This moderate graded Provencal bike ride takes you through the spectacular beauty of the lower Provencal hills: The Alpilles and the Luberon. This encompasses large areas of inspiring landscapes, highlighted with Mediterranean luminescence. There are famous towns and villages filled with history; loved the World over for ‘art de vivre', gastronomy, olive groves and vineyards. Leave the main roads behind and discover a place of time and tradition.
You commence your ride in Avignon, along the banks of the River Rhône, underneath the lofty Gothic Popes' Palace, and head for the Alpilles beside vineyards and olive groves. Here we stay at Fontvielle from where pedalling forays can be made firstly to Les Baux de Provence, a village with a spectacular position in the hills, set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains to the south. This was once renowned for its ornate chivalric court life, before becoming the home of bandits.
From here cycle on to Saint Rémy de Provence, adopted home of Van Gogh which has an attractive Wednesday street market. A day can easily be spent in Greco-Roman Arles, famed for its Roman baths, cathedral, and amphitheatre where local tradition lives on with bull fights. Wheeling away from Fontvielle, we cross the Baux Valley via Maussanne to stay at Provence's Antiques capital L'Isle sur la Sorgue. A day is spent visiting the Luberon and some interesting sites such as Roussillon which stands on a hilltop in the heart of "ochre country" and boasts houses in every shade of burnt orange, dusty pink and russet red that take on a particular brilliance at sunset.
Then there is Gordes: one of the ‘le plus beau village de France,' a town of silk painters, weavers and potters with houses built of golden stone that rise to the Renaissance château crowning the top. A final day is spent visiting villages around Mont de Vaucluse including Venasque overlooking Mont Ventoux: a venue for many a Tour de France epic.
Season
March to October (July & August can be very hot).
Level Of Difficulty
This is a hilly region where cycling requires a degree of stamina. This trip is graded moderate. You cycle between 30 and about 62 km a day over some hilly terrain so a reasonable standard of fitness and stamina is required. It can be windy if the Mistral winds blow. The summer heat can be a problem, but by making early starts you can escape the hottest part of the day, but note that hotels do not often serve early breakfasts.
The Bikes
The normal specification is as follows: 21-gear hybrid with straight handlebars. On the bike there is a pannier (on each side of the bike) and a handlebar map-document bag. There is a water bottle cage, a repair tool kit and a pump. A cycle lock is provided. Helmets can be included but for sizing and hygiene reasons, we recommend that you bring both your own helmet and waterbottle. We aim to adhere to the above specification, but occasionally there may be variations. Bike hire is included..
Day 1. Arrival in Avignon. Stay inside Avignon's fortified city for the first night. Discover the beauty of one of Provence's great cities. From the "Palais des Papes" to the "Pont d'Avignon," a stroll through history. Night Avignon. (B)
Day 2. Ride from Avignon to the Alpilles, and Fontvieille (45km) via the Monastery Saint Frigolet (12th century) which takes its name from the thyme ("ferigoulo" in Provençal), which grows wild on the hill sides. It's most famous pilgrim was Anne of Austria who went to pray for an heir to the throne of France...the future Louis XIV. Night in Fontvieille. (B, D)
Day 3. Ride to les Baux de Provence, St. Remy de Provence and back to Fontvieille (45 km). Ride into the heart of the Baux valley through the typical provencal village of Maussane. Enjoy the centre's cafes and producers of local wonders like the 17th century Cornille mill where you can taste one of Provence's best olive oils or try a tapenade at Jean Martin's. Onto les Baux de Provence, a wonderful 10th century AD hilltop town that belonged to the Grimaldi family until 1790. Today, Prince Albert of Monaco retains the honorary title of Marquis of Les Baux. Night Fontvieille. (B, D)
Day 4. A relaxing day trip to Arles, returning to Fontvieille (30km) (Wednesday is market day) Discover Van Gogh's second home and the city's Roman center. With its baths , theatre and remarkably preserved amphitheatre. There is also a rather beautiful Mediaeval cathedral and square. Night Fontvieille. (B, D)
Day 5. Fontvieille to L'Isle sur la Sorgue (55km). Onto l'Isle sur la Sorgue via Saint Remy de Provence for a stroll to discover several 15th/16th century mansions or to have a drink under a plane tree (almost as old as the buildings). Arrive in L'Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence's antiques capital... Night L'Isle sur la Sorgue. (B, D)
Day 6. A day in the Luberon (62km) A ride that takes you along little roads, through wonderful villages from Gordes to Roussillon. Bucolic settings for a wonderful day. Night L'Isle sur la Sorgue. (B, D)
Day 7. A day in the Monts de Vaucluse (42km) A day to discover some of the lesser known villages in the Mont de Vaucluse including Venasque that overlooks Mont Ventoux, perched at the summit of a rocky outcrop, classed amongst one of the "most beautiful villages in France." The village boasts a beautiful baptistery believed to be the oldest in the region. Night once again in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. (B)
Day 8. Trip ends after breakfast in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Transfer to nearby train station. (B)
