The Gard, Alpilles and Côtes du Rhône

The antique and natural charms of Provence

Highlights

The Palace of the Popes and the famous Avignon bridge
Châteauneuf du Pape and the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône
Orange and Arles, ancient and Roman heritage
Uzès and its famous Provencal market
The Pont du Gard, masterpiece of the Roman Empire
The Alpilles Regional Nature Park and its limestone landscapes
Les Baux de Provence, one of the most beautiful villages of France

Provence by bike: sweet, antique, untamed, wonderful ...

Departing from Avignon, you cycle through Provence, from the Côtes du Rhône to the Gard, from Arles to the Alpilles, from Les Baux to Avignon. You cross the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, cities steeped in ancient history and the Alpilles Regional Nature Park.

This bike stay will take you on a loop around Avignon. It takes you on a discovery of Provence, between Vaucluse, Gard and Bouches du Rhône. By bike, you cycle among the prestigious vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône, wander through cities with history more than a thousand years old and ride over the surprising limestone landscapes and fragrant hills of the Alpilles. Cradled by the song of the cicadas, this Provençal getaway leads you to meet its inhabitants. Warm and inexhaustible, the Provencals reveal the secrets and traditions of the region with their melodious southern accent. Under the beautiful southern France sun, your cycling trip in Provence is revitalizing.

All along the route, you pass through cities whose tumultuous history dates back to Antiquity. Avignon, the papal city, Orange, the city of Princes or even Arles, city of Art and History have inherited a rich ancient, Roman (amphitheater, triumphal arch …) and medieval heritage. Along the way, you will also discover the charm of Provençal villages. Les Baux de Provence, classified as Most Beautiful Villages of France and whose reputation is well established, is the most picturesque. Uzès, Saint-Quentin la Poterie, Beaucaire, Eygalières and Saint-Rémy de Provence also have assets to seduce you. And how not mention the Pont du Gard? True architectural prowess, the Roman aqueduct delivers all its secrets to you during your cycling trip between Uzès and Arles.

The Rhône Valley unfolds its vineyards over more than 200 kilometers. This bike trip is also an opportunity to discover its most prestigious appellations and its most beautiful landscapes. In its farmhouses and castles, Châteauneuf du Pape invites you to take a refreshing break and tasting to sample its wines made from thirteen grape varieties. A sure way to refuel pleasantly!

The Alpilles Regional Nature Park offers travelers a setting that contrasts with the expanses of vineyards and the plain of the previous stages. A low-lying mountain range, the Alpilles fascinate and surprise its visitors. Sculpted in limestone, its landscape alternates between rocky cliffs and hills lined with thyme, rosemary, pinewood and cedar. A place where all your senses are called upon!

Carte Le Gard, les Alpilles et les côtes du Rhône
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

AVIGNON

Day on your own to discover the city of Avignon, in particular its Palace of the Popes and its famous Saint Benezet bridge.!

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

From AVIGNON to ORANGE 45km 256m Niveau Loisir

You leave the papal city from the north along the banks of the Rhone to the vineyards of the most famous appellation of Côtes du Rhône wines. Indeed, the charming wine routes lead you to the famous village of Chateauneuf du Pape where you will undoubtedly enjoy a tasting in its many cellars and visit the Wine Museum. Following this gourmet break, you have a few kilometers left to reach Orange and its Antique theater.

  • For a few more km 55km 382m Niveau Forme

    Explore the vineyards of the Lirac and Tavel estates, renowned for their exceptional wines. Tavel was the wine of the kings of France and the Popes in Avignon.

Day 3

From ORANGE to à UZES 55km 494m Niveau Loisir

You leave Orange towards the West. You quickly reach the banks of the Rhône. A few kilometers further, you will visit two remarkable appellations of Cotes du Rhône wines: Lirac and Tavel, well known for its rosé wine.
The rest of the stage is more challenging. The road rises in the middle of the garrigue (scrubland) landscapes. And as a bonus the beautiful panoramas of the Gard countryside. Also, good descents allow you to take a breather in this roller coaster scenery.
At the end of the stage, you reach Uzès via the Eure valley.

  • For a few more km 62km 481m Niveau Forme

    Before reaching Uzès, you will discover Saint-Quentin la Poterie. The pottery tradition of this elegant Provençal village dates back to the Middle Ages. Even today, artisan potters and ceramists carry on this ancestral knowledge.

Day 4

FROM UZES TO ARLES 65km 158m Niveau Forme

At the start of the stage, you go to the Pont du Gard. Take the time to admire this architectural masterpiece dating from the Roman period. Then, until Beaucaire, you ride on a greenway through the Gard countryside. Just before returning to the Rhône, you will discover the troglodyte abbey of Saint-Roman. In Tarascon, you pass to the left bank of the Rhône. The great river is your traveling companion to Arles.
Once in Arles, make the most of the end of the day to visit the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena or the Roman theater.

Day 5

FROM ARLES TO SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE 35km 370m Niveau Loisir

Towards the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. Low-lying mountain range (its highest point culminates only at 498 meters above sea level), the landscape of the Alpilles, sculpted in limestone, surprises and fascinates. Short and hilly, this stage is enlivened by many tourist attractions. Founded in 948, the Benedictine Abbey of Montmajour is one. Then, in Fontvieille, you will discover the Saint-Pierre mill, symbol of the book Letters from My Windmill by the writer Alphonse Daudet. Nestled in the heart of the Alpilles, between limestone cliffs and fragrant hills, Les Baux de Provence are on your way. Do not miss this site classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. End of the stage in Saint-Rémy de Provence, a small dynamic town considered to be the capital of the Alpilles.

  • For a few more km 65km 562m Niveau Forme

    After Les Baux de Provence, you ride towards the village of Eygalières, one of the most picturesque villages in the Alpilles.
    Through the massif lined with garrige, the route is untamed and tortuous.

Day 6

From SAINT-REMY-DE-PROVENCE to AVIGNON 43km 168m Niveau Loisir

You head North to Avignon, the city of Popes. On your way, you ride through the Barbentane forest and the Montagnette massif on which stands the Abbey of St Michel de Frigolet. It takes its name from the word thyme, “ferigoule” in Provençal, which grows everywhere on the surrounding hills. Enjoy some of its local specialties: the “Reverend Father Gaucher’s elixir” and Frigolet liqueur with beautiful golden green colors, made with Montagnette herbs. Your route takes you over the Rhône before reaching Avignon. You will be under the charm of its old streets, restored medieval walls and immense Palace of Popes.

Day 7

AVIGNON

End of your cycling trip after breakfast.
Have a safe journey home!

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Hôtel la Taverne de Sophie à Uzès Hôtel de la Muette Arles

Starting from 880€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel hostellerie provençale à Uzès Hôtel Calendal Arles Hôtel le mas des carassins

Starting from 915€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hotel Arène Orange Hôtel Entraigue Uzès Hôtel Artalan Arles Hôtel de l'image à Saint Rémy de Provence

Starting from 1400€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with topo maps
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Touring Bike

    SCOTT SUB SPORT 20

    Reassuring and comfortable geometry.

    Shimano 27-speed

    Disc brakes

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd

    Child bike

    CHILDREN’S BIKE: 8 to 10 years old; 135-145cm

    Agile and handy bike and 100% safe for nice family rides

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    Vélo enfant scott 24"

    Ebike

    EBIKE SCOTT SUB TOUR ERIDE

    All the pleasure of cycling without too much effort and accessible to all.

    Shimano Disc Br-MT200 brakes

    Bosch ActivePlus 500w motor

    Weight 25.60 kg

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • A handlebar bag
    • A 20L rear bag
    • 1 lock
    • 1 multi-tool
    • 1 repair kit including:
      • Lot of patches
      • An inner tube
      • A set of tire levers
    • 1 pump
    • 1 odometer counter
    • 1 gourd
    Vélo electrique scott eride

    Getting here

    Departure city : AVIGNON

    Coming by car

    • at 6h from PARIS
    • at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 2h15 from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking gare d’Avignon TGV P2 P3 – EFFIA – AVIGNON

    Coming by train

    • Avignon train station - 2h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Avignon airport
    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    Arrival city : AVIGNON

    Coming by car

    • at 6h from PARIS
    • at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
    • at 2h15 from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Avignon train station - 2h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Avignon airport
    • Marseille Provence airport
    • Montpellier airport
    • Lyon Saint Exupéry airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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