Classic or Luxury Famous Villages of Provence

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Day 2: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – St. Laurent-des-Arbres – Avignon, 37–42 mi. (60–68 km) | +60–200 m / –60–200 m elevation
Day 3: Avignon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 4: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Gordes – Roussillon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 38 mi. (61 km) | +575 m / –575 m elevation
Day 5: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Eygalières – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 23 mi. (37 km) | ±200 m elevation
Day 6: St. Rémy – Fontvieille – Les Baux – St. Rémy, 26 mi. (42 km) | +400 m / –400 m elevation
Day 7: Transfer to Avignon, departure

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Either on arrival or on Day 2 before cycling, you will meet with a local host for a tour briefing and bike handover.

Avignon is one of Europe’s most culturally rich towns, enclosed within impressive 14th-century ramparts and celebrated for its beauty and history. Spend the afternoon exploring this walled city on foot. Highlights include the Place du Palais, the lively Place de l’Horloge, and the iconic remains of Le Pont Saint-Bénézet spanning the Rhône River. Avignon offers a wealth of museums, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for easing into your Provençal adventure.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Superior - Cloitre St. Louis (4*)
Luxury - Hotel d'Europe (5*)

Day 2: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – St. Laurent-des-Arbres – Avignon, 37–42 mi. (60–68 km) | +60–200 m / –60–200 m elevation
Leaving Avignon and heading north, you cycle along quiet country lanes through fertile farmland, passing old stone farmhouses and orchards. The landscape rises gently as you enter the legendary wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famed for its powerful reds and sweeping vineyard views.

Enjoy a bistro lunch on a sunny terrace and, if you wish, stop at one of the many renowned wineries for a tasting. From here, you loop back through the countryside and the Isle de la Barthelasse, returning to Avignon for your second night.

You may choose between two ride options today:

• Short Loop: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Villeneuve-lès-Avignon – Avignon, approx. 37 mi. (60 km)

• Long Loop: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – St. Laurent-des-Arbres – Lirac – Tavel – Avignon, approx. 42 mi. (68 km)

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Superior - Cloitre St. Louis (4*)
Luxury - Hotel d'Europe (5*)

Day 3: Avignon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km)
Optional loops:

• Isle – Pernes-les-Fontaines – Venasque – Isle, 25 mi. (40 km) | ±650 m

• Isle – Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – Isle, 14 mi. (22 km) | ±230 m

Leaving Avignon, you follow a quiet cycle path along the river, gently leading you out of the city. A short climb brings you to the village of Jonquerettes, then descends back into the valley to reach the charming town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Often called the “Venice of Provence,” this island town is encircled by the clear waters of the Sorgue, with antique shops lining its quays, narrow streets at its heart, and traditional waterwheels turning along the river.

We recommend lunch here, either a picnic on the grassy riverbanks or a meal at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

From L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, you can choose between two scenic loop rides. The longer option heads toward medieval Venasque through the Pays des Sorgue, along back roads lined with cypresses and old farmhouses. You pass through Pernes-les-Fontaines, famous for its forty fountains, Romanesque church, and historic mansions, before continuing on narrow country lanes to Venasque, officially listed among France’s most beautiful villages. The route then winds past hidden hamlets, cherry orchards, and Muscat vineyards, descending through pine forests and peaceful valleys back to L’Isle.

Alternatively, opt for a shorter loop via Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the dramatic spring that gives birth to the River Sorgue.

You will spend the next two nights in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Superior - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)
Luxury - L’Isle de Leos (5*)

Day 4: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Gordes – Roussillon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 38 mi. (61 km) | +575 m / –575 m elevation
“Wow” is the best way to describe today’s ride, a continuous showcase of dramatic scenery and perched medieval villages. Your climbs are rewarded with visits to two of France’s most beautiful villages: Gordes and Roussillon.

After exploring both villages, you have two return options. The easier route follows a peaceful, cycle-only path along a former railway line back to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. For a more adventurous day, extend the ride via the hilltop villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, and Oppède-le-Vieux, each spectacular in its own right.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Superior - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)
Luxury - Isleos (5*)

Day 5: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Eygalières – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 23 mi. (37 km) | ±200 m elevation
You follow scenic back roads lined with pear and apple orchards as you descend toward Cavaillon. After crossing the Durance River, tiny country lanes return, guiding you through a landscape dotted with charming villages.

Arrive in Eygalières, where you can enjoy lunch and wander the cobbled streets up to the old stone ruins crowning the village. Beyond Eygalières, the route continues along a rugged track beneath the dramatic limestone ridge of the Alpilles. If you wish, stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting before reaching the artistic town of St. Rémy.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Superior - Hotel de Tourrel (4*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)

Day 6: St. Rémy – Fontvieille – Les Baux – St. Rémy, 26 mi. (42 km) | +400 m / –400 m elevation
If you are in town on a Wednesday, don’t miss St. Rémy’s lively market in the morning. Today, you may relax and explore the town or take a loop ride through the countryside to Les Baux-de-Provence.

Leaving St. Rémy, visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life and created some of his most famous works. Nearby lies Glanum, a Roman archaeological site with impressive limestone ruins. The route continues through the Alpilles mountains, winding among pine forests and wildflowers before reaching Les Baux, dramatically perched atop a rocky outcrop and crowned by the remains of its feudal castle.

Take time to explore the village, its castle, and the Carrières de Lumières, an ancient quarry transformed into a digital art gallery (entrance not included), before returning to St. Rémy for your second night.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Superior - Hotel de Tourrel (4*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)

Day 7: Transfer to Avignon, departure
Your cycling tour ends after breakfast. A private taxi transfer will take you to Avignon city center or the TGV station. Additional transfers can be arranged upon request.

Alternatively, consider extending your stay with a ride to the Roman city of Arles and the flat landscapes of the Camargue. Ask us about our 2- and 3-day extension options.

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Day 2: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Rhône Valley Loop, 24–37 mi. (38–60 km) | +60–200 m / –60–200 m elevation
Day 3: Avignon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 4: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Gordes – Roussillon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 37–47 mi. (60–75 km) | +575–1,000 m / –575–1,000 m elevation
Day 5: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Eygalières – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 23 mi. (37 km) | ±200 m elevation
Day 6: St. Rémy-de-Provence – Fontvieille – Les Baux-de-Provence – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 26 mi. (42 km) | +400 m / –400 m elevation
Day 7: St. Rémy-de-Provence – Les Baux – Maussane – Arles, 31 mi. (50 km) | +250 m / –300 m elevation
Day 8: Transfer to Avignon, departure
 

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Either on arrival or on Day 2 before cycling, you will meet with a local host for a tour briefing and bike handover.

Avignon is one of Europe’s most culturally rich towns, enclosed within impressive 14th-century ramparts and celebrated for its beauty and history. Spend the afternoon exploring this walled city on foot. Highlights include the Place du Palais, the lively Place de l’Horloge, and the iconic remains of Le Pont Saint-Bénézet spanning the Rhône River. With its museums, cafés, and excellent restaurants, Avignon is the perfect place to ease into your Provençal adventure.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Superior - Cloitre St. Louis (4*)
Luxury - Hotel d'Europe (5*)

Day 2: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Rhône Valley Loop, 24–37 mi. (38–60 km) | +60–200 m / –60–200 m elevation
Today offers two ride options, both leading you into the heart of the Rhône Valley’s most iconic wine region. Choose a shorter, relaxed loop to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and back, or opt for a longer, more scenic route that adds a circuit through several celebrated wine villages.

Leaving Avignon, you head north along quiet country lanes, surrounded by fertile farmland, old stone farmhouses, and flourishing orchards. The landscape rises gently as you approach the legendary winemaking village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its powerful reds and sweeping vineyard views. Take your time here, enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace, and, if you wish, stop at one of the prestigious wineries for a tasting.

Whether you choose the relaxed or more adventurous option, today’s ride is a celebration of Provençal flavors, timeless landscapes, and some of the finest wines in France.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Central (3*)
Superior - Cloitre St. Louis (4*)
Luxury - Hotel d'Europe (5*)

Day 3: Avignon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 12 mi. (20 km)
Optional loops from L’Isle:

• Isle – Pernes-les-Fontaines – Venasque – Isle, 25 mi. (40 km) | ±650 m

• Isle – Fontaine-de-Vaucluse – Isle, 14 mi. (22 km) | ±230 m

Leaving Avignon, you follow a quiet cycle path that traces the river and gently leads you out of the city. A short climb brings you to the village of Jonquerettes, then descends back into the valley to reach the charming town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Often called the “Venice of Provence,” this island town is encircled by the clear waters of the Sorgue, with antique shops lining its quays, narrow streets at its heart, and traditional waterwheels turning along the river.

We recommend lunch here, either a picnic on the grassy riverbanks or a meal at one of the town’s inviting restaurants.

From L’Isle, you can choose between two scenic loops. The longer option heads toward medieval Venasque through the Pays des Sorgue, along back roads lined with cypresses and old farmhouses. You pass through Pernes-les-Fontaines, famous for its forty fountains, Romanesque church, and historic mansions, before continuing on narrow country lanes to Venasque, officially listed among France’s most beautiful villages. The route then winds past hidden hamlets, cherry orchards, and Muscat vineyards, descending through pine forests and peaceful valleys back to L’Isle.

Alternatively, opt for a shorter loop via Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, home to the dramatic spring that gives birth to the River Sorgue. Adventurous riders may also choose to kayak a section of the river here before continuing by bike (bookable in advance).

You will spend the next two nights in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Superior - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)
Luxury - Isleos (5*)

Day 4: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Gordes – Roussillon – L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, 37–47 mi. (60–75 km) | +575–1,000 m / –575–1,000 m elevation
“Wow” is the best way to describe today’s ride, a continuous showcase of dramatic scenery and perched medieval villages. Your climbs are rewarded with visits to two of France’s most beautiful villages: Gordes and Roussillon, set amid the ochre landscapes of the Luberon.

After exploring both villages, you have two return options. The easier route follows a peaceful, cycle-only path along a former railway line back to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. For a more challenging day, extend the ride via the hilltop villages of Bonnieux, Lacoste, Ménerbes, and Oppède-le-Vieux, each spectacular in its own right.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Cantosorgue (2*)
Superior - Grand Hotel Henri (4*)
Luxury - Isleos (5*)

Day 5: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – Eygalières – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 23 mi. (37 km) | ±200 m elevation
You follow scenic back roads lined with pear and apple orchards as you descend toward Cavaillon. After crossing the Durance River, tiny country lanes return, guiding you through a landscape dotted with charming villages.

Arrive in Eygalières, where you can enjoy lunch and wander the cobbled streets up to the old stone ruins crowning the village. Beyond Eygalières, the route continues along a rugged track beneath the dramatic limestone ridge of the Alpilles. If you wish, stop at a family-run wine estate for a tasting before reaching the artistic town of St. Rémy-de-Provence.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Superior - Hotel de Tourrel (4*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)

Day 6: St. Rémy-de-Provence – Fontvieille – Les Baux-de-Provence – St. Rémy-de-Provence, 26 mi. (42 km) | +400 m / –400 m elevation
If you are in town on a Wednesday, don’t miss St. Rémy’s lively market in the morning. Today, you can take your time exploring town or set out on a loop ride through the countryside to Les Baux-de-Provence.

Leaving St. Rémy, you may wish to visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life and created some of his most famous works. Nearby lies Glanum, a Roman archaeological site with impressive limestone ruins and over 2,000 years of history. The route then winds through the Alpilles Mountains, passing pine forests and wildflower landscapes before reaching Les Baux, dramatically perched atop a rocky outcrop and crowned by the remains of its feudal castle.

Take time to explore the village, its castle, and the Carrières de Lumières, an ancient quarry transformed into a digital art gallery (entrance not included)—before returning to St. Rémy for your second night.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel Gounod (3*)
Superior - Hotel de Tourrel (4*)
Luxury - Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa (5*)

Day 7: St. Rémy-de-Provence – Les Baux – Maussane – Arles, 31 mi. (50 km) | +250 m / –300 m elevation
Today, you ride through the beautiful Alpilles, starting with a scenic stretch past the Romanesque Chapel of St. Gabriel, dating back to the 12th century. You’ll soon begin the climb toward Les Baux-de-Provence, a rewarding ascent with sweeping views that make the effort worthwhile.

From the hilltop village, you enjoy an exhilarating descent back toward the plains, passing the remains of a 2,000-year-old aqueduct along the way. Your ride ends in Arles, a historic Roman city famous for its amphitheatre and timeless Provençal atmosphere.

Sample accommodations:

Classic - Hotel du Forum (3*)
Superior - Maison Volver (4*)
Luxury - Hotel Particulier (5*)

Day 8: Transfer to Avignon, departure
Your cycling tour ends after breakfast. A private taxi transfer will take you to Avignon city center or the TGV station. Additional transfers can be arranged upon request with a supplement.

EXTENSION 

If you would like to extend your adventure, you can either add an extra night in Arles with a loop ride into the stunning Camargue National Park, or continue cycling all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and stay in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. A departure transfer back to Avignon will be arranged on the final day.

Option 1: Camargue Loop from Arles, 29–41 mi. (46–66 km)

Leaving Arles, you head south toward the vast open landscapes of the Camargue. Horses roam freely, black bulls graze in the fields, and lagoons shimmer beside wide expanses of rice paddies and reed beds. The scenery leaves no doubt, you are in the heart of the Camargue. This ride reveals a remarkable wilderness, with pink flamingos and saltwater lagoons stretching as far as the eye can see, before looping back to Arles for the night.

Option 2: Arles – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 34 mi. (54 km) | +50 m / –100 m elevation

Today’s ride is famously flat, perhaps even flatter than a pancake, as you pedal due south through vast rice fields and marshlands, entering the heart of the Camargue Nature Park. The untamed lagoons seem endless, dotted with the few hardy plants that survive in salt-rich waters. In the Mediterranean sun, salt crystals can sparkle like diamonds across the cracked earth.

You then follow the sea wall, a narrow strip of land between marsh and sea, until the bell tower of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer comes into view, along with the town’s whitewashed homes by the Mediterranean shore.

Avignon - Morning Gourmet Tour 

This experience blends food, wine, and sightseeing into one delightful morning, perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike. In a small group (maximum 10 guests), meet local artisans and sample regional specialties as your guide leads you through Avignon’s most charming corners. During this 3.5-hour walking tour, you’ll uncover culinary traditions and local history, from the city’s oldest bakery to its finest chocolatier. The experience concludes with a tasting of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the region’s most prestigious wine. The tour includes approximately ten tastings of local products such as food, olive oil, and cheese, plus a wine tasting.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour with Transfers from Avignon

Join a half-day wine tour from Avignon to the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This non-private experience (maximum 6 participants) is available in the morning or afternoon. Accompanied by a local wine expert, you’ll discover the secrets of this renowned Southern Rhône wine region, learning about vine cultivation, terroir, and winemaking techniques. Visit one or two wine estates and enjoy tastings of four to five wines, with insights into their characteristics and ageing potential. Return transfers to Avignon are included. Please note that this tour is not available on Saturdays or bank holidays unless booked privately.

Kayaking in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse (Day 3)

Add a touch of adventure to your journey with a 2-hour kayak descent on the Sorgue River in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. After your paddle through this crystal-clear waterway, you’ll be transferred back to Fontaine to continue your cycling tour. Advance reservation is required.