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cycling |
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self guided |
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Provence cycling: an Impressionist's dream
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This cycling getaway links the towns of Avignon, Saint Rémy and Arles – towns of art and light. Along seldom-used roads and accompanied by the scents of thyme and rosemary, you’ll ride along the traces of Van Gogh in the plains and hillsides of Provence, through olive groves and vineyards. You will pass hidden stone farmhouses and Romanesque chapels, Roman ruins and perched medieval villages. Under the jagged limestone ridges of blue hues, and in the valleys of pine forests and aromatic herbs, we invite you to savour the art de vivre of Provence. |
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| Day 1 : Avignon: city of the Popes
Avignon
Your Provence cycling adventure begins in the heart of Avignon. 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, still intact, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by plane trees. Dinner on your own. Night in Avignon.
Day 2 : A Monastery hidden in the thyme-laden hills
Avignon>Barbentane>Graveson
- About 22 km cycling -
It's a biking itinerary between the Durance and Rhône Rivers, through a mosaic of orchards and cypress trees. You will cycle into the quaint town of Barbentane before climbing up on the “Montagnette” – literally “little mountain” – where your wide-sweeping views of the plains are accompanied by the scent of roasting pine needles and aromatic herbs. At the back of the Montagnette lies the monastery of St. Michel de Frigolet, built over eight centuries, architecture ranging from Romanesque to Neo-Gothic. You cycle down to the charming village of Graveson, its square lined with century-old plane trees. Dinner and night in Graveson.
Day 3 : Van Gogh’s Provence
Graveson>Maillane>St Rémy>Graveson
- About 26 km cycling -
After cycling to the village of Maillane, you pass by solitary farmhouses and orchards lined with cypress trees, and to Saint Rémy de Provence, at the foot of the Alpilles Mountains (Wednesday market). Here you can visit the streets lined with mansions and art shops, and enter a hidden street to find the home where Nostradamus was born. A little farther you can visit the ruins of a Roman settlement, or the 12th century monastery where Van Gogh – interned for a year – painted some of his most important works. Dinner and night in Graveson.
Day 4 : Towards the Château of les Baux
Graveson>St Etienne>Fontvieille>Estoublon>Les Baux>Maussane
- About 35 km cycling -
Your cycling holiday continues towards St. Etienne-du-Grès, and the Romanesque chapel of Saint Gabriel. From here you follow alongside the imposing silhouette of the Alpilles, among olive groves and almond trees. After lunch in Fontvieille, you will visit the elegant Château d’Estoublon estate, and sample their olive oils and fine wines. Riding into the heart of the Alpilles you reach Les Baux de Provence, a village built atop a vertiginous rocky spur, and listed as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”. Dinner and night in Maussane.
Day 5 : Wild horses and raging bulls, and to the Roman Arles
Maussane>Paradou>Arles
- About 22 km cycling -
Today you trade in the jagged limestone mountains for the plains, as you bike southward to Arles. Here you get a glimpse of the famed Camargue region – vast flatlands covered in rice fields, and ranches with white horses and bulls. You will pass an interesting set of Roman ruins along the way: a flour mill serviced by a 2000 year-old aqueduct. Arrive in Arles, capital of the Camargue, with its Roman amphitheater (Saturday market). End of your Provence cycling adventure.
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| Included |
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- 4 nights in double occupancy with private facilities
- 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Luggage transfers days 2 to 5
- 4 days bike rental
- Our Road Book with detailed walking itineraries and a map.
Not included
All lunches & dinners not noted in itinerary, entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks, items of personal nature
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| Highlights |
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> cycling around the landscapes of Van Gogh
> easy cycling in the heart of the countryside
> small unassuming villages of Graveson, Maillane, and the majestic perched village of Les Baux de Provence
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| Hotels |
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| La Villa de Margot |
In the heart of the old Avignon, at the foot of Dombs garden, Marie welcomes you in the three rooms and two suites of this Villa of caractère: 19th century mansion with its cosy private garden, and the shadow of secular trees. Nice 19th century and antique interior decoration. |
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| La Demeure Toscane |
Provençal atmosphere in a pleasant 15th century home, with its garden set in the shade of a climbing Muscat vine, a fountain and a relaxing swimming pool. The 3 charming rooms have a refined and elegant style with antique furniture. Chantale and Jean-François will give you a warm welcome. |
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| Le Pré des Baux |
Two steps away from the village square, with its pleasant cafés, the single-storey hotel offers a quiet and cosy atmosphere. 10 spacious and elegant rooms have private terraces overlooking the garden with its palm trees set around the swimming pool. |
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