Provence Carmargue

Guided & Self Guided Tour - 8 Days / 7 Nights

Provence has not only an easy way of life, but is also one of the richest cultural regions of Europe. Numerous monuments testify a long and great past since Greek and Roman periods and through the Middle Ages to the last centuries.

Highlights:

  • Avignon - the medieval walled town is famous for the Pope’s Palace
  • Glanum - Greek and Roman monuments
  • Les Baux de Provence - medieval town in the Alpilles
  • Tarascon - the greatest fortified castle of the Rhone valley
  • Arles - classic Roman amphitheatre and medieval monuments
  • Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - seaside village in the heart of the Camargue
  • Pont du Gard - the best conserved aqueduct of the Roman empire
  • Camargue - nature reserve - at the delta of the Rhone River, where water, channels and sea attract thousands of birds - some very rare. Its’ symbols are the white horses, flamingos and black bulls.

Most importantly, we have to mention the quality of wine and food. During the cycle tour you will enjoy the excellent cuisine of Provence and its’ Mediterranean flavour.

Your Journey

Day 1 Arrive Avignon

Make your way to your country inn, 5km from Avignon centre.

Day 2 Avignon – Arles Cycling 55 km

9.30 am briefing and bike handover. Ride along the Rhone River to St. Rémy de Provence, Glanum (Greek and Roman monuments), then up to the ancient crag-top fortress of Les Baux de Provence, which overlooks miles of Provence scenery.

Day 3 Arles – Saint Marie-de-la-Mer (Cycling 45 km)

Visit the well-preserved Roman Arena then ride through the Camargue along the Vaccarès inlet where you can observe rare birds and the pretty pink flamingos. Arrive Saintes Maries de la Mer, a town with a unique Spanish charm peculiar to this part of France.

Day 4 Saint Marie-de-la-Mer - St Gilles (Cycling 40 km)

Cycle through the Camargue and plains of rice fields to St. Gilles (Romanesque church with crypt, (UNESCO World Heritage). Continue through vineyards and perhaps stop to taste good wine at the Château de la Tuilerie.

Day 5 St Gilles – Pont du Gard (Cycling 60 km)

Ride through the ‘garrigue’, typical Mediterranean landscape with thyme and rosemary, Pass the charming villages of Cabrières and Collias to reach the ancient Pont du Gard, the largest and most perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct. Then continue onto Remoulins area.

Day 6 Remoulins – Uzes (Cycling 40 km)

Circuit ride to Uzès which was the starting point for the Roman Aqueduct of Nîmes and the seat of a diocese until the Revolution. The very powerful dukes of Uzès were First Dukes of France.

Day 7 Remoulins – Avignon (Cycling 40 km)

Cycle through vineyards to Aramon, then along the Rhone and Durance Rivers to Avignon. Allow time to visit this beautiful walled medieval town, famous for its famous bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Popes Palace (Palais du Papes). Be sure to cycle over the bridge from Avignon and some 6 km to Villeneuve where the cardinals built their mansions - another charming medieval town.

Day 8

Arrangements end in Avignon.

Extend your stay and experience the lavender fields in the northern part of Provence, plus wine tasting at Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a visit to the beautiful village of Gordes and the 12th century Cistercian Abbey of Senanque by small minibus tours. Enquire about our A Taste of Avignon package.

Terrain

Mainly on quiet roads and paths, flat terrain suitable for most casual bikers. On day 2 you will encounter a long climb to Les Baux of approx 5 km which you may prefer to get off your bike and push it. Electric bikes can be requested.

Contact Us

  • 306 Lake Road, Takapuna
    Auckland 0622, New Zealand
  • P: (0064) 09 486 7473
    F: (0064) 09 484 0091

Contact Form

Connect with us

About us

Cycling Europe Offers Cycling Holidays in Europe and around the world.

  • Our experienced team can advise and coordinate your travel arrangements to your personal requirements.