TRIP DETAILS:
Trip Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Average Daily Distance: 50km (30 miles) to 80km (50 miles) per day
Stays: 2 nights St Remy
3 nights L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
2 nights Vaison-la-Romaine
2008 Dates: Between April and October
Start: St Remy-de-Provence (transfer from Avignon TGV Station)
Finish: Vaison-la-Romaine (transfer to Avignon TGV Station)
Accommodation: 2 Star Family Hotels in traditional Provençal villages
Group Size: Minimum 2 people
Cost: USD* $1740/person
Deposit: USD* $446/person - Reserve now
Single Supplementary Fee: AUD $450/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

Day 1: St Remy-de-Provence

Getaway by bike staff will be at the train station (or airport) to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in St Remy-de-Provence. 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 technical assistance and support if required. Depending on the time of your arrival, there should also be opportunities to do some sightseeing in St Remy itself. Tonight there will be a welcome dinner in St Remy with your tour organisers.

St Remy-de-Provence, immortalized by Van Gogh and other painters who fell in love with the region, is a charming medieval town, historically rich, prosperous and with a somewhat chic ambience.

Day 2: St Remy-de-Provence

Today we have a few rides for you to choose from depending on what you would like to see and how far you would like to ride. Free night. Feel free to choose from one of the many tempting brasseries or restaurants in the town centre of St Remy.

Circuit 1: Abbaye-de-St Michel-de-Frigolet and Alpilles
Distance: 57.5km (36 miles)

This option offers you the choice of riding both circuits in one go or doing the Abbaye de St Michel-de-Frigolet circuit in the morning and then doing the Alpilles circuit in the afternoon.

Abbaye-de-St Michel-de-Frigolet
Distance: 30km (19 miles)

This is an easy, flat riding route and will suit beginner riders who can ride the distance. There is a moderate incline up to Abbaye de St Michel-de-Frigolet and a moderate level of fitness is required. Take a picnic lunch and picnic under the trees in the grounds of the Abbaye or dine in the restaurant at the Abbaye.
The beautiful 10th Century abbey, l’Abbaye de St Michel-de-Frigolet, is located in a tranquil setting and is famous for its unique thyme-flavoured liqueur produced by the monks.

Alpilles
Distance: 27.5km (17 miles)

This route is generally flat apart from a steep climb up in to Les Baux and around Les Alpilles hills; a moderate to good level of fitness is required. Stop in at the Roman site of Glanum and explore the roman antiquities on the route to Les Baux. We recommend the old village of Les Baux-de-Provence for lunch.

Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux is situated in the heart of the Alpilles on a rocky plateau 245m high. From the lookout, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Camargue, the city of Arles and the Alpilles mountain chain across the olive tree-studded valley below.

Circuit 2: St Remy - Arles
Distances: Between 54km (34 miles) and 76km (48 miles) depending on routes chosen

There are many different ways of getting to and from Arles from your home base at St Remy. We have 4 different riding options, each with its advantages and disadvantages; you could do the round trips suggested or chose one option one way and another option for your return trip back. This ride will suit most riders with a good level of fitness to ride the distance and climb the Les Baux hills (if you choose this route). Be aware that the traffic on most of the routes leading into and around Arles is very heavy.

Option 1: Nice flat road, no climbing, heavy traffic, chance to cross the Rhone River and pass through the pretty port village of Beaucaire, scenic route between Beaucaire and Forques near Arles. The round trip is 70km (44 miles).
Option 2: Steep climb through the Les Baux/Alpilles hills (less traffic, very scenic). From St Martin-de-Crau, flat, easy riding, less scenic, traffic leading into Arles from St Martin-de-Crau. Chance to explore the Roman site of Glanum, the Roman Antiquities outside St Remy and Les Baux-de-Provence village. The round trip is 72km (45 miles).
Option 3: Steep climb through the Les Baux/Alpilles hills on the way to Fontvieille, flat after that. Scenic ride with interesting sights to see e.g. Daudet’s Windmill at Fontvieille and Abbaye de Montmajour near Arles. Also, there is the chance to explore the Roman site of Glanum, the Roman Antiquities outside St Remy and Les Baux-de-Provence village. Heavy traffic after Fontvieille. The round trip is 76km (48 miles).
Option 4: Nice flat road, no climbing; stop in and see Daudet’s Windmill at Fontvieille and the Abbaye de Montmajour near Arles. Not particularly scenic however if you are wanting to get to Arles quickly this is the shortest distance although traffic will be heavy closer to Arles. The round trip is 56km (35 miles).

The city of Arles (52,000 inhabitants), once a mighty metropolis during the golden age of Roman Gaul and symbol of ardent Christianity, is now the gateway to the beautiful Camargue. It is also France’s largest township covering some 77,000 hectares, including two-thirds of greater Camargue. Encircled by the banks of the Rhone River, the arid plains of Crau, the Alpilles mountain chain, and the untamed marshlands of the Camargue, it is a city of exceptional beauty. Explore the Roman monuments such as the famed arena where bull-fights and camarguaisse races are held; admire the town’s stately private mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries; or lunch at one of the many outdoor cafes and shaded terraces and discover why this city has intrigued and inspired artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso over the centuries. Free night tonight – why not try one of the many bistros or restaurants in St Remy.

Day 3: St Remy de Provence to L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
Distance: 73km (46 miles)

From St Remy-de-Provence, your trip takes you back north-east over to the pretty town of L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, famous for its canals, water wheels and antique and craft shops. You will travel along picturesque roads, through quiet villages and cross over the Rhone before arriving at L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue.

L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue was once a settlement for fishermen in ancient times, and then expanded during the Middle Ages into a bustling commercial and manufacturing centre within the region. Today it is a thriving market town, renowned throughout France for its lively antique and second-hand markets held every Sunday. Free night tonight – why not take a stroll around this beautiful town and take in the sights. Alongside the canals there are plenty of tempting restaurants from which to choose.

Day 4 and 5: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Once again we have a few rides for you to choose from depending on what you would like to see and how far you would like to ride.

Circuit 1: Classic Petit Luberon
Distance: 52km (33 miles) or 75.5km (47 miles)

We have given riders two options here, depending on your level of fitness and how fit/fresh you’re feeling on the day! Both circuits consist of rolling countryside with significant climbing up into the villages; riders will need to have a good level of fitness to tackle the hills around the Luberon. Option 1 recommended stop for lunch -Roussillon.
Option 2 recommended stop for lunch - Bonnieux with its superb panoramic views of the Luberon countryside over to Lacoste.
Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. From its ochre cliffs, tunnels and canyons streaked with colour from the brightest yellows to the deepest reds, ochre is everywhere in Roussillon and the surrounding countryside. The contrast between the red cliffs, the blue Provencal sky and the thick green of the pines and heather clinging to the wooded summits is both startling and beautiful - it is not surprising that Roussillon has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Classified as one of “the most beautiful villages in France”, Bonnieux is built on a plateau above the valley, its houses spread out on the hill-side in harmonious earth-toned colours and shapes. From afar you will see the 425m church tower well before you actually arrive in the village itself.
The tiny village of Lacoste (just over 400 inhabitants) is another typically charming Provencal village situated in the heart of the Petit Luberon. Its claim to fame is that it is where the famous chateau of the notorious Marquis de Sade is situated.

Circuit 2: Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines and Gordes/Abbaye-de-Senanque
Distance: 59km (37 miles)

This option offers you the choice of riding both circuits in one go or doing the Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines Circuit in the morning followed by lunch in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and then onto our Gordes/Abbaye-de-Senanque Circuit in the afternoon.

Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines Circuit
Distance: 23km (14 miles)

This is a pretty ride through the region’s “salad bowl” to the interesting town of Pernes-les-Fontaines. The terrain is generally flat and this ride will suit the recreational cyclist with a moderate level of fitness. Recommended lunch break: either at a restaurant in Pernes, or take a picnic lunch - there are picnic tables on the route between L’Isle and Pernes.

Gordes/Abbaye-de-Senanque Circuit
Distance: 36km (22.5 miles)

Flat riding apart from the steep climb up into the village of Gordes and up the hill from Abbaye-de-Senanque - the views from the top are worth it though! This pretty circuit is not long but riders will need to have a good level of fitness and some climbing experience. Suggested stop for lunch - Gordes naturally!

Circuit 3: Venasque/Bories/St Didier and Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines
Distance: 71km (44 miles)

This option offers you the choice of riding both circuits in one go or doing the Venasque/Bories/St Didier Circuit in the morning followed by lunch in L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue and then onto our Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines Circuit in the afternoon.

Venasque/Bories/St Didier Circuit
Distance: 48km (30 miles)

This one is for the climbers and those who love sharp descents! Whilst not a long route, there a couple of very steep climbs and riders should be experienced and have a very good level of fitness for this ride. Look out for the interesting Bories huts along this route. Suggested stop for lunch is Venasque. Looking for a sugar fix later in the afternoon? Stop in at the Nougaterie/Chocolaterie in St Didier!

Velleron/Pernes-les-Fontaines
Distance: 23km (14 miles)

This is a pretty ride through the region’s “salad bowl” to the interesting town of Pernes-les-Fontaines. The terrain is generally flat and this ride will suit the recreational cyclist with a moderate level of fitness. Recommended lunch break: either a restaurant in Pernes, or take a picnic lunch - there are picnic tables on the route between L’Isle and Pernes. Your second dinner of the tour is reserved for night four. Details are provided in your day-to-day itinerary. Free night on night five. Why not take a stroll around this beautiful town and take in the sights. Alongside the canals there are plenty of tempting restaurants from which to choose.

Day 6: L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Vaison-la-Romaine
Distance: 55km (34 miles)

From L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, you will go northwards, through beautiful sun-drenched wine country (including the world renowned vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise), finishing in the old Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine, the jewel of Roman Provence, as its name indicates. On the way you will pass the 15th century Chateau de Le Barroux and the picturesque village of Malaucene that lies at the foot of Mont Ventoux.

Steeped in Roman history and rich in architecture, Vaison is a delightful village; its many gorgeous tree-shaded outdoor restaurants and cafes, bustling markets, wine and gourmet festival, and wonderful Provencal boutiques will no doubt tempt you back for another visit! Your third dinner of the tour is reserved for night six. Details are provided in your day-to-day itinerary.

Day 7: Vaison-La-Romaine

Today is your last day of riding, so make the most of it! Once again we have a few rides for you to choose from depending on what you would like to see and how far you would like to ride.

Circuit 1 - Vallee de Tourlerenc
Distance: 70km (44 miles)

This is a glorious riding route with a great mix of climbing, flat stretches, and descents - all set against a magic scenic mountain back-drop! This circuit will suit experienced riders with a very good level of fitness. Suggested stop for lunch - Brantes (for traditional Provencal fare and unbeatable views).

Circuit 2 - Mont Ventoux Classic
Distance: 74km (46 miles)

Challenge yourself like the Tour de France professionals and tackle the Giant of Provence! Mont Ventoux is a challenging ride for amateur and professional cyclists alike (there are three routes you can take however the Bedoin ascent is considered the most challenging!). This ride should only be attempted by riders who have a very high level of fitness and significant recent mountain climbing experience. Pay particular attention to the sharp corners on the descents.
Known as the “Giant of Provence”, Mont Ventoux stands at 1912 meters and is the highest mountain in Provence. The name “Ventoux” derives from the word “vent” for wind and it is indeed windy up at the summit! Although Mont Ventoux looks as if it is perpetually snow-capped, the white stuff is in fact an arid carpet of limestone gravel. The mountain is a popular retreat on a hot summer’s day but deadly cold and blocked off to cyclists and motorists in winter. The views from the summit are spectacular and, on a clear day, you can see from the Alpes to the Pyrenees.

Circuit 3: Wine Route
Distance: 53km (33 miles)

This one is for the wine lovers! The terrain is mostly flat or rolling with a small climb and should suit riders with a moderate to good level of fitness. There are plenty of opportunities for wine tastings at the many Domaines (wineries) scattered throughout this corner of Provence. Suggested stop for lunch - Gigondas.
Over the centuries, Vacqueyras has largely been an agricultural centre, its principal crop being its wine production. With vineyards extending as far as the Dentelles de Montmirail ranges, it produces one of the three major vintages of Cotes du Rhone wines. Although this village has long been regarded as a producer of wines of renown, it was not until 1990 that local wine-growers obtained official recognition for the quality of their wines and were bestowed with the Cotes du Rhone AOC classification.

Known the world over for its famous Muscat (and equally distinguished Cote-du-Rhone village reds and whites), Beaumes-de-Venise actually derives its name from the famous prehistoric caves (or baumes) to be found in the hill overlooking the town. Tonight feel free to dine at one of the many restaurants in Vaison-la-Romaine. You will have probably discovered some hidden gems during your wanderings around this delightful Roman town. What better way to celebrate a memorable trip to Provence than with a glass or two of Cote du Rhone.

Day 8: Vaison-La-Romaine

All good things must come to an end and it’s time to say au revoir to beautiful Provence. We hope that your trip has been an enjoyable and memorable one and that we will see you again in the not too distant future!
On your last day our Getawaybybike staff will collect you from your hotel in Vaison-la-Romaine, transfer you to the railway station in Avignon, and assist with your departure.

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.