This grand cycle tour takes us from Upper Provence into the Rhone delta and down to the Mediterranean coast. Natural beauty abounds along the way to the parklands of the Camargue inhabited by flamingos, chevaux horses and taureaux bulls.
The gypsy meeting place of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer provides us with the chance for a swim in the Mediterranean. Cycling alongside sea walls, around marshes and through vineyards we pass ancient Roman sites, medieval churches and castles. We spend time in Arles, former home to Van Gogh and explore the cobble stoned streets of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus.
Provence's gastronomic reputation is put to the test as we savour local delicacies en-route and sample regional wines throughout our journey. Enjoying a selection of hand-picked family run hotels (many with swimming pools), this itinerary ensures you experience a full immersion into the region of Provence, exploiting all of your senses in the process.
The neighbouring towns of Graveson and Barbentane offer a great beginning to your cycle trip in Provence, just a 15minute taxi ride from Avignon Rail station. On arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy the gardens and in most cases, the swimming pool. You can also wander into the nearby town. During the afternoon our bike specialist will deliver your bike and make any necessary adjustments. Overnight hotel.
After breakfast, begin cycling to Tarascon. Depending on your hotel the previous night you may cycle through the foothills of the Alpilles to reach Tarascon on the Rhone River or alternatively via the Abbey of St Michel de Friogolet. Whichever route you are taking this day is full of superb scenery taking in typical villages of Provence. If you arrive in Tarascon on Tuesday, this is market day and well worth spending some time in these markets to check out the local specialties. The castle in Tarascon is one of the best preserved Chateaux in France, once home to Count Rene d’Anjou, the King of Provence. The Chateaux has an excellent display of tapestries and earthenware jars. The Musee des tissues Souleiado (fabric museum) is also worth exploring. Across the river are some great 17th and 18th century houses. Our comprehensive guide notes will provide further tips for exploring this pretty town. Evening meal and accommodation in a 2-star hotel in the centre of Tarascon.
From Tarascon the itinerary follows quiet local country roads to Maillane, and then continues onto Arles via Fontvieille and the abbey at Montmajour. Upon reaching Arles, the gateway to the Camargue, your evening meal will be in a restaurant in the town centre and your accommodation in a centrally located 2 star hotel.
The medieval and Roman history of Arles is plentiful and there is much to see and do in this beautiful city. With UNESCO registered Roman monuments, houses and private mansions of the 16th and 17th centuries, the cloister of St. Trophime, the Hôtel de Ville, and the shaded terraces of the Place des Lices – you have a day to soak up the sights. The narrow winding streets lend themselves to walking or cycling, and the surrounding countryside provides a picturesque and peaceful respite should you wish to explore the country lanes, farms and market gardens.
Today the route crosses the flat and unique landscape of the Camargue Nature Reserve famous for its flamingos and wild horses which roam freely. The Camargue is known as the land of the ‘gitans’ or gypsies and you will see the impressive black bulls that lend the Camargue Cowboys their national status. At the picturesque seaside town of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer your evening meal and accommodation is in a 2 star hotel just 2km outside the town centre.
Explore the true heart of the Camargue on this route as you cycle along the sea wall between the ocean and never ending stretches of reed marshes. With over 400 species of birds in the Camargue, this route is ideal for observing the plethora of flora and fauna. Your accommodation and evening meal is in a 2 star hotel in the quaint hamlet of Le Sambuc.
Today you cycle to Fontvieille, a picturesque village of ancient houses built from stone extracted from the famous quarries founded in the 15th century. Fontvieille was home to Alphonse Daudet who wrote the famous "Lettres de Mon Moulin". To visit the "Moulin de Daudet" and its small museum, climb the small hill until you reach the summit where the wind-mill overlooks the valley. From here the panoramic views of the Alpilles and surrounding Provence are spectacular. 2 star hotel accommodation and evening meal in Fontvieille.
Leaving Fontvieille, cycle through lush green perfumed valleys towards the pretty town of St Remy de Provence. The beauty of this stretch of countryside and the quality of light here has inspired many artists, writers and painters. The most famous was Vincent Van Gogh who produced more than150 paintings of the countryside surrounding St Rémy. The unhurried pace and beautifully restored town of St Remy is full of narrow winding streets where you will discover fantastic old fountains, shady squares, picturesque restaurants and elegant boutiques. Your accommodation and evening meal are in a 2 star hotel in central St Remy.
There is plenty of time to explore St Remy this morning. Later you can cycle on B-roads across the market garden plains of Châteaurenard and back to your original hotel. Evening meal and accommodation.
Tour conclude after breakfast.
- 9 breakfasts, 9 full course dinners with Provencal specialties
- 9 nights in 2 star hotels (with private facilities)
- luggage transfer by vehicle between hotels
- route maps and tourist information
- bike rental
Daily from 15 Mar - 15 Oct
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