Premium Guided Bike Tour in Provence

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: Departure

Day 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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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

Premium Touring Bicycle

Cannondale or Trek (or equivalent)

• 22 speed
• Carbon frame (only 9kg)
• Shimano 105 Ultegra
• Robust tires
• Upright handlebars & flat pedals

Accessories

• Helmet
• Mobile phone holder
• Handlebar bag
• 2 rear panniers
• 1 x repair kit per 2 bikes
• Inner tube & pump

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.