to be a heathen temple dedicated to water. Then, biking by small plain roads, you are going to the east, to the Monts de Vaucluse, to reach the heart of the regional park of the Luberon. ± 50 km (small difference in height except to reach the Alpilles’ top: 200 m of positive difference in height). Night in Fontaine de Vaucluse or in Isle sur la Sorgue, on the riverside.

  • Day 6 Isle sur la Sorgue, roundtrip, 68 km

    At the foot of a golden cliff, a spring – one of the most important in Europe – strongly gushes out (150 m3 / s at the period when water is high): Fontaine de Vaucluse site is famous thanks to its unique natural atmosphere, but it is also known thanks to the Italian humanist and poet Pétrarque (14th century). Further on, 2 villages are worth to visit: Gordes, hung up by the cliff front to the Luberon chain, with its nice stone houses, its paved and arched streets. Around the village are numerous “Bories” (hut made of dry stone) that will amaze you with their various shapes. Roussillon, totally different, is hung up on a small hill colored with red ocher. The houses walls are distempered with ocher, from red to yellow, contrasting with the dark green of the pine trees. At the top of the village, a viewpoint proposes a nice view on the plain, Gordes and the small villages around. ± 68 km, hilly. Night in the same hotel Fontaine de Vaucluse or in Isle sur la Sorgue.

  • Day 7 Fontaine de Vaucluse/ Isle sur la Sorgue, roundtrip, 49 km
    Fietsvakanties Frankrijk

    Every Sunday morning in Isle sur la Sorgue take place an important antic market as well as a large Provencal market: this big village where the arms of the river are passing by becomes animated then. In every street of the village are stalls with shimmering colors, with inebriating odors… Provencal cloths, handicraft, cloths, pottery… vegetables, sweets, delicatessen, goat cheese, honey and jam… lavender, spices, Provencal herbs odors… exuberance, laughing, hustling… All meridian culture is here ! Escaping to north, you’ll go through quiet small roads to reach a nice village turned towards the plain of Carpentras: Venasque. From the top of the village, magnificent view on the plain and on the Mont Ventoux, highest point in Provence (1910 meters high). ± 49 km, hilly. Night in the same hotel Fontaine de Vaucluse or in Isle sur la Sorgue.

  • Day 8 Transfer to Avignon

    Short transfer to Avignon (between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm). Free time in Avignon and departure.

Villages of the Provence

France

The tour doesn't have any major difficulty. Most of the roads are tarred, very quiet with small traffic. Sometimes short paths will be suggested but they are easy one.
Daily kilometers are from 48 km to 68 km.
In summer, temperatures are more than 30°
NOTE No special physical shape are required, you have to be able to ride about 5 hours everyday.

Avignon
Avignon
Arles, Terrace Van Gogh
Van Gogh
Les Beaux de Provence
Arles
Fietsvakanties Frankrijk
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Gordes
Roussilon

What else do you need to know?

Prices are per person in 2022

2-person room

  • Every day from April 1 - June 23 € 1.075,-
  • Every day from June 24 - July 31 € 1.125,-
  • Every day from August 1 - October 25 € 1.075,- 

Single room (traveling together):

  • Every day from April 1 - June 23 € 1.495,-
  • Every day from June 24 - July 31 € 1.625,-
  • Every day from August 1 - October 25 € 1.495,- 

Single room solo-traveler:

  • Every day from April 1 - June 23 € 1.675,-
  • Every day from June 24 - July 31 € 1.775,-
  • Every day from August 1 - October 25 € 1.675,- 

Extra night in Avignon (incl. breakfast)
per person in a 2-person room
Prices on request

Bike rental

  • Hybrid Trekking comfort € 90,-
  • E-bike € 245,-

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 20,- per booking.
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Included

  • 4 nights in 3* hotels and 3 nights in 4* hotels (in double room, bath or shower / WC)

  • 7x Breakfast

  • 5x Dinner (except days 1, 7, 8)

  • Transport of luggage

  • Detailed description of routes and maps (free loan)

  • Use of GPS device and GPS tracks

Not included

  • Reservation costs € 20,- per party

  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

  • Drinks, lunches, and personal expenses

  • Entrance fees

  • Bike rental

  • Travel and cancellation insurance

Special details

  • To be booked with a minimum of 2 people

  • The road-book must be returned at the end of the tour

  • This tour will be operated by our local partner

  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions

  • No bike insurance available for this tour

  • Program is subject to change without notice

Arrival by train

Avignon lies on the TGV line from Paris to Marseille, about three hours from Paris, Gare de Lyon. It is also served by numerous local and regional services. Local and regional trains call at the central station, outside the walls on the southern edge of the old town. TGVs call at Avignon TGV, about 2 km out of town. A regular bus (“TGV Navette”, links the TGV station with the square outside the post office, just opposite central station. A weekly Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Avignon operates every Saturday in the summer. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

Arrival by plane

Avignon airport (AVN)
The airport is located 8 km south of the town centre. The only way to get to the city from the airport would be by taxi.

Marseille-Provence airport (MRS)
This airport is located 80 km south of Avignon. To get to Avignon, take the navette (shuttle bus) from the airport to the Marseille-St. Charles train station. From there, take the train to Avignon.

Nîmes-Arles-Camargue airport (FNI) .
This airport is located 50 km west of Avignon. To get to Avignon, take the navette (shuttle bus) from the airport to the Nîmes train station. From there, take the train to Avignon.

Your room is available from 12.00 a.m. on the day of arrival. Breakfast is served between 8.00 am and 9.30 am. Dinners (5x) are included except the dinner in Avignon. Coffee, tea and other beverages during dinner are not included in the arrangement. They can be paid at departure.

Please note that the listed hotels are only hotel samples and subject to change. You will find your definite hotel in the hotel list, which you receive after booking/before departure.

  • Avignon

    Located a 10-minute walk from Avignon's center, ibis Center Pont de l'Europe offers free WiFi, meeting rooms and a terrace. It is a 15-minute walk from Pont d'Avignon and the Popes' Palace.

  • Les Baux de Provence

    Le Mas D'aigret is located a 5-minute walk from the old town of Les Baux de Provence, in the heart of the Alpilles. It offers a garden with an outdoor pool and a furnished terrace.

  • Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

    Located in the Luberon Natural Regional Park and located by La Sorgue River, Hotel Restaurant du Parc sits in a 6000-m2 property with vegetable patch.

The bikes VTC are equipped with luggage rack, 1 big and waterproof pannier, 1 new flask (0,5L), an odometer, 1 repair kit / group (tyre levers, repairing patch and glue, inner tube), 1 pump / group,
1 lock / bike, helmet. We give 1 handlebar bag / 4 pax to hold the road book (on the handlebar of the other bike, we install the GPS holder).

  • Rental bike provence

    Trekking Comfort, 24 speeds

     

  • Rental E-bike Provence

    Modern E-bike with Bosch engine 500 watt. Average weight 25 kg. Unisex Bike

Accommodation

Your room is available from 12.00 a.m. on the day of arrival.
Breakfast is served between 8.00 am and 9.30 am. Dinners (5x) are included except the dinner in Avignon. Coffee, tea and other beverages during dinner are not included in the arrangement. They can be paid at departure.

Welcome

At the store “Provence Bike” in Avignon (close to the hotels), a representative will meet you to hand over your bicycle and itinerary for this tour.

Equipment

  • Raincoat or a bike's raincoat cape 
  • Track suit
  • Shorts with Chamois leather
  • Comfortable sport shoes
  • Sunglasses / Sun cream / Hat
  • Cycle's gloves
  • Swimming suit
  • Etc…

Luggage Transfers
A car will take the luggage from one hotel to the other between 9.30 am and 5 pm. (we cannot guarantee the luggage will be delivered before 5 pm **). You do have to bring their luggage to the reception before 9.30 am. Passports, plane or train tickets and valuables must stay with you (don’t leave them in the luggage!) **The clients who wish to receive their luggage at a specific time, while the stay or in
Avignon at the end of the tour, will have to precise it when booking. A supplement will be invoiced.

Transfer day 8
On day 8 (8:00 am – 7:00 pm). From Isle/Sorgue or Fontaine de Vaucluse to Avignon. included in the price. 

Itinerary
 A preloaded GPS and a road book in English (1 GPS & 1 road book / 4 pax) will be given to the customers the day of arrival. Documents and GPS have to be returned at the end of the trip.