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Bicycle Tours — France

Cycling the Best of Provence

Self-Guided - to Arles and back - 8 days

With its stunning country roads that wind through perched villages, vineyards, olive groves, forests, and lavender fields Provence has become a paradise for touring cyclists. Our tour will take you to the renowned areas of the Alpilles rich in natural beauty, history, and culinary delights. Enjoy the slow pace and quality of life that defines the south of France as you pedal from one charming village to the next. We've selected strategic locations to cycle from giving you plenty of options each day to ride hard, do some sight-seeing or relax at a sunny café terrace.

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  • Day 1

    Arrive in Avignon

    Highlights: the City of the Popes, the palaces and the bridge.

    Arrive in Avignon, which is easily accessible from Paris by TGV, to enjoy the City of Pope, ground-zero for the Catholic Schism during the Middle Ages. Visit its well-preserved ramparts, the Palace of the Pope, and famous bridge.

    Meet our representative for an orientation talk and bike fitting at the hotel, a historical luxurious property in the center of Old Avignon.

  • Day 2

    Ride from Avignon to Uzès

    Highlights: Stunning Pont du Gard, Uzès

    Today's route will head out of Avignon through forests and vineyards to visit the spectacular Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard, which dominates the river at over 165 feet high. You will cycle on to Uzès, a beautiful Provencal village with a rich history and beautifully tree-lined streets.
    Dinner included tonight

    Daily distance: 54km (34 miles)
    Elevation gain: +522 m (1712.6 ft)

  • Day 3

    Loop ride from Uzès

    Highlights: More spectacular villages and stunning landscapes, Uzès' market

    The ride today will head north of Uzès where you will find plenty of colorful vegetation and quiet roads. It's one of our favorite rides through small charming villages such as Vallabrix and Saint Quentin la Poterie, a dream spot for ceramic enthusiasts, where you will find lots of shops and a museum.
    If you come here on a Saturday, you will get to experience the colorful market of Uzès, an experience of its own.

    Daily distance: 39 km (24 miles)
    Elevation gain: +450 m (1476 ft)

  • Day 4

    Pedal from Uzès to Arles

    Highlights: Ledenon, the fortification of Meynes, Arles and its Roman Heritage, Vincent van Gogh

    Before arriving to Arles, head in the direction of Collias today, where you will witness the marvelous confluence of the Gardon and Alson rivers. Visit Ledenon, famous for its wine production, and the village of Meynes, a historical village that preserved its fortifications.
    Once at Arles, don't miss the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, the Roman Theater, and the town museums, with one completely devoted to the art of Vincent van Gogh.

    Daily distance: 60 km (37 miles)
    Elevation gain: +293 m (961 ft)

  • Day 5

    Ride from Arles to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

    Highlights: Les-Baux-de-Provence, Gallo-Roman ruins, Abbey of Montmajour

    The ride is not too long today, so you can spend some time in the morning visiting Arles and the many sites to see in this old Roman town.
    On your way to Saint-Rémy, you will pass by the Abbey of Montmajour, a stunning view with its eight centuries of architectural history. But not much can prepare you for your first glimpse of the impenetrable fortress of Les Baux. Perched on a high, rocky crag, the Lords of Baux ruled the entire valley at their will for about 600 years. It takes a short steep climb to get there, but you'll be rewarded along the way with a beautiful route that winds into the Alpilles hills through pine forests, amazing rock formations, and old Roman quarries.
    There's no better place to end your ride today than the town of St. Rémy, where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings, and filled with lovely cafés, restaurants, monuments and museums.

    Daily distance: 29km (18 miles)
    Elevation gain: +290 m (951 ft)

  • Day 6

    Loop ride from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

    Highlights: Eygalières, small country roads, Les Alpilles

    Today you can take a rest day and start the morning relaxed, finish visiting what you missed in Saint-Rémy yesterday.
    Alternatively, you can then take a scenic loop ride to Eygaliéres and the Alpilles through vineyards and olive groves with the chance to visit and taste the wine and olive oil of the region.
    The ride can be modified to be shorter cutting out hills (round trip to Eygalieres).

    Daily distance: 44 km (27 miles)
    Elevation gain: +480 m (1575 ft)

  • Day 7

    Ride from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Avignon

    Highlights: Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet, Avignon

    You will head out in the direction of Avignon passing by the villages of Graveson and Barbentane where you can have lunch and visit the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet from the 10th century.
    Upon arriving in Avignon, you can tour the city exploring its historical sites and experience the cultural richness of Provence represented everywhere in this city.

    Daily distance: 43 km (26 miles)
    Elevation gain: +250 m (820 ft)

  • Day 8

    The Tour ends in Avignon - Au revoir!

    Highlights: End of tour, au revoir!

    The tour ends today after breakfast.
    Take your time enjoying your last breakfast before departing for your next destination or for your flight back home.
    Au revoir!

    PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

Includes Included
7 nights accommodation
All breakfasts
1 dinner
Use of a quality Hybrid bicycle (other options available for an additional fee)
Bike fitting and briefing in English by our professional staff at tour start
Access to smartphone app with tracks and digital roadbook
Luggage transfers
Water bottle & drawstring backpack

Not included
Any type of insurance
Travel to and from the tour start and end
Entrance to museums or other activities not indicated as included
City hotel tax (per person, to be paid locally by traveler)
Any meals or beverages not indicated as included

Solo Traveler and Private Group departures available: please inquire.

Lodging Upgrade: Room upgrades are possible in some hotels - please inquire for prices and availability

Extra nights: If you'd like to add nights before or after the tour, please inquire - we will be happy to provide a quote and add the nights to your tour package.
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Navigation and roadbook
On this self-guided tour, detailed tour information and route navigation tracks are provided through a free smartphone app - our "digital roadbook" - which includes daily routes, maps, elevation profiles, and ride descriptions; schedules and hotel itinerary; cultural and sightseeing information, visit suggestions; emergency numbers and more, all stored in one organized, easy to use app.
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Luggage transfers
Luggage transfers are included in your package. Please use luggage tags on all your luggage being transferred. Please have your luggage ready before the driver comes to collect it, otherwise you may have to pay a local taxi for the service.
Please consider that the luggage is not insured during the transport. You need to have your own insurance. Do not leave valuables or fragile items in your luggage.
Normally, the luggage transport service cannot be used by participants to skip the cycling stage. In case you need help to skip the cycling stage, please contact our emergency number and we will arrange it for you.
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PLEASE NOTE: The final itinerary, including hotels and/or activities described here, are subject to changes according to availability. City hotel taxes are not included.

Tour code: frbs1508
Countries France
Begin/End Avignon
Arrive/Depart Arrival and departure city is Avignon, which accessible via train from Paris Gare de Lyon (2hrs 45min) or Paris CDG airport (3 hours).
Taxi from rail station to hotel is approximately 15 euros.

- We suggest flying into/from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), but you can also prefer Orly Airport (ORY) or Marseille Provence Airport (MRS).
Total Distance 269 km (167 miles)
Daily Distance 0-59 km (0-37 miles)
Rating 101
Notes This tour is part of our Partner Tours Collective program: operated by select local partners that we know and trust, the tour is similar in quality to those we operate directly in many ways. Please click here for more details.
Terms Terms & Conditions
Dates Prices Single Supplement
Dates This tour is available between March 1 and October 31

*2024 price, per person, based on double occupancy; minimum 2 participants per departure.

This tour can start everyday.

Solo traveler departures are also available (only one person on the departure), with a supplemental fee of €2424. This fee includes the cost of the single/double room supplement, as well as a GPS unit with the pre-loaded routes. Please inquire.
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Bike Upgrade Options:
  • E-bike: €175
  • Road bike standard: €175
  • Road bike excellence: €315
  • Gravel bike: €175
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    Curious about what other tours we offer in France? Check out our page: Bike Tours in France.
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    Additional useful information:

    • Do you have any questions about how our bike tours work? Check out our FAQs page!

    • If the self-guided formula isn't right for you, check out this blog introducing the differences between Guided and Self-Guided Tours.
    Prices starting from €2424 Single Supplement €405
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