Heart of Provence: Quiet Roads & Picturesque Villages (7 nights)

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
34 miles/54 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 450 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
36 miles/59 km, elevation gain 293 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 290 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 480 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.