Provence South Biking

The region of Provence is a sensuous land of strong colors; aromatic purple lavender, bright yellow sunflowers and dramatic landscapes are made more vibrant by the extraordinary light here. It was this that inspired painters, poets and now brings cyclists. Our route takes in the medieval city of Uzes, charming St. Rémy before reaching Gordes, the jewel of the Luberon.

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
A ride you will never forget: the ride from Gordes to Rousillon, Lacoste and Ménerbes; rewarding climbs with glorious descents
Private tour of Van Gogh’s asylum with an art historian
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Avignon

Avignon, France

Starting Location

Uzes

Uzès, France

Day 1-2

St. Remy

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France

Day 3-4

Gordes

Gordes, France

End Location

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Apr 17-23
May 8-14
May 19-25
Aug 21-27
Aug 29-Sep 2
Sep 8-14

2024

Apr 15-21
May 6-12
May 17-23
Aug 19-25
Aug 27-31
Sep 6-12

Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Avignon

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

2 days gently rolling, 3 days are oderately rolling, 1 day hilly

COST

Land Cost:
US $2,950
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $750

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-Bike Rental:
US $480*

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. Rental rates include delivery to the first hotel and pick-up from the last hotel. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

Getting there
Avignon: Most participants will arrive from Paris by train the night before our departure, allowing you time to discover the charms of this vibrant city.

Day 1+2

Uzes

Cycling west from Avignon, we’ll soon find ourselves immersed in Côte-du-Rhône vineyards en route to Tavel, a village that has made wine for centuries. Afterwards, we’ll continue through quaint villages including St. Victor-la-Coste towards Uzes. On the next day, we’ll ride north to the village of St. Quentin-la-Poterie where potters invite us to see the unique style typical of this region. Afterwards we continue to la Roque-sur-Cèze, known as one of les plus beaux villages de France. The riding is along quiet country roads, amongst vineyards and orchards. In Uzes, we’ll stay at a wonderful hotel in the historical center.

Day 3+4

St. Remy

Making our way south, we’ll visit the extraordinary Pont du Gard, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe. Crossing the Rhône River, we’ll continue on to Barbentane, with its Renaissance chateau and the Abbey de Frigolet, where monks still carry on centuries-old traditions. Arriving to St. Rémy, you’ll find it the perfect village to explore, filled with cafes, restaurants and artisan shops. On our second day here, we’ll ride to Les Baux-de-Provence with its remarkable pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, we’ll meet with an art historian and walk ‘in the footsteps of Van Gogh’ as we visit the asylum where he painted some of his best works. We’ll stay at a comfortable hotel with swimming pool, and a private park, enjoying our evening meals in St. Rémy’s best restaurants.

Day 5+6

Gordes

From St. Rémy, we’ll ride east, crossing the Durance River at Cavaillon making our way to Gordes, a picturesque perched village, one of the most beautiful in France. We’ve saved the best ride for last as we visit the storied villages that make up the Luberon- Rousillon, Lacoste and Ménerbes each offer charm and beauty unsurpassed in France.

Day 7

Departure Day
Transfer to Avignon by 10:00 for onward travel.

Hostellerie Provencale, Uzes

With Located in a 300 year old house, the hotel associates the charms of an historical building and the modernism of the 21st century. The regional market takes place just around the corner.

Mas des Carassins, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

This charming mas, with origins from 1886, is an oasis of tranquility; surrounded by century-old olive trees, and gardens of lavender, rosemary and thyme, rooms have views of the gardens and distant Alps. Swimming pool.

Hôtel Les Romarins, Gordes

This charming 19th century boutique hotel is situated on a terraced property in the heart of the Luberon with secret gardens, an inviting pool and a lovely view of the valley. Relax in the simple, warm environment of one of the 12 personalized rooms finished in Provençal style. Gordes town center is only a five minute walk away.