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Provence

Biking Tour through Provence Gems

A self-guided bike tour on the quiet and colorful roads of Provence. Experience natural attractions along with the culture and outstanding food. A delightful combination of adventure and relaxation!

Reviews (9) :
4.67 / 5
Reference P0702
  • Itinerant trip
  • 8 days
  • Moderate
  • From April to November
  • Minimum age From 12 years old
GPSGPS-app available
1009€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • This bike tour through Provence takes you by villages, castles, and historical monuments, letting you absorb the true atmosphere of this area. The route begins in the town of Avignon and leads through the well-manicured vineyards of the Chateauneuf--du-Pape area. From here, you’ll come to Orange, where you’ll want to see the best-preserved Roman theatre in France that seats 9,000 people! Continue on to Seguret, one of Franc’s most beautiful villages. If you like, take a say trip to Vaison-la-Romaine homes. The path next takes you to the foot of the mythical Mont Ventoux in Bedouin and Mazan.
    You’ll rideon quiet road lined with olive and cypress trees. When passing through historc ancient villages, you’ll hear the people speaking with a southern France accent. Keep pedaling south and go through the country’s former capital, Pennes-les-Fontaines. Soon you’ll fall under the charms of the L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Canals. This trip allow you time to slow down and take in the sights, sound and smells of Provence.

    Due to the Avignon Festival from 4th to 23rd of July, it is not possible to start the trip during this period in Avignon

    DAY 1

     
     

    Avignon

    Your bike trip begins in the heart of Provence. Discover Avignon, a city with exceptional architectural and artistic heritage. The walled city has a town center enclosed with ramparts. You might want to take a river cruise on the Rhone River or meaner the winding streets and cross the historic Saint Benezel Bridge. The city is filled with historical churches as well as modern day cafes.

    DAY 2

     
     

    Avignon - Orange

    Bike
    42km
    If you like, explore Avignon some more this morning. This UNESCO Heritage site has plenty to see. Afterwards, you’’ll leave the city along the Rhone River and pass through picture-perfect villagesin the countryside. After crossing the river, you’ll reach the world-famous wine village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Be sure to sample some of these great wines! Your daily tour ends with a leisurely ride through the vineyards to Orange and its ancient Roman theater.

    DAY 3

     
     

    Orange - Séguret

    Bike
    25km
    You’ll leave the historic city center to reach the surrounding plains of Orange. This route takes you past the intriguing rock formation known as "Laces of Montmirail". the rocks have been finely chiseled by erosion, giving them a "lacey" appearance. you’ll pass several wineries where hosts will share their knowledge of winemaking with you. Continue until reaching the town of Seguret

    DAY 4

     
     

    Day-trip to Vaison-la-Romaine

    Bike
    40km
    Today’s round-trip leads you to Vaison-la-Romaine. You’ll bike by well-tended vineyards on quiet country paths. After pedaling up a small pass, you’re rewarded with great views of the valley below. You’ll soon reach the village of Saint-Roman-de-Mallegarde, a former outpost of the order of the Knights Templar. Continue riding along the Aygues River and then head to Vaison-la-Romaine. This city has a strong archeological history. You can see the remains of floors in mosaic, marble, marquetry. Marvel at the statues, ponds, atriums, and private thermal baths, all showing life in Roman times. After strolling through the medieval narrow streets, hop on your bike and return to your hotel in Seguret

    DAY 5

     
     

    Séguret - Mazan

    Bike
    34km
    This morning’s tour leads you through the ’Grands Crus’ of the Rhone Valley as you discover villages such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise. Follow the path on quiet, back country roads between scented lavender fields and olives trees. Stop in the towns of Carromb, Modène and Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols and explore the uniqueness of each place. your final destination is Mazan, with its historic town center.

    DAY 6

     
     

    Mazan - L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

    Bike
    35km
    You’ll head South this morning to reach the former capital of the Combat Venaissin, Pernes-les-Fontaines. The town has preserved many medievals remains, including forty fountains! The next part of the route follows alongside the Carpentras Canal, where you’ll reach the enchanting town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. This former fishing village was built on stilts in the 12th Century. Today, the town is known for its many antique shops. If you are looking for a bargain, check out one of the 350 secondhand goods dealers!

    DAY 7

     
     

    Day-trip to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

    Bike
    21km
    This nature-oriented day trip takes you to the village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse where you can change your bike for a canoe and enjoy the quiet Sorgue river.

    After returning at the canoe base, you ride to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. The town’s fame comes from the massive spring that flos out of a 230m high cliff. It is the biggest spring in France and the fifth largest in the world! Leave your bike in the village and walk ten minutes to this unique natural site. Feel like more walking? Climb to Saumane-de-Vaucluse to discover a breathtaking view over the Alpilles and 15th Century castle.
       

    Option canoe ride 2h

    Enjoy a canoe ride onto the peaceful Sorgue river. You will feel relaxed and amazed by the nature during this 6-km descent supervised by a qualified guide. Halfway of the canoe ride, you even can take a dip to cool off in this little paradise. After that, a bus takes you back at the canoe base to continue your bike ride towards Fontaine de Vaucluse. (From 6 years on and able to swim only)
    SUBJECT TO FAVORABLE METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (water level and weather)
    20,00 € / child
    30,00 € / adult

    DAY 8

     
     

    Departure from L’Isle sur la Sorgue

    You leave after a last walk in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
  • Accommodation
  • Category A

    You'll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-3 Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    One night is spent in a typical provincial wine estate where the owner will be glad to show you around and have you sample the wines.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-4Star hotels of Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included! One night is spent in a typical provincial wine estate with a swimming-pool. The owner will be glad to show you around and have you sample the wines.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category C

    You’ll enjoy a higher level of service in these 3-4 Star properties. Some nights you’ll stay in a luxurious Bed and Breakfast and other nights in a hotel in an exceptional setting. Properties are selected for their high standards and impeccable service. This category is for guests looking for a higher-end vacation with a swimming pool every night. Of course, breakfast is included daily.
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight for Avignon, Marseille Provence or Nîmes
    • By train: direct TGV trains from Paris (Gare de Lyon station), Lyon or Marseille to Avignon. The duration of the trip is about 2h40 from Paris, 1h10 from Lyon and 35mn from Marseille. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.


    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.
     .
  • Reviews
  • 9 bike travelers reviews 4.67 / 5

    Good trip

    On the 2023-09-18 by Amr
    It is well-paced and the distances are reasonable being about 40km maximum on any day.

    Provence gems

    On the 2023-05-11 by G&D
    We had a lovely time cycling through ancient villages and beautiful countryside. The navigation was smooth and the bicycles were top notch. The hotels were great quality and the people were very kind. We loved the food and wine along the way. At the end of the trip, we would have started over again.

    Wonderful birthday trip.

    On the 2022-06-05 by Marc
    We had a wonderful time on my 70th birthday trip, with a diverse group of friends and relatives, ranging from age 15 months to 75 years.

    Great trip around Provence villages

    On the 2022-06-01 by Louise
    This was our second trip with Vélo Voyageur and we were not disappointed. The team helped us to tailor our trip to include extra time in places we especially wanted to visit near to the standard itinerary . The route finding was easy, on cycle routes where possible, or on very quiet country lanes with minimal traffic and lovely scenery. The app was very user friendly and English too! The hotels we stayed in were in peaceful locations, comfortable and characterful. We recommend Velo Voyageur and look forward to our next trip.

    A Sensory Trip through Provence

    On the 2022-01-18 by Philip and Penny
    Wherever you live in this world, it is likely that you occasionally need a vacation for your senses. If we are not given the opportunity to see, smell, taste, touch and hear new things periodically, we risk becoming stunted and will soon lose our sense of purpose on this earth. When this happens to my wife, she sometimes says to me "the flower is starting to wilt," and I know this means that action is required. The "Gems of Provence" is the trip that provides the perfect treatment. Start off with a nice long walk from Avignon across the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, visit the Jardins de l'abbaye Saint-André and experience the botanical trail or "Le sentier botanique." Now, at last, you are in Provence, can you tell? From Avignon, the trip takes you to wonderful places. While the lavender fields are not blooming in October, other features take center stage as the endless vineyards sport their autumnal colors. Can you find places to stop along the way, eat your lunch and drink wine while sitting in the vineyards? Some may seek out a variety of eating establishments along the way which is fine, but I think we preferred sitting among the vines for our "pique-nique." And, under the watchful eye of Mont Ventoux. (Not cycling to the top, just below it of course) Are you getting the idea? Palaces and fortifications, public markets, bakeries, baguettes, fields of grapes and lavender, picturesque villages, a bottle of the rosé produced in these vineyards, the rich color and scent of Autumn and the setting sun illuminating the village at Séguret. Are artists inspired to paint here? Of course, what a question! The accommodations were very good, the trip was planned well and everything functioned as it should. Now, what are you going to do the next time your flower starts to wilt?

    Joyaux de la Provence

    On the 2020-08-13 by MARYSE
    Superbe parcours en Provence. Un vrai bonheur de parcourir les petites routes au milieu d'arbres fruitiers, de vignobles renommés et de jolis villages provencaux.

    Les Joyaux de la Provence

    On the 2018-09-18 by Johanne
    Belle randonnée de 6 jours à vélo. Le nombre de kilomètres à faire nous permettait de prendre notre temps. Munissez-vous d'un GPS car on nous donne que des cartes et un plan détaillé du circuit!

    Formidable

    On the 2018-08-21 by Jean-Pierre
    En réalité, je n'ai pas imaginé que ce voyage pouvait être si agréable. Nous, moi et mon ami qui est venu spécialement des Etats-Unis pour m'accompagner dans ce voyage, étions ravis de contempler ces beaux paysages qu'offraient les itinéraires qui traversent les champs et les vignobles. Le choix des hôtels ainsi que des vélos et le service du transport des bagages montrent que les organisateurs sont des gens professionnels qui respectent leurs engagements et leurs clients. Je profite de cette occasion pour saluer toute l'équipe du vélo voyageur.

    Génial

    On the 2017-05-30 by Laurent
    Première expérience de vacances à vélo et une belle réussite ! Très joli circuit, durée des étapes parfaitement adaptée à l’intérêt de ce qu’il y a à voir sur le parcours, Hôtellerie de très bon choix (catégorie B) avec à chaque fois une piscine pour se détendre de nos efforts, les tables ont toujours été parfaites. Le détail du parcours est très complet, suffisamment pour ne pas se perdre; toutefois, un recours à un plan sur le net nous a quelquefois rassuré! 1 semaine tranquille qui nous remet vraiment au cœur de la nature et de notre belle Provence !
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