Premium Guided Bike Tour in Provence
France Bike Tours
Bike & Savor Van Gogh’s Landscape, Charming Villages & Elite Wine Regions
Overview
Guided bike tours are always popular, especially when exploring France, and more precisely, the enchanting Provence region. Bring your family and friends!
The landscape is magical. Sunflowers and lavender fields splash the landscape with the colors of Van Gogh. Rolling hills adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and pine trees stretch out and up the breathtaking mountainous backdrop of the Alpilles.
From the beauty and history of Avignon, you venture into the landscapes that inspired artists and explore the medieval hilltop villages of the Luberon. You cycle into the unique limestone hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains and explore prestigious wine-making villages such as Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Led by an experienced guide, you will learn as you bike and taste as you go! Wine tasting, an olive mill visit, and included dinners will satisfy the gourmet within!
Highlights
- Stunning hilltop villages: Gordes, Bonnieux, Les Baux de Provence, Venasque
- Senanque Abbey in Gordes: jewel of Romanesque Architecture
- Provencal food and wine
- Prestigious Côtes du Rhône wine-making villages: Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise
- Wine and olive oil tastings
- Explore Avignon, a UNESCO-listed town, and its famous Pont St Benezet bridge
Would you prefer a self-guided experience? Take a look at our Classic or Luxury Famous Villages of Provence!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Day 2: Avignon - Barbentane - Graveson - Maillane - St. Remy de Provence, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: St. Remy de Provence - Les Baux de Provence - Isle sur la Sorgue, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Venasque - Monteux, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Monteux - Vacqueyras - Beaumes de Venise - Gigondas - Monteux, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 6: Monteux - Châteauneuf du Pape - Orange, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 7: Orange - Avignon, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Arrival in Avignon
Your cycling adventure begins in Avignon, just under a 3-hour ride by TGV from Paris or 1 hour from Marseille airport. Perched on the Rhône and crowned by the immense Papal Palace, Avignon is as rich in history as it is in contemporary arts. Delve into this enchanting town on foot and walk on the legendary Pont d’Avignon, originally built in the 12th century. A welcome meeting will be held at 6 pm so that you can meet your guide and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.Sample accommodation: Hotel Angleterre
Day 2: Avignon - Barbentane - Graveson - Maillane - St. Remy de Provence, 22 mi. (35 km)
A bike fitting session is scheduled for after breakfast followed by the first ride of the week. Crossing the Durance River, you enter a countryside dotted with old farmhouses and cultivated fields. A small climb leads up Montagnette, translated as 'small mountain', and to the St. Michel de Frigolet Abbey. Then the lovely descent down to the plains and the quaint towns of Graveson and Maillane before reaching St. Rémy de Provence nestled at the foot of the Alpilles mountains. This beautiful and historic town is where the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh spent a year voluntarily committed to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. The asylum is now a museum where a visit is scheduled. Visitors can see the room where Van Gogh lived and painted during his stay. He created a considerable number of paintings, drawings, and sketches during this time including "The Starry Night", his most iconic and renowned painting. Dinner in a local restaurant and night in St Remy.Sample accommodation: Castelet Des Alpilles
Day 3: St. Remy de Provence - Les Baux de Provence - Isle sur la Sorgue, 36 mi. (58 km)
You cross the Alpilles massif today to reach the Luberon, climbing up to the magnificent village of Les Baux, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Situated atop a rocky outcrop, it is a harmonious blend of narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and ancient ruins. The views are nothing short of breathtaking. A well-earned downhill to Maussane leads to a local olive mill for you to learn about and taste the region’s coveted olive oils. The route leads then to Eygalieres, nestled in the Alpilles Mountain Range. Passing through farmlands and endless orchards, through the town of Cavaillon, you finish your cycling day Isle sur la Sorgue, surrounded by the pure water of the Sorgue River. Dinner and night at our 4* hotel set by the river.Sample accommodation: Domaine de La Petite Isle
Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue - Gordes - Venasque - Monteux, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today's ride is a visual feast with perched medieval villages and the 12th-century abbey Notre Dame de Senanque. Gordes is probably the most spectacular of all the hilltop villages in the famed Luberon Mountains. The architecture is characterized by its use of the local stone with golden hues, giving the village a cohesive and charming aesthetic. Venasque has earned the designation of being one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), a recognition given to select villages that boast exceptional cultural heritage and natural beauty. A medieval town perched vertiginously on its rocky outcrop, it offers incredible views of the plain below. Monteux, in the heart of Provence, is your base for the next two nights. Dinner and night at the hotel in Monteux.Sample accommodation: Hostellerie Blason de Provence
Day 5: Monteux - Vacqueyras - Beaumes de Venise - Gigondas - Monteux, 26 mi. (41 km)
A wine lover’s ride awaits, passing through the most prestigious winemaking villages in the Southern Rhône Valley. You will have the chance to taste wines and admire the views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux. You loop back to Monteux for a second night. Dinner and your second overnight in Monteaux.Day 6: Monteux - Châteauneuf du Pape - Orange, 18 mi. (29 km)
Your journey continues to the esteemed Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a village renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the Rhône Valley. Steeped in history, the Popes introduced vines to this area in the 14th century, and the exceptional growing conditions have since given rise to globally acclaimed vintages.You will meander through tracks bordered by parcels of Grenache, Syrah, and the impressive array of thirteen varietals that constitute this 850-year-old winemaking heritage. The vines, hugging the ground and blanketed by smooth red stones, benefit from the Mistral winds, resulting in robust and flavorful red wines. You conclude your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Orange and visit the Roman theater dating back to the reign of Augustus.
Sample accommodation: Grand Hotel
Day 7: Orange - Avignon, 26 mi. (42 km)
The final cycling route leads from Orange tracing the scenic path along the Rhône River and weaving through quaint villages and small country roads. Heading westward, you pass through Saint Laurent des Arbres, where a charming Friday morning market adds a delightful touch to your route. Crossing the Rhône once more, you reach the captivating city of Avignon, full circle, back to where you started. The evening unfolds in the historic ambiance of Avignon, providing a fitting conclusion to a week filled with exploration and camaraderie. Your last dinner together provides opportunities to celebrate and reminisce about the adventures you have enjoyed throughout the week.Sample accommodation: Hotel Angleterre
Day 8: Departure
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in carefully selected 3 and 4 star establishments and will find the name of each in the Day to Day description. If the indicated hotel is fully booked, you will be offered an alternative accommodation.
Bicycles
Electric Bicycle
Scott, Trek (or equivalent)
- Low step through frame
- Various levels of assistance
- 90 km of battery autonomy
- Puncture proof tires
- Hydraulic brakes
Accessories
- Helmet
- Mobile phone holder
- Handlebar bag
- 2 rear panniers
- 1 x repair kit per 2 bikes
- Inner tube & pump
- Assistance and bike fitting session
Please note: During the informative meeting, you are required to supply a credit card which will be pre-authorized for €800 which is used as a guarantee until the return of the bike.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels
- 7 breakfast buffets
- 7 dinners excl drinks
- Day 1 welcome meeting with wine (6 pm)
- Day 2 bike fitting session (8 am)
- 6 days premium touring bike rental
- English / French speaking guide Day 1 at 6 pm to Day 8 at 10 am
- Luggage transfer throughout the trip
- Entrance to Glanum
- Olive oil mill visit + tasting
- 3 days of wine-tasting
- Entrance Antique Theater Orange
What’s Not Included
- Lunches
- Drinks with included dinners
- Entrance fees not indicated as included
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily tour starts are possible
May 25 - May 31 (limited availability, on request only) & September 7 - September 30, 2024
(minimum of 4 people required to confirm a departure)
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people Single supplement Tour starts from May 25 - May 31 $ 5069 £ 2621 $ 4,532 € 3036 kr 464198 ₪ 12648 ¥ 523675 Mex$ 56841 NZ$ 5577 NOK 36565 zł 13350 S$ 4513 kr 36070 $ 3,312 $ 4569 £ 2362 $ 4,084 € 2736 kr 418329 ₪ 11398 ¥ 471929 Mex$ 51225 NZ$ 5026 NOK 32952 zł 12031 S$ 4067 kr 32506 $ 2,985 $ 4318 £ 2233 $ 3,860 € 2586 kr 395394 ₪ 10773 ¥ 446055 Mex$ 48416 NZ$ 4751 NOK 31145 zł 11371 S$ 3844 kr 30723 $ 2,821 $ 4151 £ 2146 $ 3,711 € 2486 kr 380104 ₪ 10356 ¥ 428806 Mex$ 46544 NZ$ 4567 NOK 29941 zł 10931 S$ 3696 kr 29535 $ 2,712 $ 4068 £ 2103 $ 3,636 € 2436 kr 372459 ₪ 10148 ¥ 420182 Mex$ 45608 NZ$ 4475 NOK 29339 zł 10712 S$ 3621 kr 28941 $ 2,658 $ 584 £ 302 $ 522 € 350 kr 53514 ₪ 1458 ¥ 60371 Mex$ 6553 NZ$ 643 NOK 4215 zł 1539 S$ 520 kr 4158 $ 382 Tour starts from September 7 - September 30 $ 5153 £ 2664 $ 4,607 € 3086 kr 471843 ₪ 12856 ¥ 532299 Mex$ 57777 NZ$ 5669 NOK 37167 zł 13570 S$ 4588 kr 36664 $ 3,367 $ 4635 £ 2397 $ 4,144 € 2776 kr 424445 ₪ 11564 ¥ 478828 Mex$ 51973 NZ$ 5100 NOK 33434 zł 12207 S$ 4127 kr 32981 $ 3,029 $ 4385 £ 2267 $ 3,920 € 2626 kr 401510 ₪ 10940 ¥ 452955 Mex$ 49165 NZ$ 4824 NOK 31627 zł 11547 S$ 3904 kr 31199 $ 2,865 $ 4218 £ 2181 $ 3,771 € 2526 kr 386220 ₪ 10523 ¥ 435706 Mex$ 47293 NZ$ 4640 NOK 30423 zł 11107 S$ 3755 kr 30011 $ 2,756 $ 4134 £ 2138 $ 3,696 € 2476 kr 378575 ₪ 10315 ¥ 427081 Mex$ 46357 NZ$ 4549 NOK 29820 zł 10887 S$ 3681 kr 29417 $ 2,701 $ 635 £ 328 $ 567 € 380 kr 58101 ₪ 1583 ¥ 65546 Mex$ 7115 NZ$ 698 NOK 4577 zł 1671 S$ 565 kr 4515 $ 415 Extra Options
Electric bicycle $ 167 £ 86 $ 149 € 100 kr 15290 ₪ 417 ¥ 17249 Mex$ 1872 NZ$ 184 NOK 1204 zł 440 S$ 149 kr 1188 $ 109 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate
Each day, you pedal through various landscapes, covering distances from 35km to 58km on country roads and occasional tracks. The routes offer a blend of easy stretches consisting of hilly terrain and flat expanses. As you journey through the countryside, be prepared for some climbs, particularly when reaching the famous perched villages of Provence.
Airport Info
Fly to/from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the largest and busiest airport in Paris, located about 25 kilometers northeast of the city center. Alternatively, you can also consider Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Marseille Airport is a smaller international airport located about 85 kilometers south of Avignon.
Local Travel
Charles de Gaulle:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) has its own TGV station called “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV” or “CDG TGV.” You can board a TGV train bound for Avignon TGV. Travel time is about 3 hours. Once in Avignon, you will then take a short regional train into the center. Marseille Airport Provence
Marseille Provence Airport has its own train station, “Aéroport Marseille-Provence” or “Vitrolles Aeroport Marseille,” operated by SNCF. Regular high-speed TGV services connect Marseille Airport directly to Avignon TGV throughout the day. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. There is a local train service that connects Avignon TGV station to Avignon Centre (the central station in the city). The journey is short, typically taking around 10 minutes and trains run frequently.Climate
Provence is known for its Mediterranean climate. May and September are generally considered ideal months due to their mild and pleasant climate. Both months are relatively dry with plenty of sunshine.
Important to know
Each traveler must ensure compliance with the regulations of the country or countries they intend to visit. This encompasses but is not limited to, verifying passport validity, understanding visa requirements and procedures, and ensuring an adequate number of blank passport pages for the intended destination(s).
For US citizens, travel.state.gov. is a valuable resource to research the Schengen Agreement requirements and entry guidelines for other countries.
Non-EU and EU residents are advised to thoroughly research the international travel requirements of their country of residence and the specific regulations of their destination country or countries.
*Important note: Verify your status on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as, once implemented, it will be a mandatory requirement for visiting any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes. ETIAS serves as an additional security check rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Extra nights before and/or after your tour in Avignon are possible and can be confirmed based on availability. If your group would like to request an extra night within the itinerary, please ask and we will do our best to accommodate.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Walk Inn.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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