1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1370GBP

Child£1060GBP*

* See below for further details.

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: PBR

Trip highlights

  • Cycling through stunning Provence scenery past olive groves and vineyards
  • Exploring the great towns of Arles, St Remy and Tarascon
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the landscapes made famous by Van Gogh
  • Enjoying the exceptional local cuisine
  • Soaking up the hospitality of small family run hotels

The sublime landscapes and pretty villages of Provence have been an inspiration for artists for centuries. To really appreciate the countryside the ideal means of travel through the region is by bike. Fields of lavender and poppies, old olive groves and vine covered hills, orchards brimming with fruit and crumbling farmhouses are characteristic of the landscape. Explore historic relics from prehistoric to Roman times, and take your time to soak up the sights and sample the wine and produce of the Cotes du Rhone and greater Provence. Splendid churches, medieval castles and picture-book Montagnette villages along the way provide an excuse for frequent stops. The two nights in St Remy de Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus and the town where Van Gogh spent his last years painting some of his best works, are one of the many highlights of this inspiring cycling journey.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Barbentane

Finishing Point:

Graveson / Barbentane

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

The neighbouring towns of Barbentane and Graveson offer a great start to your cycle trip in Provence, just a 15 minute taxi ride from Avignon TGV rail station. On arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy the gardens and, subject to weather, swimming pool. You can also wander into the nearby town. Dinner at the hotel is included tonight.

Meals:  D

After breakfast, begin cycling to Tarascon. Depending on your hotel the previous night, you'll cycle through the foothills of the Alpilles to reach Tarascon or alternatively via the Abbey of St Michel de Friogolet. Whichever route you take, today is full of superb scenery through typical villages of Provence. Situated on the Rhone River, Tarascon has some interesting sights. Its well preserved castle was once home to Count Rene d’Anjou, the King of Provence, and has an excellent display of tapestries and earthenware jars. The Souleiado (fabric) museum is also worth exploring (closed on Sundays). Tuesday is market day, where you can discover some local specialties. Across the river are some great 17th and 18th century houses. The usual hotel here is 3 stars in the centre of Tarascon. Own dinner arrangements. 123m/404ft ascent, 128m/420ft descent

Meals:  B

Today's route takes you north into rugged and rocky scenery close to the town of Fontvieille. Here you can see the windmills (including Daudet’s Mill as described in the short stories ‘Lettres de mon Loulin’, written by Alphonse Daudet in 1869), some interesting churches and the Musee de Daudet. Continue to historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you should visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre, and you can cycle along its canal to the reconstructed Van Gogh bridge, the setting of the painter's famous “Pont de Langlois” works. The Frank Gehry-designed Luma-Arles is worth a visit. Our usual hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Own arrangements for dinner this evening. Ascent: 166m/544ft, descent 107m/351ft

Meals:  B

Today’s cycle is quite short, giving you time to explore the area. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle. Les Baux is a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. There are some great museums in the village including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool located at the foot of the village. 223m/731ft ascent, 88m/288ft descent

Meals:  B,D

From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road with gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy, a small town in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Alpilles. Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum here (he also spent time in Arles) and the picturesque landscapes and light inspired many of his works. Other artists attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample time to explore this delightful town, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. The usual hotel is 3-star with a pool and ideally located near the town centre. 320m/1050ft ascent, 449m/1473ft descent

Meals:  B

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Saint Remy, including the Van Gogh walking trail to discover where his great works were painted. Wednesday is market day. Own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B

Today you pedal along back roads lined with orchards, typically olive groves and fruit trees. Pause to peek into the village of Eyragues, with its splendid 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque church of Saint Maxime dating from the 11th century. Stretch your legs on ancient lanes lined with the remains of ramparts, then continue through vegetable gardens and farmland around Châteaurenard. Finish by riding back into Barbentane (or Graveson). Dinner at the hotel. 164m/538ft ascent, 203m/666ft descent

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast. It is a 15 minute taxi ride to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners – breakfasts are continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which usually include some regional specialties. There are usually, but not always, 3 choices for each course.
  • Dinners are based on the basic set menu available at the restaurant. These are usually of a high standard and often reflective of the local cuisine. However, it is usually possible to upgrade to the a-la-carte menu or a more superior set menu for an additional cost. Such an arrangement must be made directly with the hotel or restaurant.
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • 21 or 24 speed bike rental with helmet, panniers, pump, repair kit and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies). Child bikes are also available on request
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Barbentane/Graveson
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a helmet, anti-theft device and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - Daily cycles are a leisurely 20 to 28km / 13 to 17.5mi on undulating to sometimes mountainous terrain (the ride to hilltop Les Baux is steep but short. The usual hotel is at the foot of the village). The cycling is on a combination of low traffic side roads with some crossings and short stints on higher traffic roads required. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. This trip is suitable for beginners and children (electric bikes, children’s bikes and trailers are available on request).

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug, Mid season is from 1 to 30 Jun and 1 to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
Note:
Child price based on child aged 3-11 sharing with 2 adults.

Priceper person from

Adult£1370GBP

Child£1060GBP** See right for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementGBP£130
  • Single supplement - low seasonGBP£440
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonGBP£470
  • Single supplement - mid seasonGBP£480
  • Solo traveller supplement - mid seasonGBP£510
  • Single supplement - high seasonGBP£520
  • Solo traveller supplement - high seasonGBP£550
  • Child aged 3-11 sharing room with two adults - lowGBP£1030
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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