Escape the real world and nourish your soul with a Taste of Provence. Warm and welcoming, Provence opens its arms with rugged natural beauty, bountiful farms, bustling market towns, and larger than life Roman treasures. Exceptional cuisine, fine lodgings, and marvelous shopping possibilities highlight this bike trip. Savor the subtle lavender landscape stop in for a wine tasting or try the delicious farm-pressed olive oil, as we gently bicycle along the quiet roads in the very heart of sun-drenched Provence.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Our tour starts in Avignon, the beautiful city of the Popes, with its bustling shops and cafes. Join us for a guided walk in the historic town center late this afternoon. Tonight, we’ll gather for a mouthwatering Provençal welcome feast, and take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Palace of the Popes. Included: (D).
Day 2: We mount our bikes in Salin-de-Giraud, then ride in the salt-air through the wild Camargue of the Rhône delta. There's great bird watching here, you may even see a pink flamingo wing overhead. By mid-afternoon we'll arrive in Arles, the jewel of Provence, rich in art and history. There's plenty of time for shopping or exploring the ancient Roman amphitheater and baths. Tonight we'll dine at our elegant Relais & Châteaux hotel in the center of town. Included: (B).
Day 3: Leaving Arles, small farming towns greet us in a landscape dotted with the jagged chalk hills of the Alpilles. We'll leave the valley to visit Les-Baux-de-Provence, an ancient hill town with views that extend for miles. Included: (B), (D).
Day 4: Stay in St-Rémy to peruse its unforgettable open-air market. Or spend the day touring on foot. Walk in the footsteps of van Gogh, climb the picturesque Alpillles hills, and visit the remarkable Roman treasures just south of town; or see secluded châteaux, melon farms and olive groves on a relaxing loop ride through quaint Provençal villages brimming with color. Included: (B).
Day 5: Start today on the ancient Via Aurelia. Our destination is the sleepy town of Arpaillargues. En route, we’ll stop at the jewel of Roman engineering in Provence, the Pont-du-Gard aqueduct. We'll even ride our bikes across it! Tonight enjoy a gourmet dinner in the elegant restaurant of our hotel. Included: (B), (D).
Day 6: Explore the Castillon region to Uzes, an aristocratic town where light breezes carry the scent of lavender from the surrounding fields. Explore the labyrinth of medieval streets and visit the historic palace. Enjoy gentle cycling through lush riverside towns, or perhaps canoe on the River Gardon. Tonight, we’ll have an unforgettable Provençal feast in Arpaillargues. Included: (B), (D).
Day 7: Say à bientôt to your Taste of Provence and shuttle to Avignon for departure. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single supplement not required for singles willing to share. $1995 econo tour price
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Walking Tours
Bicycle Touring
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