This bicycle trip features many of the highlights of Provence. You'll visit the places where Van Gogh painted a majority of his most well-known paintings as well as explore some of the best-preserved Roman monuments and medieval architecture in the world such as the Roman theater and arena in Arles, the Pont du Gard; and the beautifully preserved medieval Uzès. In additional to gourmet meals and excellent wine from local vineyards we've added a culinary touch with a visit to a local olive press, a wine tasting and a dinner at local chef's home where you'll learn his recipes. Our bicycling itinerary has a relaxed rhythm with two-night stays in most locations and is great for those relatively new to cycling.
***Extend this trip 3 more days to include the Luberon villages and Aix en Provence with our Bicycling the Best of Provence Plus! the Luberon & Aix-en-Provence tour.***
Day 1: Arrive in Arles
Highlights: Roman monuments of Arles, gourmet dinner with a local chef
Meet today at our hotel in Arles on the banks of the Rhône River. The Romans bridged the Rhône here during the 1st Century B.C., and today the city has a well-preserved Roman theater and arena. The latter is still used for Provençal bullfights. This evening, we'll enjoy a special introductory meal together in a local chef's home.Lodging: Le Calendal
Day 2: Bicycle to St Rémy
Highlights: Market in Arles, charming St Rémy
This morning Arles puts on one of the largest outdoor markets in France. You'll have plenty of time to check it all out all out before taking a short but scenic ride to St Rémy. This afternoon you can start visiting St Rémy or take an optional loop ride into the surrounding countryside. We'll meet again this evening for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. Distance: 28 km (17 miles) or more.Lodging: Le Castelet Alpilles
Day 3: Bicycle to Les Baux-de-Provence
Highlights: Les Baux, Roman ruins, Van Gogh sites
St. Rémy is where Van Gogh painted several of his most famous works during a year's residence in the local sanitarium. You'll appreciate the views that inspired him as we support a ride to Les-Baux-de-Provence and into the Alpilles hills. There is much to explore in St Rémy this afternoon including the Roman ruins of Glanum, Van Gogh's sanitarium and the great shopping in town. Dinner on your own this evening. Distance: your choice, 0-49 km (0-30 miles).Lodging: Le Castelet Alpilles
Day 4: Bicycle to St Quentin la Poterie
Highlights: Pont-du-Gard, castle visit, ceramics of St. Quentin, olive mill visit
We'll start the day with an olive oil tasting at a local olive press located just a few kilometers outside St Rémy. On our ride today we will cross the Rhône at Tarascon where you can visit the perfectly preserved 15th-century castle. Our route will then continue north to the Pont du Gard which is arguably the most extraordinary Roman ruin in all of Europe. It dates to 20 B.C. when it was built to support the aqueduct that carried water from Uzés to the Roman town of Nîmes. Later this afternoon we'll arrive in St Quentin la Poterie a small town with a long tradition of pottery making going back to prehistoric times. The craftsmen of St. Quentin contributed their pottery making skills to decorate the Palais des Papes in Avignon in the 14th Century. Dinner is together tonight. Distance: 62 km (38 miles).Lodging: Clos de Pradines
Day 5: Rest day in St Quentin la Poterie
Highlights: Optional bike ride to local vineyards
Optional bike ride to Uzes and local vineyards We'll be in St Quentin again tonight, so you can decide whether you want to ride today, relax by the pool, or enjoy exploring the winding streets of St Quentin. We will also offer a shuttle into medieval Uzès for those who wish. If you chose to get out on your bike, we'll take a loop ride south to Uzès and ride through rolling vineyard country. Enjoy a picnic along the way and extend your ride if you have extra energy to burn. For dinner you're on your own this evening and we'll suggest some of our favorite restaurants. Distance: 0-43km (0-27 miles), your choice.Lodging: Clos de Pradines
Day 6: Bicycle to Vacqueyras
Highlights: Ceramics of St. Quentin, visit to Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and villages
Today we head into the heart of the Côtes du Rhone vineyards with some of the most prestigious wines in the south of France including the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We'll have a beautiful ride through small villages and open countryside before arriving at Châteauneuf for a cafe lunch or picnic at the castle, a former summer palace of the Avignon Popes, followed by an optional wine tasting of your choice at any of the countless local wineries. Our route continues on to Vacqueyras surrounded by vineyards and set against the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains- our little paradise for the next two nights. Dinner is on your own this evening and we'll provide some restaurant suggestions for you. Distance: 65 km (40 miles)Lodging: Hotel Le Pradet
Day 7: Optional ride to Vaison-la-Romaine and Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards.
Highlights: Roman vestiges and medieval castle in Vasion, picturesque wine villages (Sablet, Séguret, Beaumes-de-Venise), optional climb up Mont Ventoux.
You can take a day off the bikes and relax at the hotel or pedal our loop ride to Vaison-la-Romaine and the nearby quaint villages known for their wines. Vaison offers some great insight into Roman and medieval life and architecture with its Roman ruins, archeological museum, and imposing castle. The rest of the loop continues through wine country and Provençal villages with the giant Mont Ventoux set in the background. For who want to push your limits there is also the opportunity to ride 100km (62 miles) and ascend Mont Ventoux, the most illustrious Tour de France climb! Dinner is together this evening. Distance: 54 km (33 miles), or 100 km (62 miles).Lodging: Hotel Le Pradet
Day 8: End in Vacqueyras, France
Highlights: Bon Voyage - Shuttle to the train station
Our ride through Provence ends after breakfast, but Avignon with its Pope's Palace, the world's largest gothic edifice, is not far away. We'll offer a shuttle to the Avignon TGV train station. From there you can choose to stay for a visit or begin your trip home. Whatever you do, 'merci' for joining us!***Extend this trip 3 more days to include the Luberon villages and Aix en Provence with our Bicycling the Best of Provence Plus! the Luberon & Aix-en-Provence tour.***
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HighlightsCôtes du Rhones wine villages, Van Gogh country, Informative wine tasting, Olive mill visit, Châteauneuf du Pape, Uzès, Pont du Gard, Arles, special dinner at a local chef's home, Saint Rémy, The best of Roman Provence
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Includes"The Usual" plus... Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 8 days, 7 nights' accommodation; 4 dinners with wine & 7 breakfasts; special visits listed in itinerary
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CountriesFrance
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Begin/EndArles / Vacqueyras
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Arrive/DepartParis: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) or Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
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Total Distance209 - 347 km (129 - 214 miles)
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Daily Distance30 - 50 km (19 - 31 miles) Avg per day with options
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What to ExpectA special selection of Provence's ancient Roman and medieval sites topped with delicious culinary experiences and local wines. A myriad of small country lanes through the picturesque Provencal landscapes that inspired many of Van Gogh's paintings
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Rating201
Options for more or less riding. Several days have short distances and are on flat or rolling terrain with one or two moderate hills. A couple of days have more hilly terrain with some climbs of 2 to 3 miles. -
Notes
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Notes | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 07 - 14, 2013 | $3500 | $500 | Confirmed departure. | Book It |
| Sep 20 - 27, 2013 | $3500 | $500 | Sold Out. Wait List Available. | Book It |
| Oct 04 - 11, 2013 | $3500 | $500 | Confirmed Departure | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | ||||
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Here on ExperiencePlus.com
- France Trip Planner
Read up on country customs, airport information, culinary specialites, and more! - Interview with Chef Erick Vedel
Chef Vedel prepares a fabulous dinner for us on our Best of Provence tours. - My Trip of a Lifetime by Sally Miller
Sally Miller was the 2012 Send A Teacher Traveling Award Winner and she offers her impressions of Provence. - Proven?al Melon with Beaumes de Venise Muscat
A refreshing treat from Provence.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Restaurant Basics in France
Ordering, meal times, and customs at the restaurant in France - Small Hotels in Paris
Travel and Leisure recommends affordable small hotels in Paris. Enjoy one pre or post-tour! - South of France Picnic
Simple outdoor meals sometimes make for the most memorable times during your travels. Here's a photo journal of a picnic in Provence, France.
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
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City (on route)
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City (not part of route, provided for reference)It was a wonderful trip -- I''m talking about ExperiencePlus! to all my friends! Thank you.
Turdy D., Harbor Springs, MI
A fabulous experience! Thank you.
Ellen L., Boulder, CO
This was our 1st bike tour & we are ready to book another!! Terrific vacation
Phil C., Littleton, CO
We returned to Cheyenne last night after a wonderful trip and wanted to thank you for a truly great trip.
Sandra S. & Bob P., Cheyenne, WY
The Provence region was even better than we had hoped. I enjoyed the ancient towns, castles and Roman ruins and meeting the French people.
Ron J.
Windsor, CA
Windsor, CA
I'm hooked on bike touring! I loved all the small French towns that we visited - places I never would have found if I was on my own. I liked being able to get away from the tourist crowds and really experience Provence!
Mike O.
Florissant, MO
Florissant, MO
We look forward to our next tour with Experience Plus! We enjoyed the people we met on the Provence tour. A very compatible group, the guides were excellent and the routes were superb!
Ludmila S., Prospect, KY
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
There were many memorable moments and experiences - pehaps my birthday picnic beside the river looking up at the Pont du Gard - and then cycling across it - was a favourite. I also enjoyed the many interactions with French folks along the way who were good humoured and patient with my fractured French.
Diane C., Gabriola, BC, Canada
What was your favorite experience on this trip?
The hilltop towns of the Luberon and the variety the routes provided day to day. At times it felt as if we were riding in a totally different country from day to day.
Gayle R., Whitefish Bay, WI
It is one of the great joys of our lives to be able to do your tours.
June W.
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul, MN
This is my first bike tour and my first trip to France and I loved both! It was so nice to take a trip and have someone else take care of most of the details. I look forward to another bike tour in France in the very near future...thanks for the wonderful experience!
Prati W.
New Berlin, WI
New Berlin, WI
Everything was perfect, I wouldn't change a thing!
Marilea S.
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
