Day 1   Avignon

Self-guided Provence Bike Tour

Provence is so beautiful that its landscapes have been immortalized in art by the works of the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh who created more than 200 paintings celebrating rural Provence. These include two of the most well-known paintings - Almond Blossoms and Starry Night - that depict the beauty of Arles and Saint-Remy-de-Provence respectively.

Besides its beautiful landscape consisting of vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, and fields of lavender, Provence is also renowned for its food and wine.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhone wine region is famous for some of the finest red wines in the world. The famous Ratatouille dish comes from Provence too.

Meanwhile the city of Avignon is well-known for its architecture, cultural sites, and its historical legacy as the city of Popes.

We've designed our Self-guided Provence Bike Tour around these highlights.

Every turn reveals stunning landscapes, historic villages, and world-renowned vineyards. Over eight days, immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture, from the medieval streets of Avignon to the wild beauty of the Camargue natural reserve where pink flamingos, wild white horses, and traditional black bulls roam across expansive salt marshes. Ride along peaceful country roads, explore vibrant markets, and soak in the golden light that has drawn artists to Provence for centuries.

Start

Avignon

Finish

Arles

Lodging

casual plus

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

45km / 28mi

Cycling Days

6

Fly-In

Marseille airport (MRS)

Fly-Out

Marseille airport (MRS)

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Highlights

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Explore Avignon

Avignon is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the grand Palais des Papes and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Avignon

Our cycling adventure begins in the charming city of Avignon, a place steeped in history and brimming with vibrant culture. The city immediately captivates you with its impressive medieval architecture which includes the the 14th century Papal Palace and the Saint-Bénézet bridge dating back to 12th century, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Wander through the charming Place de L'Horloge or the clock-tower square, the heart of Avignon where cafés spill onto cobblestone streets, and take in the ruins of the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge immortalized in the French nursery rhyme.

Our hotel for the night is called the Hotel de l'Horloge, and is situated within the Place de L'Horloge, offering great views of the central square and surrounding attractions.

Our local representatives will meet you in the evening to provide an overview of your itinerary, and ensure your bike is perfectly fitted for your adventure.

Meals: B
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Day 2: Avignon

Leaving Avignon behind, the open road beckons as you cycle northward through small country lanes, past lush fields and traditional Provençal farmhouses.

Soon, we reach the renowned wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where rolling vineyards and ancient stone terraces tell a story of winemaking excellence.

We recommend that you pause for a leisurely bistro lunch on a sunny terrace and savor the region’s famed reds with a wine tasting at one of its many celebrated wineries.

After enjoying the vineyard landscapes, your route loops through the picturesque countryside, taking you across the peaceful Île de Barthelasse before returning to Avignon for a relaxing evening.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 58km / 36mi
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Day 3: Isle sur la Sorgue

Today’s ride takes us on a scenic escape from the city, following a quiet cycle path along a river.

A gentle climb brings us to the charming village of Jonquerettes before descending into the enchanting town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, often called the "Venice of Provence" due to its network of canals and moss-covered water wheels. Explore antique markets, browse local boutiques, and enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside café.

For those eager for more adventure, an optional loop takes us deeper into the Pays des Sorgues, where we cycle past vineyards, cherry orchards, and the medieval village of Pernes-les-Fontaines with its 40 historic fountains. Continuing on, we reach Venasque, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France," before descending through pine forests back to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for the night.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
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Day 4: Isle sur la Sorgue

Today, we ride through some of Provence’s most breathtaking hilltop villages, starting with the stunning Gordes. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, this medieval village is a masterpiece of golden limestone houses, winding alleys, and sweeping views over the Luberon Valley.

You can take your time to explore its charming streets, admire the Renaissance-era Château de Gordes, and soak in the magical atmosphere before continuing our journey.

Our next stop is Roussillon, a village renowned for its vibrant ochre cliffs. The striking red, orange, and yellow hues of the landscape create a mesmerizing contrast against the lush green countryside. We stroll through its narrow streets, lined with colorful façades, and take in the artistic energy of this one-of-a-kind Provençal gem.

From here, we can either return via a scenic cycling path along an old railway line or take a longer, more challenging route through Bonnieux, Lacoste, and Ménerbes, each with its own unique history and charm.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
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Day 5: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

We leave the Luberon behind and ride through picturesque pear and apple orchards before reaching the historic town of Cavaillon. After crossing the Durance River, we follow quiet country roads through rolling farmland, passing charming stone farmhouses and sleepy hamlets.

Soon, we arrive in the delightful village of Eygalières, a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of the Alpilles. This medieval village, with its stone houses, shaded squares, and breathtaking views, is an ideal spot for a relaxing lunch at one of its cozy cafés.

Beyond Eygalières, we ride along a scenic route skirting the limestone ridges of the Alpilles mountains, where olive groves and vineyards create a quintessential Provençal landscape.

The road then leads us to the artistic town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh painted some of his most famous works.

With its charming old town, boutique shops, and historical sites, Saint-Rémy is a wonderful place to end the day.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 42km / 26mi
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Day 6: Arles

We pedal through history embedded in quintessential Van Gogh landscapes today as we cycle past the ancient Saint-Gabriel Chapel, an architectural gem that dates back to the 12th century.

From here, we climb toward the dramatic, fortress-like village of Les Baux-de-Provence, perched on a rocky outcrop and offering breathtaking views over the Alpilles. This medieval treasure is rich in history and legend, making it a highlight of the day.

After exploring its narrow cobbled streets, we descend through scenic vineyards and olive groves, passing the ruins of a 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct.

The final stretch leads us into Arles, a city famous for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater, artistic heritage, and lively cafés.

We settle in for the night, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and reflecting on our incredible journey through Provence.

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Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 46km / 28mi
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Day 7: Arles

Our final ride takes us into the heart of the Camargue, a vast, untamed landscape of salt marshes, wild horses, and pink flamingos.

The Camargue is where the Rhone river meets the Mediterranean, making it one of the largest river deltas in western European. It is a designated Ramsar site and a wetland of international importance.

The riding today is on completely flat surface.

After soaking in the beauty of the Camargue, we loop back to Arles, where we bid farewell to this incredible journey through Provence.

Meals: B
Cycling Distance: 46km / 28mi
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Day 8: Arles

We take a leisurely stroll through Arles’ vibrant Saturday morning market, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, fragrant herbs, and handcrafted goods. It’s the perfect chance to soak up the Provençal atmosphere one last time and pick up some local specialties.

Our Provence adventure comes to an end here.

You can either choose to extend your stay or proceed to Marseille via Avignon.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

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From US $1,095

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From US $320



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

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Scott/Trek or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

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Cannondale 105 Carbon Frame or similar

road

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

Luxury Hybrid Bike Cannondale C3 or similar

hybrid

Available at a surcharge

Bike Image

Hybrid Bike Trek/Cannondale or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Gravel Bike Scott Addict Gravel 40 Bike Black or similar

gravel

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour begins at Avignon. The nearest airport to Avignon is the Marseille Provence International Airport located in Marseille. It takes 1 hour to reach Avignon from Marseille by bus.

You can also arrive at Avignon directly from Paris via the TGV intercity train. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes.

Departure

The tour ends at Arles which is 50 minute drive from Avignon. You can depart from Marseille or Paris via Avignon.

Weather

Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a fantastic cycling destination for most of the year.

December, January, and February are the off-season, with colder temperatures and a higher chance of rain. March and November are mixed seasons—while some days can be mild and pleasant, unpredictable weather may pose challenges.

April to August offer great cycling conditions, with warm temperatures and long sunny days, though July and August can be quite hot.

The best months for cycling are September and October, when the weather is pleasantly warm, the summer crowds have thinned, and the stunning autumn landscapes add to the experience.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Mixed

April

Good

May

Good

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Best

October

Best

November

Mixed

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is largely on paved surface.

Yes, we can provide downloadable gpx files that you can use on your own device. Kindly let us know beforehand of your requirement.

We provide an app-based navigation system that can also be used offline. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we will share the login details ahead of your trip. Since the app works offline, it helps conserve your phone's battery during use.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

We provide 24/7 emergency support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.

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