This Provence bike tour is a shorter version of our seven-night tour, this itinerary starts in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and visits the culturally rich countryside as far as Arles and back to Avignon, known as the "Cité des Pâpes" ("City of the Popes"). Traveling on small roads away from traffic, it incorporates some of the most beautiful countryside in France. In Avignon and Arles you will find small streets and a maze of shops in the old town. In the summer, numerous festivals take place throughout the region. This tour has a number of wonderful attractions rooted in the region's Roman origins and Provencal culture, up through the Papal dominance in the Middle Ages. The area is easily accessible by train from throughout France, and as well by air.
Itinerary
Day 1 | is arrival day. You have the opportunity to explore Villeneuve-les-Avignon, an historical village 3km from Avignon. Maps, cue sheets, and your bikes will be waiting at your hotel. Dinner out in a very charming local restaurant tonight. (D)
Day 2 | the route will move out of Villeneuve-les-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 Uzes, a beautiful Provencal village with plane tree lined streets. 52 km route. Nnight in Uzes. (B)
Day 3 | Travel to the town of Arles, passing through Tarascon situated on the banks of the Rhone, where you can discover the beautiful medieval castle of Roi Rene and the Provençal fabrics of Souleiado. You will ride through the vineyards of Costieres-de-Nimes on the way to Beaucaire, a city of art and history. Along the route are the town of Fontvieille, situated amid olive, almond and cypress trees, and the windmill of 19th-century writer Alphonse Daudet, author of "Letters from My Windmill." 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. 67 km ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling. Dinner on your own tonight. (B)
Day 4 | you may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles before moving on to St Remy. The ride isn't 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 Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Dinner on your own. Night in St Remy with dinner. 27 km ride with hills at Les Baux. (B,D)
Day 5 | 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. Dinner on your own; stay in the center of Old Avignon in a charming and deluxe 4 star historic hotel. 37 km ride leaves time to visit some of the many sites in Avignon. (B)
Day 6 | is departure day. You can take your time with breakfast and then transfer back to the rail station or other on your own. Additional nights can be arranged. (B)
Details
Hotels on Tour:this tour version is a more simple and less supported trip than most trips posted in this site. All hotels are good and clean, but basic, and rooms are small but do still include private bathrooms.
The trip includes: [] 5 nights charming lodging 2 star hotels, all breakfasts, dinners as shown, baggage transfer daily, detailed road book with maps and guide book with tourist information, bike delivery and pickup, local telephone support available throughout the tour for emergency support. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.
UPGRADES: This tour can be upgraded to all 3 or 4 star hotels & one 3 star always in superior category from 979 euros to 1517 euros per person with arrival orientation and bike set up; all other services the same.
You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!
Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!
Bike Rentals: [Click for image] 95 euros Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.
Scott Sportster P3 hybrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!
Child Trailers - $TBD
GPS is available for rent at 50 euros on this tour.
Additional Night in Villeneuve les Avignon: 113 euros for double room with breakfast.
Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.
Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.
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