The Heart of Provence

This Provence bike tour starts in Avignon - home of the famous Palais des Papes and the renowned theater festival - and takes you from Uzes to St Remy de Provence.

You will be cycling on quiet roads to the heart of Provence and its picturesque villages: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Tarascon… You will have the opportunity to see the Pont du Gard, the famous Roman aqueduct, and to cycle through Provençal markets like the ones in Uzès and St. Rémy. You might even get inspired like Van Gogh by the beauty of St Remy and Les Baux-de-Provence.

This tour combines the best of what Provence has to offer and is moderate-level riding, accessible to most everyone.

Photos used by permission. ©Yann de Fareins / Noir d’Ivoire

View more photos

Highlights

• Villages of Provence: Avignon, Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence, Tarascon
• Palais des Papes
• Pont du Gard
• Markets of Uzès & St Rémy

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Provence
Today is arrival day and meeting day, which also gives the opportunity to explore the many sites of Avignon. An English speaking team member will welcome you at the hotel for orientation and bike delivery in the evening. Dinner out on your own in a suggested local restaurant tonight.
Overnight in Avignon

Day 2: Pont du Gard and Uzès (32 miles/52 km, elevation gain 522 meters)
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, as well as at the hotel that night. You will cycle on to Uzès, a beautiful Provencal village with plane tree-lined streets.
Overnight in Uzès

Day 3: Loop ride around Uzès (24 miles/39 km, elevation gain 455 meters)
A loop tour from Uzès and back to your same hotel. You 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 'potters tour' with the chance to visit ceramic shops and a museum. Return to the same hotel.

*Note, if you are flexible, making this day a Saturday will let you experience the Uzès market day and let you see a fantastic Provencal market.
Overnight in Uzès

Day 4: Uzès to Arles via Tarascon (37 miles/60 km, elevation gain 299 meters)
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 Château 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. Night in Arles. The ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling.
Overnight in Arles

Day 5: Les Baux-de-Provence and St Rémy (18 miles/29 km, elevation gain 461 meters)
You may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles before moving on to St Rémy. The ride is not 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 Rémy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Ride with hills at Les Baux-de-Provence
Overnight in St Rémy de Provence

Day 6: Loop ride around St Rémy de Provence (27 miles/44 km, elevation gain 476 meters)
Today is a loop tour day which gives you a chance to take a day off if you desire. The ride starts out flat and goes to the north before turning to Eygalieres and the Alpilles where it becomes hilly. You will pass through vineyards and olive groves with the chance to visit and taste.

*Note, if you are flexible, making this day a Wednesday will let you experience the St. Remy market day and let you see a fantastic Provencal market.

Overall this is a hilly ride but can be modified to be shorter cutting out hills.
Overnight in St Rémy de Provence

Day 7: Return to Avignon and the Palais des Papes (27 miles/44 km, elevation gain 250 meters)
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.

In Avignon old city tonight you are walking distance to the Palais des Papes, Place Horloge and Pont d'Avignon

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

Surface and terrain

On this tour, you will find rolling countryside varied with longer climbs and steeper hills. The routes are on paved surfaces.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

The accommodations on this tour are 3- and 4-star hotels.

Avignon: Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis,

Uzes: Hostellerie Provencale

Arles: Hotel Le Calendal

St Rémy de Provence: Hotel de l'Image OR Hotel Sous les Figuiers

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Paris
Nearest train station: Avignon

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm
• Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 dinner included
• All luggage transfers
• Detailed road book, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets; comprehensive trip literature
• Technical and emergency support available at all times
• Standard bike rental included
• Orientation in person with our local guide
• GPS GARMIN OREGON (1 per 3 people)

Bike rentals

Bikes available and included in the tour cost (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):

• Standard touring bikes

Bikes available to rent (must be reserved in advance at time of booking):

• Road bikes
• Electrically assisted bike*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Equipment included with standard and electric bikes:

• Helmet
• Garmin GPS
• Odometer
• Water bottle
• Lock
• Pannier and handlebar bag
• Repair kit (2 spare tube, tool kit, tire levers, patch kit, pump)
• Saddle bag (road bike only)

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmet:
A helmet is included with your bike rental, however, we recommend that you bring you own helmet for saftey and hygiene reasons.

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

Tour Company