Cycle Provence

Our trip begins at Marseille Airport (MRS) at 4pm. If you would like to join the airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 15.30pm. We will travel together as a group by taxi to the historic city of Avignon. In the evening we will enjoy an introductory walk around this wonderful medieval city that still boasts the full circle of remparts, the impressive Papal Palaces and of course the famous Pont d'Avignon. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to wait ahead of our group transfer to Avignon. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus from the airport to Vitrolles from where there are frequent trains to Avignon Centre. Our hotel is 600m from the station. If you wish to drive to the start of the trip, please ask us for parking details.

Today's cycling route takes us across the majestic Rhone River, allowing us to fully experience the freedom of riding our bicycles. We'll pause for a coffee break before crossing the river once more, treating ourselves to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the internationally acclaimed Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards. As we climb into the village itself, we'll immerse ourselves in its charm and allure. Finally, we'll make our way back to Avignon, following the scenic Via Rhona cycling trail. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/28 miles (Total ascent 160 metres/530 feet)

As we depart from Avignon heading south, our cycling adventure takes us through the picturesque locations of Barbentane and the enchanting Abbey of St Martin de Frigolet. Continuing our journey, we reach St Rémy-de-Provence, a town filled with captivating sites and a rich history. By the time we arrive, it will be lunchtime, providing us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the charm of this beautiful town. St Rémy-de-Provence proudly showcases a pre-Roman Celtic shrine, remarkable Roman antiques, and holds significance as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the former residence of Vincent Van Gogh. Art and history enthusiasts will be pleased to find numerous optional visits, which will be explained by our Tour Leader. Following a few hours of free time to explore, we begin our return journey, taking advantage of cycle route that later leads us through scenic fruit orchards, ultimately guiding us back to Avignon. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 58 kilometres/36 miles (Total ascent 260 metres/853 feet)

With four nights in Carpentras you may wish to take the opportunity to take a day off from cycling in which case, there are plenty of things to do and see in this historic and attractive town. The town is situated in an area where, in the 14th and 15th centuries, Jewish communities were protected, benefitting from the presence of the Popes in Avignon who granted them the freedom to worship and live peacefully, having been banished from the Kingdom of France. The Synagogue was built in 1367 and is one of the oldest in France. The Hotel Dieu in the town is an 18th century hospital with a well-preserved collection of apothecary jars, decorated walls and ceilings. Antique lovers will enjoy the Rue de Porte Mazan and the town's glass-covered shopping street. A short train ride away is the city of Avignon and the amazing Palace of the Popes. For those that would prefer to ride, options include the strenuous climb up Mont Ventoux, or riding east of Carpentras to find some of the Luberon's prettiest villages. Three of them have made it into the list of the 'Les plus beaux villages' (most beautiful villages) of France, an association of 144 villages selected on the quality of their architecture, environment and patrimony. This is one place where you can view lavender fields if travelling in July as we continue south-east to arrive at Gordes where there may be time to experience the local street market. On the flanks of the Vaucluse plateau, just across the Luberon barrier, Gordes is a typical Provençal village. A maze of intricate lanes leads up to St Firmin's church and to the massive hulk of a Renaissance château perched on the top of the village (Optional longer rides available).



Our total cycling distance today is from 20 kilometres, up to 80 kilometres (Start height 96m, highest point 585 m. Total ascent 1130m)

Having spent four nights in Avignon, it's time to venture into a new setting as we make our way to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Today is a gentler day to save our legs for tomorrow. Our planned stop for lunch is the city of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, renowned for its abundance of antique stores and charming eateries. After a break for lunch, we will continue our journey towards Pernes-les-Fontaines, following the recently opened cycle route known as the Via Venaissia. Pernes-les-Fontaines is a medieval village that at one time had 40 fountains - hence the name - and still has a ruined castle and city wall. There is also a cycle museum because Pernes-les-Fontaines is the birthplace of Paul de Vivie, the man who revolutionised cycling with the invention of a two speed derailleur in 1905. Our hotel is a short walk outside the town situated in lovely grounds with a swimming pool. Our planned stop for lunch Our total cycling distance today is 60 kilometres/37.3 miles.

For those seeking more cycling, there are 2 options to choose from. The most popular Today's route leads to Gordes, this is without a doubt the most challenging ride of the week but surely worth the effort. Gordes proudly carries the label „ un des plus beaux villages de France„ one of the beautiful villages in France, a select group of 176 villages and in 2024 was crowned the most beautiful of all. It is also called the Balcony of the Vaucluse plateau for its sweeping views over the majestic Luberon barrier. Ascending through a picturesque canyon, you'll be rewarded with wonderful views upon reaching this quintessential Provencal gem. A maze of intricate lanes leads up to St Firmin's church and to the massive hulk of a Renaissance château perched on the top of the village. On the way back we will stop at the Fontaine de Vaucluse where we can witness the birth of a river and maybe have an ice cream on the way. For those not wanting to cycle to Gordes, but still wanting to visit this gem, alternative transport can be arranged. Our total cycling distance today is from 61 kilometres/37.9 miles to Gordes (600 meters/1969 feet of ascent)

The cycling route today gives us a taste of Provencal life, taking us through the lovely villages and vines at the southern foot of Mont Ventoux, before reaching one of the vineyards in Mormoiron. Here we have a guided visit round the production process and taste some of the wines of the domain. After wine tasting we will have a picnic lunch on the terraces of the chateau in the shade of the plane trees, then take a walk through the vines around the chateau. In the early afternoon we cycle back to our accommodation in Pernes where we have the opportunity to enjoy the sites that we have missed out on so far Our total cycling distance today is approximately 41 kilometres/25.5 miles.

Departing Pernes after breakfast, we drive 1 hour 15 minutes to Marseille Airport (MRS), where we will arrive at about 9am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 11am.