TRIP DETAILS:
Trip Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Average Daily Distance: 30km (20 miles) to 50km (30 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 $1995/person
Deposit: USD* $446/person - Reserve now
Bicycle Hire: Additional cost
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, once a mighty metropolis during the golden age of Roman Gaul and now the gateway to the beautiful Camargue. From there it is on to St Remy-de-Provence with its roman vestiges, ancient monastery, and interesting churches, before arriving in the pretty market town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, renowned for its quaint antiques shops, brocante markets and cafes. Your trip then meanders through the vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras and Gigondas before arriving in Vaison-la-Romaine, the jewel of Roman Provence. Your ride then returns south to Orange, a former Roman town noted for its famous antique theatre. Your final day’s ride takes you through the vineyards of the world renowned wine capital of the Vaucluse, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and on to the ancient aqueduct of the Pont-du-Gard before returning to Avignon.

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: 45 km (28 miles)

The first day’s cycling begins! Today’s route winds its way out of Avignon, crossing the famous Rhone and continuing alongside the river until you reach the pretty twin towns of Beaucaire and Tarascon. Check out the outstandingly preserved medieval Chateau at Tarascon or stop for a coffee on the old quay at Beaucaire before continuing southwards in the direction of Forques. After Forques, famous for its bull races and Camarguaisse cowboys, you will arrive 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: 30 km (19 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 by the famous Abbaye de Mont Major, 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 somewhat chic ambience. Free night tonight.

Day 4: St Remy de Provence to L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue
Distance: 34km (21 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 route takes you near Cavaillon and the pretty perched villages of the Luberon before arriving in the pretty market town of L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, famous for its canals, water wheels and antique and craft shops. Dinner tonight in a restaurant in L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue.

Day 5: L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to Vaison-La-Romaine
Distance: 55km (34 miles)

Leaving L’Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, the fifth leg of your trip takes you northwards, through beautiful sun-drenched wine country (including the world renowned vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Sablet), finishing in the old Roman town of Vaison-La-Romaine, the jewel of Roman Provence. 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. Free night tonight. Why not dine alfresco at one of the many bistros/restaurants on the square.

Day 6: Vaison-La-Romaine to Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Distance: 45km (28 miles)

Today is your chance (if you want to!) to challenge yourself like the Tour de France professionals as you head across the “Giant of Provence” – Mont Ventoux! Travelling through this beautiful sun-drenched corner of Provence, your trip winds its way past the pretty villages of Bedoin and Malaucene before finally arriving in the “wine capital” of the Rhone River valley – Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Alternatively, if you want to give Mont Ventoux a miss, why not head directly to Chateauneuf-du-Pape stopping along the way at some of the classified villages and wine domaines within the upper Vaucluse. Your dinner tonight will be in your hotel-restaurant in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 7: Chateauneuf-du-Pape to Avignon
Distance: 67km (42 miles)

Leaving Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the last day of your cycling trip takes you west through the Department of Gard, passing the small towns of Connaux and Uzes, as you wind your way onto the mighty Pont-du-Gard Roman aqueduct. Return to Avignon and a last chance to do some sightseeing in this fabled town before your departure tomorrow. 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.