Provence Classic 5N – Avignon, Arles...
This Provence itinerary offers a pleasant combination of city life with the visit of Avignon and Arles, and countryside and village experiences.
You will start and finish your tour in Avignon where you can visit the Pont d’Avignon and Palais des Papes. In the summer, Avignon is also home to the famous Festival d’Avignon, a concentration of innovating theatrical performances.
You then carry on to the Pont du Gard, an impressionable Roman aqueduct still intact, the villages of Uzes and Tarascon, before cycling to Arles. This old Roman city has an extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena and an antique amphitheater.
After more countryside and a stop in St Rémy de Provence, where you can enjoy the view of the hilly Baux de Provence, your trip in Provence will end the way it started: in Avignon!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Provence
Duration : 6 Days / 5 Nights
Level : Hobby or Active
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Best Deals May, June & September
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 :
Arrive in Avignon
Today is arrival day and meeting day, which also gives the opportunity to explore Avignon, and the historical center including the Popes Palace. An English speaking team-member will welcome you at the hotel for orientation and bike delivery in the early evening. Dinner out on your own, we include several recommendations.
Accommodation : Hotel Boquier - "Avignon"
Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Accommodation : Hôtel La Mirande - "Avignon"
Day 2 :
Pont du Gard and Uzes
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 522 Meters
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.
Accommodation : Patio de Violette - "Uzes"
Accommodation : Hostellerie Provencale - "Uzes"
Accommodation : Maison d'Uzes - "Uzes"
Day 3 :
Cycle to Arles via Tarascon
Distance 1 : 37 Miles - 59 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 299 Meters
Travel to the town of Arles, passing through mostly flat countryside except in the gorges around the Gardon River. You first ride to Collias at the confluence of the Gardon and Alson rivers. From there to Ledenon, famous for wine production, and then Meynes and its old fortified village. In Tarascon you can visit the Chateau and Souleiado Museum before going on to Arles. In Arles there is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, antique theater, and many museums, among which is one devoted to Vincent van Gogh. The ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling.
Accommodation : Hotel du Musée - "Arles"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Calendal - "Arles"
Accommodation : Hotel Jules-Cesar - "Arles"
Day 4 :
Leave Arles for St Remy de Provence
Distance 1 : 18 Miles - 29 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 461 Meters
You may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles and the many sites to see in this old Roman town. Your ride goes to St Remy de Provence. The ride is not too long today, so in function of weather you can leave as wish. You will pass the Abbey of Montmajour and up to Baux de Provence. Take some time to visit the site of Les Baux, walk the old stone streets, and imagine what it must have been like 2000 years ago. After you will descend to St Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Ride with hills at Les Baux.
Accommodation : Hôtel Canto Cigalo - "Saint-Rémy de Provence"
Accommodation : Hotel Sous les Figuiers - "St Rémy de Provence"
Accommodation : Le Vallon de Valrugues - "Saint Remy de Provence"
Day 5 :
Ride to Avignon
Distance 1 : 27 Miles - 44 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 250 Meters
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, this 42 km ride leaves time to visit some of the many sites in Avignon.
Accommodation : Hotel Boquier - "Avignon"
Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Accommodation : Hôtel La Mirande - "Avignon"
Day 6 :
Departure Day
Today is departure day. You can take your time with breakfast and then transfer back to the rail station or other on your own. Additional nights can be arranged.
Distance : 46.00 Km / 28.50 Miles - Elevation gain : 383.00 Meters
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 5
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Day : 2
In the very heart of Uzes and only 100 metres from the delightful Place aux Herbes, you will find your three stars hotel in a 300-year old building offering a perfect blend of charm and authenticity with all the modern conveniences: air-conditioning, lift, rooms with Internet, mini-bar, LCD television, bathrooms with whirlpool baths, power showers, or floor-level showers.
Day : 3
The hotel in Arles ideally located between the Antic Theater and Amphitheater, in historical center. A charming hotel, comfortable and stylish. A buffet restaurant with provencal dishes. The Calendal has 38 refurbished bedrooms, from the single room to family rooms. Each bedroom has its provencal charming decor. Views vary, the bedrooms either overlook the Arles Amphitheater, the Antic Theater, the Calendals garden or the narrow typical provencal streets of Arles. The decor, the light, the colours and fabrics have all been chosen to make you remember your stay in Arles and in Provence. The Hotel Calendal accommodation makes you feel provencal.
Day : 4
You are a few steps from the historic centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, in the calm sanctuary of a peaceful neighbourhood where the hotel ‘Sous les Figuiers’ has found its roots. A small, entirely renovated, the charming hotel ‘Sous les Figuiers’ offers 14 comfortable ground-floor rooms, eleven of which have private terraces opening onto a garden shaded by magnificent centenarian fig trees.
Day : 1, 5
Set in an old mansion at the foot of the Palais des Papes in the heart of Avignon, La Mirande is steeped in secular history. This timeless refuge offers a dreamy, relaxing and authentic experience in a refines, 18th century-esque décor.With both a gastronomic restaurant and a chef 's table, the hotel serves honest, living cuisine with respect for ingredients and humankind, a culinary hymn to land and its biodiversity.
Day : 2
This three-hundred-year-old house, tucked away down an alley in the majestic city of Uzès, once the Chambon de La Tour family home and a historic monument, has recovered all its former glory. Behind its imposing façade, a monumental 17th-century staircase and a back stair lead to guest rooms featuring contemporary decor. They offer delightful views over the roofs of the old town. The spa nestles under Romanseque arches and draws its inspiration from ancient traditions of health and well-being. The chef at La Table d'Uzès serves Provençal market cuisine, which, in summer, can be enjoyed on the patio with a local Languedoc wine.
Day : 3
Formerly a Carmelite convent, today the Hotel Jules-Cesar is a historic hotel full of character, which, without forgetting its past, boasts all the details of a completely modernized hotel. The spacious foyer, the rooms, the apartments, and the dining room, are all decorated with cloth from Provence and antique furniture, so that from the moment you arrive, you can begin to soak up the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful regions of France.
Day : 4
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Day : 1, 5
A charming hotel in Avignon, located in the very heart of the Pope's City, in a small quiet street. Near the Tourism Office and the antic walls, the hotel welcomes you in a XVIIIth century house. All rooms differ, decorated with relish, on 1st and 2nd floor without lift. Being able to receive 1 to 4 persons, all rooms have air-conditionned, private bathroom, telephone and TV. Thematic rooms ( morocco, indian, african ) has topic will make about you dream: come to discover them...
Day : 2
Ideal for celebrations, family or romantic holidays, and business functions, le Patio de Violette offers guests a wide variety of services in the perfect location.Our staff will welcome you in a family atmosphere. The hotel ‘s colourful surroundings and sunny patio, combined with its quiet location and proximity to Uzès's historic centre, will insure an ideal holiday. Those with an eye for achitecture and decoration will appreciate our contemporary design and elegant rooms.
Day : 3
Opposite the Réattu Museum, next to the roman Thermes and steps away from the Rhône river, this enchanting hotel built in the 16th and 17th centuries is located in the heart of the historic city of Arles, a meeting and cultural place. The Hôtel du Musée is the ideal point of departure form wich to discover Arles "La Romaine" and explore the ancient and medieval monuments scattered throughtout the legendary Provencal landscapes.
Day : 4
Adorable, secluded ans charming hotel, surrounded by a picturesque garden beautifully located at the base of the Alpilles. Just a short walking distance from a historic centre which will overwhelm you with its serenity and absolute tranquility. Staff of Canto Cigalo would like to warmly welcome you for a stay of your dreams within the tranquillity of Provence.
Bikes available for your tour
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.
Frame: SUB Sport 20 6061 Tig welding Fork: SF14 NEX DS HLO PM 700C Shifters : Shimano Deore SLM 590 Chain ring & crank arms: Shimano FC-T3010 Black 48x38x26 Cassette: Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-34 T Black Brakes: Tektro Disc Brake SCH-F15 Stem: JD-ST103A Saddle: Syncros Urban Commuter 2.5 Seat post: HL SP-56 Rims/Spokes: X12 Disc, 32h / Pillar Steel 14G Tires: Continental City Ride II or Schwalbe Spicer or Marathon Weight: 17 kg / 37.48 lbs
With its integrated rack, seamless assist and comfortable upright position, the Mavaro is all about freedom: the freedom to enjoy weekend treks or trips to the store, the freedom to escape the car for the daily commute or the freedom to feel the wind in your face - effortlessly.
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles. XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
The SCOTT Addict RC 20 Disc comes with all the great features of the Addict, but is equipped with disc brakes. A lightweight HMF Carbon frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra, Syncros components and Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes combine to create a lightning fast climber that performs at its best in ALL weather conditions.
Having racked up stage wins in the Tour de France, wins at Milan San Remo and Liege Bastogne Liege just to name a few, it is safe to say that the FOIL has made a name for itself in recent years. After all of this sucess, the logical step was to go back to the drawing board to make something even faster. The all NEW FOIL 10 has been designed to be even more aerodynamic, more comfortable, and to still have that incredibly laterally stiff nature. Featuring an HMF Carbon Fiber frame, an integrated FOIL stem and Shimano Ultegra Di2, the FOIL 10 is a race ready machine at a fraction of the cost. Available in S, M, L.
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Equipped with a Shimano fluid transmission specially for tandems, an adjustable stem (that the passenger can adapt under all circumstances) and a RockShox YARI RC fork for your comfort, our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. For an optimal return on your effort and complete confidence, we’re making it available in 27.5-inch tires. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S
Accessories
- Rear pannier containing : Helmet / Lock / Pump / 2 Spare tubes
- Handlebar bag containing: Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Odometer
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- Saddle bag containing : Toolkit / Tire levers / Patch kit / 2 Spare tubes / 1 Hand pump + Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- Flat pedals are included (toe straps on request)
- 2 souvenir water bottles
Roadbooks
Our road books are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our road books even better. Our road books include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow directions step by step (Cue-sheet). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
GPS
GPS are included on all tours Since 2008. We change the units every 2 years and always invest in the best models. Simple to use, easy to read, yet sophisticated devices they are available on all of our tours. The routes described in your roadbook are stored as tracks in the GPS unit. You simply have to follow the line shown on the GPS, and enjoy. 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
Included
- 5 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 1 dinner included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- 1 GPS for every 1-3 people
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
| Price from & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Basic | 890 € | 230 € | 1350 € |
| Standard | 1190 € | 420 € | 1790 € |
| Upgraded | 1850 € | 600 € | 2750 € |
*Please contact us for triple room rates
| Options per person : | |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 120 € |
| Performance | 175 € |
| Premium | 250 € |
| Electric Assisted Bike | 120 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | 30 € |
Arrival city is Avignon, which is accessible via train from Paris Gare de Lyon (2hrs 45min) or Paris CDG airport (3 hours). Taxi from rail station to hotel is approx. 15 euros. Departure from Avignon; same return travel time to Paris.
United States
Natalie and I just completed our bike tour and it was merveilleux! The weather was excellent and the the villages we passed through will never be forgotten. We especially enjoyed the first village between Avignon and Uzes - Castillon. We got adventurous and tried many of the different kinds of food, including tartare!: The hotels we stayed at were all very nice and memorable in there own way, but the St. Remy hotel really stood out - Hotel Sous les Figuiers. The host, Pierre, was extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel garden created a very relaxed atmosphere and provided privacy as well. We were actually tempted to spend more time there, rather than just a place to put our luggage and sleep. We chose to spend the morning at the market - a good decision. That, plus the 25mph winds made staying in town that day an easy choice. I do have a couple of minor comments and suggestions. There was no swimming pool at the Uzes hotel - no biggie. There were pools at both the Arles and St. Rémy hotels. Is there a way to avoid Tarascon? The section we went thru wasn’t so nice. All and all, we had a great trip and we will recommend Discover France to anyone we know who’s interested in a cycling tour in Europe.
United States
We have had a great time bicycling and eating our way through Provence. The bikes are new, well-maintained, and accessories (panniers etc) very nice. The routes are great, spending most of the time on back roads, able to ride long stretches without any vehicles in sight. The hotels have been lovely. The only slight problem was at L’Image in St. Rémy. The hot water stopped working (Carl got a shower, but the hot ran out before I could get enough for a bath). Then we were told the kitchen was “broken”, so we couldn’t have our dinner there, the one night of our trip dinner was included. They quickly offered us dinner at their other hotel, Le Vallons de Valrugues, and provided transportation there and back. It was wonderful, definitely a exceptional meal. Service was excellent. On Saturday, it was pouring rain from early AM, and 50 degrees, so I knew riding would be miserable. We called our local contact, and it was apparent that there would be some logistical challenges arranging transportation from Uzes to Arles. We said we would eat breakfast, go to the market, etc. so we were in no rush. About an hour later, we were told we would be picked up in about 30 minutes. When we called an hour later, they said they had to get a larger taxi to accommodate the bikes and gear, and it would another hour. It ended up fine, we got to Arles in time to walk around, see the sights, go to the Reattu museum. A small delight of getting to Arles earlier in the day than we would have if bicycling, was seeing a North African wedding party dancing in the main square in front of the Hotel de Ville, as another huge wedding party was going in to the building for their wedding. Thanks a lot!
Barbara
United States
The towns is lovely, the food and wine was excellent , it was always nice to get back on our bikes and head to our next destination over the back roads that separate one farm field from the next. The countryside is fertile with fields of wheat dotted with red poppies. We have passed olive orchards, cherry orchards and fig orchards. We have passed small farms with horses and sheep and there are vineyards everywhere. Every house we have passed has gigantic rosebushes growing up the walls and trellises in beautiful hues of red, yellow and orange. The wild poppies grow profusely along the roadsides and we have a hard time passing without taking picture after picture. On our way, out in the middle of nowhere, we have passed a fig orchard with a small sign advertising “fig confiture”. It was so tastie! My friend Janet has become a huge fan of the chocolate croissants in France. I love the apple tarts. And my other friend Elizabeth enjoys the pastries, but her weakness is the candy shops. Its been a great week. We’ve truly enjoyed our time here. The people have been as lovely as the landscape!
United States
The weather was really bad the last day and matt had two flats in a row. Discover France was really quick to come to the rescue and to drive us to our next spot, the man that picked us up was awesome. The weather has been discouraging and it was disappointing to miss out on the ride, but all and all we’ve been so impressed with Discover France. Such a great tour and the hotels have been so great.
Australia
The bike tour was fantastic on every level. Thank you so much. All the accommodation was great. Staff were friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed the French style of the hotels...they are so beautiful and well organised. The villages we went to were so quaint. Next time I do such a tour I think I will ride every second day so that I would have time to spend in the villages. Biking everyday took most of our time. The bikes were great to ride..very comfortable and I'm so glad I got an e-bike in the end. I think I got the GPS sorted by the last day. Maybe I'm a slow learner or a little more instruction in how it works would have helped. All in all, getting bamboozled by the map and GPS created some adventures and stories. Once again.,.thanks for planning and organising this tour for us. I will be back. ☺☺☺ Regards
Canada
On the whole, an excellent experience, very well organized by you in all respects. Thanks! More specifically: 1. Bikes: Impressive new Ultegra Scotts, thank you! Very happy with their handling throughout. 2. Itinerary : Beautiful and well thought out 4 days (esp. stunning rides on days 1 and 4, I thought) All in all, thank you for a great four days. Stavros
United States
EVERYTHING was fabulous. Bikes were great. Very comfortable. Safe and beautiful routes. It rained one day and it was still enjoyable. Thank you for a wonderful trip. We will recommend you to others and think of you again as we bike through France!
United States
It has been a great trip so far. We're enjoying the cycling and the hotels! Today's cycling route from Uzes to Arles was particularly fun, as we were on the open road so could take full advantage of the road bikes. Thanks again for your help along the way!
United States
We really loved our bike trip in Provence! We would highly recommend your company and the specific trip/route. Some more detailed thoughts: Orientation — our guy was very helpful, spoke good English including the parts of the bike. Showed us exactly how to change the tires, made sure we were totally set up. He was great! Gear — We were thrilled at the quality of the bikes and gear. Our bikes were in excellent condition, loved that they were new full carbon, well-maintained. The saddle bag was perfect size, light weight, portable — we’re probably going to buy the same thing for our own bikes now! None of the other bikers we passed (from different companies) had Garmins, none had carbon bikes…we were way better equipped. The Garmin had a few issues, sometimes it had trouble finding our location, but overall worked well. Would have been helpful to have a pair of pliers in the multi-tool bag, to adjust the zip-ties for the Garmin & odometer. Hotels — It was nice that they all seemed to know the deal with the bikes, luggage, etc. Avignon - Cloitre St. Louis - Overall great, rooms were ok (1st night our room was outdated and a bit smelly, but last night it was more fresh). Nice to have pool. Good location, excellent breakfast in the AM. Uzes - Hostellerie Provencale - We loved this little B&B, the owner Eric was lovely. He had a great home-made breakfast, cute dog, and each room was like a full apartment. Arles - Le Calendale - This place was ok, but not amazing. Our room was tiny. It did have a great location, right next to the Roman stadium. Also had a nice garden. But it was filled with large tour groups, didn’t have the charm of the other places we stayed. We didn’t use the spa, can’t comment on that. St. Remy - Le Mas des Carassins - Loved this place! It was way nicer than I had expected based on their website. Has 2 big pools with new modern furniture. Gorgeous, beautifully landscaped grounds. Peaceful and elegant. Dinner was also great!
Sarah
United States
We are having a great time so far. We are totally exhausted though! The past two days have been nothing short of lovely, but have taken a lot out of us! The bikes have worked out great and we've been using the combination of written and GPS directions, which has worked well. The Pont du Gard was super cool and Uzes was such a cute town! For the hotels...Patio de Violette was great, the people working there were so friendly, the dinner was delicious, room was comfortable and clean...would definitely recommend it to others. For Hotel du Musee - very cool patio and funky boutique hotel feel... clean room, great location in town. I hope this feedback is helpful! We are looking forward to the next couple days and seeing more beautiful towns, vineyards, etc. Thanks and talk to you soon!