This Provence bike tour starts in Villeneuve-les-Avignon and visits the culturally rich countryside as far as the Mediterranean and back to Avignon - "Cite des Papes" ("City of the Popes"). This tour will find you traveling on small roads away from traffic. In Avignon and Arles you will find small streets and a maze of shops in the old town. This is also where many summer festivals take place. The tour has a number of wonderful attractions rooted in the region's Roman origins and Provencal culture, up through the Papal dominance in the Middle Ages. It is easily accessible by train from throughout France, and as well by air. This is one of our most sucessful tours as it combines the best of all that Provence has to offer and the riding is moderate and available to most riders.		"Just a note to tell you that the tour was a success. The bicycles were terrific. The instructions for the self-guided tour were excellent, no fail. Accommodations were very good. It was a great trip." - F. Brazil, Provence

Day 2 the route will move out of Villeneuve-les-Avignon through the Gard forests and vineyards and to visit the famous roman aqueduct Pont du Gard which dominates the river at over 165 feet high. Swimming is possible in the river, as well as at the hotel that night. You will cycle on to Uzes, a beautiful Provencal village with plane tree lined streets. 52 km route. Dinner on your own. Night in Uzes. (B)

Day 3 a loop tour from Uzes and back to your same hotel. There are 2 itineraries possible; 40 km and 64km. Both leave in the direction of the north of Uzes into a green area of scenic roads and light traffic. You will ride through small charming villages such as Vallabrix, Saint Quentin la Poterie. This is like "potter's tour" with the chance to visit ceramic shops and a museum. Return to your hotel for swim in the pool, and dinner out on your own. (B)

Day 4 Travel to the town of Arles, passing through Tarascon situated on the banks of the Rhone, where you can discover the beautiful medieval castle of Roi Rene and the Provençal fabrics of Souleiado. You will ride through the vineyards of Costieres-de-Nimes on the way to Beaucaire, a city of art and history. Along the route are the town of Fontvieille, situated amid olive, almond and cypress trees, and the windmill of 19th-century writer Alphonse Daudet, author of "Letters from My Windmill." In Arles there is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, antique theater, and many museums, among which is one devoted to Vincent van Gogh. Night in Arles. 67 km ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling. (B)

Day 5 you may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles before moving on to St Remy. The ride isn't too long today, so in function of weather you can leave at your desire. You will pass the Abbey of Montmajour and up to Baux de Provence. Take some time to visit this site. After you will descend to St Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Dinner included and night in St Remy. 27 km ride with hills at Les Baux. (B, D)

Day 6 is a loop tour day. The ride starts out flat and goes to the north before turning to Eygalieres and the Alpilles. You will pass through vineyards and olive groves. Normally this is a hilly ride but can be modified to be shorter cutting out hills. 50 km. Dinner on your own. (B)

Day 7 on to Avignon via Graveson and Barbentane where you can have lunch and visit the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet from the 10th century. Arriving in the afternoon, you can visit Avignon. Dinner on your own; stay in a deluxe 4 star hotel in the center of Old Avignon. 37 km ride. (B)

Day 8 is departure day. You can take your time with breakfast and visitation of Avignon in the morning, before departing. Additional nights can be arranged. (B)

Price: 1169 euros per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement: 504 euros.
Triple rate: 987 euros/person

The trip includes: Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 7 nights lodging: in 2+, 3, and 4 star hotels (some with swimming pool), all buffet breakfasts, 2 dinners, orientation and bike delivery, baggage transfer daily, detailed road book with maps and guide book with tourist information, local support available throughout the tour for emergency support. We also include free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more.

UPGRADES: This tour can be upgraded to all 4 star hotels & one 3 star always in superior category for 1679 euros per person; all other services the same.

You are important to us; so we make you thoroughly prepared and include:
Pre-trip travel documents: you will receive extensive information as a customer prior to your departure. Upon confirmation we will send you some general information about preparations including passport info, training tips, and reading lists. As a customer you can also Purchase product from Hammer Nutrition, get 2 FREE issues to Velo News, and much more!

Upon final payment, we will send to you a complete list of documentation by email including Hotel List, contact numbers, itineraries, sites to see and information about sites and culture of the region. We include road signs, packing lists, travel tips, language phrases, holiday info, tour details, culture and customs tips, and much, much more!

Bike Rentals: 105 euros (click to view) Scott Sportster P3 hybrids; see link for full details and picture. Helmets and add on materials included. Merckx racing bikes available also see Cycling Classics for specs under Rental Bikes. LaPierre tandems also available for rent on this tour for 205 euros. See link.
Scott Sportster P3 hyrid rentals - the best rental bike available in the region for 2008, certainly so for self-guided travelers!

GPS is available to rent for 50 euros.

Additional Night in Avignon: 113-189 euros for double room depending on 2 or 4 star.

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services.

Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.