Cycling in Provence

Introduction
Provence France
During this easy 5 day bike tour you will pedal through the picturesque landscapes and quaint villages of Provence.

You cycle from Avignon into the countryside through olive groves, sunflower fields and vineyards to St Remy where Van Gogh created his famous works and where Nostradamus was born. This tour is an idyllic blend of scenic back roads, discovering historical sites, strolling on local markets and doing possible wine or olive oil tastings. One of the highlights will be the beautiful perched 1000 years old village Les Baux de Provence with its cobbled streets and magnificent views over the valley!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cycle through the same landscapes that inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's greatest masterpieces
• Charming provencal villages of the Alpilles mountains including St Remy & Les Baux

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Boquier in Avignon
Night 2 & 3: Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Rémy
Night 4: Les Magnanerelles in Maussane

Hotel Boquier in Avignon
In a quiet pedestrian street, in the heart of Avignon, stands the Boquier hotel (2 stars). This atypical and cozy building from the 18th century will warmly welcome you. Each of the 13 comfortable room comes equipped with air conditioning, a flat screen television, a private shower room and Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Chalet Fleuri in St Remy
This charming 3-star hotel is located in a historic property dating from 1870, surrounded by centenary trees. Each room offers a view on the park and comes with air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access and private facilities.  
There is a small outdoor pool to cool off in the evening.

Les Magnanarelles in Maussane
Housed in a former silk factory, this relaxed hotel offers simply decorated rooms that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool, under the olive trees.


Meals
Only breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Easy
Cycling 25 to 36 km per day

GPS & Travel Kit
We will send you the GPS files for your trip via email, before the start of your holiday. You will have to bring your own device whether it is a Garmin GPS or a Smartphone with the files already downloaded.
Your Travel Kit containing road book & vouchers will be sent to the first accommodation of the trip. The road book contains technical description of the itinerary, 1: 100 000 scale maps integrated in the book with itinerary traced out, contact listing and helpful recommendations (restaurants, museums, vineyards, craftsmen, where to find a bank machine…).

Equipment
If renting a bike with us, your bike is delivered at your accommodation on Day 1 with all the necessary equipment ( helmet, bike lock...).

No matter the kind of bike chosen for your holiday, if you borrow a bike through us, you will get the following items for your tour:
• helmet > our regular “helmet head tour” is 54cm > 58cm. If you need a larger helmet, please contact us
• security vest
• pump
• one inner tube and repair kit per two bikes
• bike computer
• front pannier
• two side panniers
• water bottle holder
• one lock per two bikes

E-Bike - extra cost
Provence is hilly and most of the prettiest villages are “hilltop”, meaning you have to climb to get there.
Our E-bikes becomes a wonderful compromise: while still doing exercise – you still have to pedal to get these things going after all – you can access the hilliest and most breathtaking of what Provence has to offer without being a great cyclist. You can also accompany a more athletic spouse or friend on one of our holidays. When you start pedalling, the electric motor is automatically triggered. You will have the choice between several levels of assistance.
Our E-bikes (E-Ride or equivalent) are equipped with a battery with about 90km autonomy, a low frame (easy to get on and off), anti-puncture tires (reducing the risk of flats), and hydraulic brakes, ensuring the highest standard of safety.
With our E-bike we provide:
• a briefing from a specialized mechanic, who will show you how to use and get the most out of your rides. During the briefing a credit card pre-authorization of 800€ will be asked as a guarantee.
• assistance, meaning if you have any problems whatsoever with your E-bike, our mechanic will come and repair it at no charge.

Hybrid Bike - extra cost
Our high-end HYBRID bike rental (trek or equivalent) come equipped with Shimano parts, light aluminium frames, and a triple-plateau (Gearing: 28/38/48 with 11/32 cluster > 27 speed).
Hybrid bikes are undoubtedly the best choice when tackling the day long rides, thanks to a high performance level and no sacrifice on comfort: wider tyres, the slightly more upright position and the flat handlebars make for a real comfy ride.
This light and aerodynamic bike is ideal when dealing with the steep climbs on your Provence cycling holiday.
Our bike frames are unisex. When possible, we provide a comfortable woman saddle to all women riders.

Bring your own bike
If you are bringing your own bike, make sure to also bring panniers, map holder, a bike computer and all of the other necessary equipment (inner tube, repair kit, pump, helmet).

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

WARNING
Despite all our care to update the description of our itineraries, there can be changes on the ground that are not reflected in the notes.
Roadwork occurs every year: signs can disappear or change, new intersections can form or change... Remain vigilant while reading the notes, paying close attention to the cumulative mileage on your bike computer and in the route notes. In case of a doubt along the route, be aware of how to return to that spot easily if you’ve made the wrong turn.

Day 1: Arrival
Your Provence cycling adventure begins in Avignon (make your own way there). A medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River, Avignon hides many treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th century bridge, the 14th century ramparts, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by trees.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Avignon

Day 2: Avignon to St Rémy
You will cycle into the quaint town of Barbentane before climbing up on the “Montagnette” – literally “little mountain” – where you get wide-sweeping views of the plains, accompanied by the scent of pine needles and aromatic herbs. In the background, you can see the monastery of St. Michel de Frigolet, built over eight centuries. When you pass through Barbentane, make sure to stop by the Olive oil mill OLLIVER for free olive oil tasting.
You cycle through the charming villages of Graveson and Maillane before reaching Saint Rémy de Provence, an artists' town where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life.
Visit the Moulin Calanquet shop in St Rémy for free olive oil tasting. You should also visit Lilamand, a store that sells candied fruits, a provençal specialty, for free tasting.
Cycling about 35 km +250m/-200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saint Rémy de Provence

Day 3: Loop to Eygalieres
You follow the base of the Alpilles mountains to the east, first on small roads and then on a track leading into the vines. You reach the picture-perfect Provençal village of Eygalières, whose main square offers a few restaurants and cafés for a midday break. Heading northbound on tiny roads you reach the sleepy village of Mollégès before returning to St. Rémy through the heart of the countryside.
Cycling about 35 km -/+500m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saint Rémy de Provence

Day 4: St Rémy to Maussane
Leaving St. Rémy, you can visit Saint Paul de Mausole, the monastery converted into a rest home, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Adjacent to the monastery is Glanum, a Roman archaeological site, its massive limestone ruins a testament to over 2000 years of history. Your route continues along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains through landscapes of pine trees and wildflowers until you reach Fontvieille, and Les Baux de Provence. Les Baux, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is a town perched vertiginously atop a rocky crag, crowned by the ruins of its feudal castle. Take your time to explore Les Baux before continuing to Maussane.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Maussane

Day 5: Departure
End of your trip after breakfast in Maussane.

Rates and Dates for Cycling in Provence

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Avignon
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Saint Rémy de Provence area