TRIP DETAILS:
Trip Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Average Daily Distance: 100km (65 miles) per day
2008 Dates: Between April and October
Start: Avignon (transfer from Avignon TGV station)
Finish: Avignon (transfer to Avignon TGV station)
Accommodation: 2 Star Family Hotels in traditional Provençal villages
Group Size: Minimum 2 people
Cost: AUD $2190/person
Deposit: USD* $446/person - Reserve now
Single Supplementary Fee: AUD $430/person

Inclusions

• Seven nights accommodation in quality 2 star family hotels in traditional Provencal villages, breakfasts daily (taxes included)
• Transfers between the train station (or airport) and hotels
• Three dinners (including a welcome dinner with your tour guides on the first night)
• Daily luggage deliveries from hotel to hotel
• Comprehensive information pack on arrival, containing day-to-day itineraries, guide book, route maps and directions, travelling information and tourist brochures
• 24-hour back up support and assistance if required including regular contact with tour guides and access to a cell phone for the duration of the trip
• Back-up technical/mechanical assistance with hire bikes

Extra options

Bicycle Hire: Additional cost
Guided Bike rides: Additional cost
General tour guiding: Additional cost
Wine Tours: Additional cost

Your trip starts in the medieval former Papal town of Avignon, a rich and vibrant city with a colourful past. Your first day’s ride takes you to the old Roman town of Arles, gateway to the beautiful Camargue. From there it is on to St Remy de Provence with its roman/Grecian ruins, before arriving in the pretty market town of L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, renowned for its quaint antique shops, brocante markets and cafes. From L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue head north-east through the stunning Gorge de la Nesque, the gateway to the unforgettable lavender fields of Sault. Continue riding through the Cote du Rhone and Cote du Ventoux wine belt before arriving in Vaison-la-Romaine, the jewel in the Roman Provencal crown. Challenge yourself (if you wish!) on the slopes of Mont Ventoux en route to the world renowned Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards, then celebrate with a glass or two of the region’s most famous wines. Take in the beautiful former Roman town of Orange and its majestic antique theatre and Triumphal Arch. On your final day ride through the vineyards that border the Rhone River over to the famous ancient aqueduct of the Pont du Gard before returning to Avignon for a final evening of wining, dining and sampling the region’s specialities.

Day 1: Avignon, Arrival and Bienvenue!

Getawaybybike staff will be at the train station (or airport) to meet you and transfer you to your hotel, right in the heart of Avignon. Your hire bikes will be delivered on arrival, as well as your cycling itinerary and information pack. There will be time to put your bike together and have a short shake-down ride if you wish; staff will be on hand to provide any technical assistance and support if required. Depending on the time of your arrival, there should also be opportunities to do some sightseeing in Avignon itself. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner with your tour organisers at a restaurant in the city.

Day 2: Avignon to Arles
Distance: 70 km (44 miles)

The first day’s cycling begins! Today’s route winds its way out of Avignon heading in a south-westerly direction through the rich agricultural and farming belt of the Vaucluse and Bouches du Rhone regions. You will pass by the pretty market towns of Noves, Molleges and Orgon, before arriving in the old Roman town of Arles, your destination for the night. A visit to the 2000-year-old Arena, antique theatre and beautiful town centre is a must. Free night tonight.

Day 3: Arles to St Remy de Provence
Distance: 117 km (73 miles)

The third leg of the trip takes you from Arles to St Remy-de-Provence, a charming village situated in the heart of the pretty Provence des Alpilles. This interesting route passes through the expansive and wild National Park of the Camargue (famous for its pink flamingos and black bulls), the coastal port of St Louis-du-Rhone and the picturesque region of the Alpilles. Your route takes in the pretty towns of Fontvieille, Maussane-les-Alpilles and Paradou, and the world renowned classified village of Les Baux de Provence. Just before arriving in St Remy you will pass the Roman/Grecian site of Glanum and the 2000-year-old Roman “Antiquities”. St Remy-de-Provence was immortalized by Van Gogh and other painters who fell in love with the region. It is a charming medieval town, historically rich, prosperous and with a chic ambience. Free night tonight. Feel free to dine at one of the many restaurants in the town of St Remy.

Day 4: St Remy de Provence to L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
Distance: 101km (63 miles)

Day Four and you leave the olive studded valleys of the Alpilles and head north east in the direction of the Payes de Sorgue. Your circuit from St Remy-de-Provence takes you on a loop through the heart of the Petit Luberon, made famous by Peter Mayle in his book ‘A Year in Provence’. Along the way you pass through the charming perched villages of Oppede le Vieux, Menerbes, Bonnieux and Lacoste as well as the lively market town of Apt (home of candied fruit - a regional specialty). At the end of this circuit you head back west, passing by the classified village of Gordes, the 11th century Abbaye de Senanque and the Bories village, before arriving in the pretty town of L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue. This town on the river Sorgue is famous for its canals, water wheels, Sunday market, and antique and craft shops. Your dinner tonight will be in a restaurant in L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue alongside the beautiful canals.

Day 5: L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Vaison-La-Romaine
Distance: 108km (68 miles)

From L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, the fifth leg of your trip winds its way north-east through the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, past lavender fields and onwards to the pretty mountain village of Sault. From Sault, your circuit takes you in a north-westerly direction over Mont Ventoux, through the pretty market villages of Malaucene and Crestet and onto the beautiful Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine, the jewel in the Roman Provencal crown. Free night tonight – dine al fresco at one of the many tempting bistros or restaurants on the square.

Day 6: Vaison-La-Romaine to Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Distance: 105km (66 miles)

If you didn’t ride up Mont Ventoux yesterday then today is your chance to challenge yourself like the Tour de France professionals and head across this famous landmark. Your route takes you through beautiful sun-drenched, vine-covered country before you begin the gruelling ascent from the Bedoin side to the highest point in Provence where, on a good day, you can see as far as the Alpes and the Pyrenees. Your trip then winds its way down the mountain passing by the pretty market town of Malaucene (popular point for a coffee break!) and onto the world-renowned vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Dinner will be at your hotel-restaurant in Chateauneuf-du-Pape tonight.

Day 7: Chateauneuf-du-Pape to Avignon
Distances: 67km (42 miles) or 86km (54 miles)

Day 7 and you leave behind the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and ride west through the Department of Gard, passing the small towns of Connaux and Uzes (a delightful village well worth exploring), stopping off to see the 2000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct, before finally looping back to Avignon - your destination for the night. Free night tonight.

Day 8: Avignon, Departure

All good things must come to an end and it is time to say Au Revoir. Staff from Getawaybybike will transfer you back to either the train station or airport and assist with your departure. We trust you enjoyed your holiday in Provence and we look forward to seeing you again soon!

If you would like to reserve this trip go to our Reserve a Trip page.Or if you would like to be kept up to date with details of our trips please go to our Enquire About a Trip Page.