Cycling Paradise of Provence - to and from Avignon

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon

Welcome to Avignon! There will be a welcome meeting either today or tomorrow where you'll receive detailed information on your tour and a personalized bike fitting.

The history of Avignon predates the Romans, but it was Catholicism that put it on the map. In 1309, an elected French pope transformed vast areas of Avignon into public squares, constructed an enormous papal palace, and completed three miles of protective walls complete with impressive towers. If you arrive early enough today, be sure to visit the hilltop park to enjoy the best views of the city. You might also like to tour the immense papal palace, stroll through the trendy traffic-free shopping district, and soak up the atmosphere in the charming, shady squares.

Day 2: Avignon - Chateauneuf du Pape - St. Laurent des Arbres - Avignon
42 mi/68km, elevation gain/loss 310m

Heading north out of Avignon, catch your first glimpse of the glorious Provence countryside, replete with verdant orchands and gorgeous farmhouses. You'll soon arrive in the famous Côtes-du-Rhone wine-making village of Châteuneuf du Pape where you can enjoy a wine tasting (not included in tour price). Loop back through the captivating countryside for your second evening in Avignon.

Day 3: Avignon to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, optional loop to Venasque
12 mi/20 km, elevation gain/loss 110m or 650m

Leaving the city, you'll reach Jonquerettes after a gentle uphill. Heading back down into the valley, arrive in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, an 'island city' that's really a compact medieval town, well known for its intiguing art galleries and antique shops. It's a truly lovely place to stroll around and explore, perhaps enjoying lunch on the grass by the charming quay.

For those wanting to pedal further, you can choose between two additional routes. One option (25 mi/40 km) is to continue cycling to reach Pernes-les-Fontaines. As the name suggests, this wonderful village is home to over 40 ancient fountains! You'll then ride on small country roads to Venasque, one of France's most beautiful medieval towns perched on a steep cliff. Its 12th-century church and three Saracen towers offer a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Another option (14 mi/22 km) is to cycle to Fontaine de Caucluse further to Lagnes before returning to Isle sur la Sorgue for the next two nights.

Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Roussillon - Isle sur la Sorgue
38 or 47 mi/61 or 75 km, elevation gain/loss 575m or 1000m

Today you're in for a real treat! You'll cycle from one gorgeous settlement to the next, with two of these medieval towns considered amongst the most beautiful in France: Gordes and Roussillon. They're a wonderful reward after the effort of the uphill climbs.

Choose from two different options to top off your day. One option brings you back to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on a dedicated bike path, a former railway line converted into a quality bike lane. Another option takes you to Bonnieux before returning you to Isle.

Day 5: Isle sur la Sorgue - Eygalières - St. Rémy de Provence
23 mi/37km, elevation gain/loss 200m

Scenic roads lined with pear and apple orchards accompany you as you head toward Cavaillon. You may experience a bit of traffic, but shortly after crossing the Durance River, the deserted country roads return and you'll again pass through tiny villages until you reach Eygalières. Eygalières has preserved its authentic charm with beautiful stone houses, almost always framed with a touch of green or sweet-smelling flowers. Continuing on a somewhat rocky path, right below the impressive limestone ridge of the Alpilles, you have a chance to stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting (not included). Today's destination is St. Rémy.

Day 6: St. Rémy - Fontvieille - Les Baux-de-Provence - St Rémy
26 mi/42km, elevation gain/loss 400m

Today you can relax and enjoy the lovely town of St. Rémy. Alternatively, challenge yourself with a ride to Les Baux-de-Provence!

If staying in St. Rémy, you'll find an abundance of chic restaurants, private Renaissance mansions, beautifully restored homes, and charming chapels and convents to feast your eyes on. One of St. Rémy's claims to fame is the fact that Van Gogh spent the last year of his life committed in the psychiatric institution at the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole.

For those riding to Les Baux-de-Provence, you're in for an exciting day of riding along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains. Pine tree landscapes and fields of wildflowers accompany you as you reach Les Baux-de-Provence. This town has an incredibly beautiful citadel that towers over the surrounding countryside, as well as quaint chapels, a museum, and plenty of history. Here, you'll have the chance to sample a few of the high quality red and rosé wines that this area is known for, before returning to St. Remy.

Day 7: St. Rémy - Les Baux-de-Provence - Maussane - Arles
31 mi/50 km, elevation gain/loss +250m/-300m

Today you'll pedal in the gorgeous Alpilles Mountains, first passing the incredible Romanesque Chapel of St. Gabriel, which dates back to the 12th century. Soon, you'll begin the climb to Les Beaux, a 4 km uphill stretch to reach this lovely clifftop village. The spectacular view and exhilarating downhill make the climb well worth the effort! You'll head back towards the plains, passing the ruins of a 2000-year-old aqueduct before reaching Arles and its Roman coliseum.

Day 8: Return to Avignon

The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Day 8: Arles Loop
29, 38, or 41 mi/46, 56, or 66 km

If you choose this extension, you will cycle out of Arles heading south toward the Camargue. You will see the landscapse of the Carmargue from the horses and lagoons to the bulls, rice fields, and reeds. This extension gives you the extra time to discover the great wilderness of the Camargue with its pink flamingos and saltwater lagoons stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Overnight in Arles.

Day 9: Return to Avignon

The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Includes: one extra night in Arles, additional day of cycling routes, and use of hybrid bike rental.

Camargue Extension: 2-nights

Day 8: Arles Loop
29, 38, or 41 mi/46, 56, or 66 km

If you choose this extension, you will cycle out of Arles heading south toward the Camargue. You will see the landscapse of the Carmargue from the horses and lagoons to the bulls, rice fields, and reeds. This extension gives you the extra time to discover the great wilderness of the Camargue with its pink flamingos and saltwater lagoons stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Overnight in Arles.

Day 9: Arles to Saintes Maries de la Mer
34 mi/54 km; elev: +164ft/ +50m/-100m

Cycle south through marshlands and rice fields into the heart of the Camargue Nature Park. The park boast untamed and endless lagoons that are known to be home to some very special plant species that are able to survive the harsh saltwater conditions. The earth cracks with salt crystals that reflect the beautiful warmth of the Mediterranean sun. You'll soon veer to follow along the sea wall, a thin strip of land running alongside the Mediterranean Sea. Continue until you see the famed bell tower and white-washed homes of Saintes-Maries de la Mer,

Day 10: Return to Avignon

The tour ends after breakfast when you'll be taken back to Avignon.

Includes: one extra night in Arles and one extra night in Saintes Maries de la Mer, two additional day of cycling route details, and use of hybrid bike rental.