Provence Secrets - Pont du Gard
Discover the secrets of Provence on this tour. From Nimes to Uzes, this cycling tour crosses the famous Pont du Gard. You will marvel at the beauty and engineering of this old Roman aqueduct.
Cycle along the Gardon river from one Provencal village to another, getting immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the South of France. Spend some time in St Remy de Provence to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh and his life in Provence. The itinerary will also take you to the charming villages of Fontvieille, Collias and Les Baux de Provence.
This cycling tour is accessible to everyone so you can enjoy this active vacation in the Gard even if you are not used to cycling regularly!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Provence
Duration : 5 Days / 4 Nights
Level : Casual or Hobby
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Biking
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Pre-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of pre-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.
Day 1 :
Arrive in Nimes and transfer to Collias
Arrival in Nimes where you will meet our guide either at the train station or at your hotel. If you arrive early enough, you will visit by foot some of the most beautiful sites of the city with the guide. Essential city highlights include Les Jardins de la Fontaine, the Maison Carree and the famous Arena, which will illustrate the rich history of this Roman city. Your guide will then drive you to your hotel in the village of Collias, a secret location along the beautiful Gardon Rive. You will have plenty of time to take a swim in the river or in the hotel pool.
Accommodation : Hotel Le Gardon - "Collias"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Gardon - "Collias"
Accommodation : Hostellerie Le Castellas - "Collias"
Day 2 :
Loop ride to Pont du Gard & Uzès
Option 1 : 21 Miles - 33 Km
Option 2 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 330 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 470 Meters
On your first day, the most beautiful places in northern Provence will reveal themselves to you. First you will start with a visit to the impressive and majestic Pont du Gard. This ancient Roman aqueduct overlooks the Gardon River at a height of more than 165 feet!
Cycling on to the charming town of Uzes, you will enjoy lunch under the arcades of the famous spice markets where time seems to have stopped.
Accommodation : Hotel Le Gardon - "Collias"
Accommodation : Hotel Le Gardon - "Collias"
Accommodation : Hostellerie Le Castellas - "Collias"
Day 3 :
Ride to Gardon River and St Remy
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 287 Meters
Leaving Collias, you will cross the Gardon River and its fabulous canyon to discover a magnificent panorama.
You will then reach the banks of the Rhone River where the medieval castle of Beaucaire stands, a fortress that still bears witness to its distant and glorious past.
Cycling through the medieval town of Tarascon, you will finally arrive to the beautiful village of St Remy de Provence where you will stay for 2 nights.
Accommodation : Hôtel Canto Cigalo - "Saint-Rémy de Provence"
Accommodation : Le Mas des Carassins - "St Remy de Provence"
Accommodation : Hotel de l'Image - "Saint Remy de Provence"
Day 4 :
Loop ride to les Baux de Provence
Distance 1 : 24 Miles - 39 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 383 Meters
Through the olive groves, your route will take you to the charming village of Fontvieille where Alphonse Daudet lived and wrote his finest writings such as Lettres de Mon Moulin and Le Tresor d'Arlatan.
After a short break under the trees, you will reach one of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux de Provence. This picturesque village and its medieval fortress overlook the Alpilles (a small mountain chain referred to as the little Alps) from the top of a rocky outcrop. The intoxicating perfume of Provencal villages is there: small squares, shaded terraces, narrow streets and charming boutiques!
Accommodation : Hôtel Canto Cigalo - "Saint-Rémy de Provence"
Accommodation : Le Mas des Carassins - "St Remy de Provence"
Accommodation : Hotel de l'Image - "Saint Remy de Provence"
Day 5 :
Leave Provence
After breakfast you will be transferred to Avignon (transfer included) where you can add extra nights or catch a train to Paris.
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Distance : 42.75 Km / 26.50 Miles - Elevation gain : 367.50 Meters
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2
The Hotel Restaurant Le Gardon is located in the picturesque village of Collias in the heart of the Gardon valley, a renowned haven of peace and a centre for outdoor activities such as swimming, climbing, walking, cycling and canoeing. Ideally situated midway between Uzès, 1st Duchy of France and the Pont du Gard, an exceptional example of roman architecture, the hotel offers outstanding panoramic views of the foothills of the Cévennes and the imposing Mont Ventoux, and is surrounded by olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards.
Day : 3, 4
An oasis of calm and cool, located a few minutes walk from the center of Saint-Remy, once home to Van Gogh and Nostradamus. In our old, clad dry stone mas, built in the middle of the 19th century, come encounter the real sweet life, an atmosphere of serenity, calm and conviviality which assures prefect stay in a place over a hundred years old.Our rooms all personalized, with their Provencal "boutis" (bedcovers), bear a name that symbolizes Provence or the history of the Mas. Most have been recently renovated to provide you with the utmost in comfort: air-conditioning, bath and shower, private toilets, mini bar, hairdryer, bath robes and refined welcoming products await you. It's up to you to choose from the names of our 14 rooms with their typically Provencal accent : la Crau, la Manade, Lis Aupiho, Lis Oulivades, la Jasse... with a private garden and magnificent view of the Alpilles and surrounding countryside.
Day : Post-tour Night
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 : 1, 2
The 17th century residence, Le Castellas, is located on a quaint street in the heart of the village of Collias. The surrounding restored buildings of Le Castellas create a serene interior courtyard for guests to enjoy. The wisteria covered terrace is an ideal spot for breakfast or dinner to savor the Chef's traditional and flavorful creations.
Day : 3, 4
A 4-star viewed through a different lens. In the center of Saint Remy de Provence, one of the most charming hotels in Provence, the Hotel Les Ateliers de l'Image was established around the theme of photography to which it has dedicated a gallery, private collection, projection hall, and fully equipped photo-labs....
Day : 1, 2
The Hotel Restaurant Le Gardon is located in the picturesque village of Collias in the heart of the Gardon valley, a renowned haven of peace and a centre for outdoor activities such as swimming, climbing, walking, cycling and canoeing. Ideally situated midway between Uzès, 1st Duchy of France and the Pont du Gard, an exceptional example of roman architecture, the hotel offers outstanding panoramic views of the foothills of the Cévennes and the imposing Mont Ventoux, and is surrounded by olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards.
Day : 3, 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
- 4 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 2 dinners included (1 dinner included, basic version).
- 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 | 850 € | 190 € | 1290 € |
| Pre-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Standard | 950 € | 210 € | 1430 € |
| Pre-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Upgraded | 1290 € | 250 € | 1790 € |
| Pre-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
*Please contact us for triple room rates
| Options per person : | |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 100 € |
| Performance | 150 € |
| Premium | 210 € |
| Electric Assisted Bike | 100 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | 25 € |
Arrival city is Nimes, which accessible via train from Paris Gare de Lyon (3hrs ) or Paris CDG airport (3.5 hours). . Departure from Avignon; same return travel time to Paris.
Holt
United States
We enjoyed the cycle tour in the Dijon/Beaune area despite the iffy weather. We had a lovely dry day to explore Dijon and enjoyed all the sites. The loop cycle tour day was a mix of clouds and showers but the ride along the canal was lovely, picturesque and peaceful. A great first day getting used to the bikes. The next day's ride to Vougeot was also good. We particularly liked Gevrey Chambertin, a really pretty town. We had a fabulous vegan lunch there at the Chex Guy, one of the recommended restaurants. What great luck they were featuring a "plat vegetalien". Vougeot is quite a tiny town with minimal services other than the wine tasting shops. The hotel was fine and both dinners next door at Au Creux de Vougeot were really delicious. The two meals were creative, beautifully presented, very tasty and truly satisfying. The avocado mouse starter the first night was excellent and the velouté de champignons the second night a real standout. The desserts were also great. We would not hesitate to recommend the restaurant. We happened to hit it on a market day which was great. We bought picnic supplies, explored the town a bit and enjoyed a lovely lunch in a park. It would have been a great place to have a bit more time. The ride into Beaune was also nice, we loved all the sections thru the vineyards. Beaune was good. We really enjoyed the tour of the Hotel Dieu, a hospital built for the poor 1443 and used as a hospital until the late 1970's. the interior architecture and history were fascinating, definitely a don't miss if you are in Beaune. We also caught a market day there and the displays of fresh produce were gorgeous.. Thanks again for all your help with arrangements. The hotel in Paris was a great location and quite comfortable.
United States
We loved our trip in Provence! The biking paths were excellent and the gps system worked great. The people that picked us up were really nice and helpful. We liked the hotels in Colias and St Remy. Hotel Gourdon in St Remy was absolutely darling but I really didn't like the bathroom set up. Our shower shot into the bathroom and would soak the carpet in our room as well. It was really strange. As for the hotel in Paris, it was TERRIBLE! Our bike riding was definitely the highlight for us. I would have liked more information on the cities we were passing through. We didn't leave enough time for Les Beax de Provence, but would have, had I known how amazing it was going to be. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable trip. We hope to do this again soon! Jeri
Australia
Everyone had a great time! We made the trip without major issues other than a flat tire on kid's bike. The hotels and restaurants are extraordinarily and we loved them! Thank you so much for your assistance and made it possible for us to have wonderful experiences! I will recommend you to my friends and look forward to another trips in future
United States
We had the best time! It was wonderful! I only wish we could've biked for a few more days! Both hotels were great, we especially loved the hotel in St. Remy. The food was to die for and the grounds breathtaking. The biking routes were fantastic, and Honestly the perfect mileage. It gave us time to enjoy ourselves and relax and take in the sights. Those roads are stunning. We loved it and would totally do it again. I would say so far has been the highlight of our trip. Thank you for all of your work organizing! Merci!!
United Kingdom
We had an amazing time. The bikes were excellent as was the GPS. We really enjoyed the cycling although the routes were far more challenging we had expected. They always took much longer than advertised, even though we are both very fit and not at all overweight! This was a slight shame as it meant we did not get to spend as much time in the hotels as we would have ideally liked. But there was beautiful scenery and great places to visit on every route so that was always a pleasure. Both the hotels were fantastic. We especially liked Mas De Carassins . I hope that feedback is useful. Overall we really enjoyed the holiday, so thank you!
United States
The hotel and setting are beautiful. The weather, our guide in Nimes and the biking have all been the best! We especially loved the routes which took us on many small quiet ways. Provence is beautiful. Thanks again!!
United States
We loved the bike tour and the hotels were excellent.