Cycling the Colourful villages of Provence

Cycling information

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon

Avignon has everything needed to enchant you with its art de vivre and rich architectural heritage. The largest Gothic palace in Europe and epicentre of the city, the Palais des Papes was the residence of pontifical sovereigns during the 14th century.

Towards the edges of the city, the Pont d'Avignon - celebrated across the world - is also an amazing must-see witness to the city's history. Avignon, surrounded by its ancient ramparts, is very suitable to explore on foot. Through its narrow streets, you can discover many old monuments: chapels, churches, buildings from the Middle Ages, and eighteenth and nineteenth century hotels particuliers; art can be found on every corner, a veritable open-sky museum.
You stay at Hotel Magnan (Breakfast included)

Day 2: Avignon - St Remy de Provence 54 km (33 miles)

Head south on the Viarhona cycling path along the Rhone river. Then continue along country lanes to the beautiful medieval villages such as Beaucaire and Tarascon. Ride past the orchards and meadows towards St Remy de Provence which inspired Van Gogh with its light, sunflowers and famous cypress trees. You will feel mesmerized by the Provencal charm and character of this town surrounded by trees and offering numerous shady squares to relax and enjoy a glass of local wine on a terrace. Wander in the streets on Van Gogh steps.
You stay at Hotel Le Castelet des Alpilles (Breakfast included)

Day 3: St Remy de Provence - Cavaillon 45 km (28 miles)

Today's ride leads you to Baux de Provence.

Nestled in the Alpilles Mountain, carved in an arid white rock, Baux de Provence embodies Provencal charm. Acquaint yourself with the architectural diversity of this small town as you walk past the beautiful citadel and impressive decors enhancing the allure and traditions of the countryside. Don't miss the Carrieres de Lumieres, a gallery in a former quarry that's now dedicated to extraordinary, immersive art exhibitions.

The route then winds to Cavaillon on pleasant little country roads with beautiful views of the Alpilles.
You stay at Hotel du Parc (Breakfast included)

Day 4: Cavaillon - Roussillon 37 km / 43 km (23/ 26 miles)

The Luberon is full of medieval villages perched on its heights. Ride through some of the most beautiful ones such as Menerbe, Lacoste, Bonnieux. There's nothing like strolling their sleepy lanes at siesta hour or stopping at a terrace overlooking the orchards of olive trees. Continue to Roussillon, an extraordinary geological wonder: One of the most famous sites in France's sunny south, containing one of the world's largest natural concentrations of ochre, the industrial extractions of which have shaped a truly unique pictorial landscape.
You stay at Maison des Ocres (Breakfast included)

Day 5: Roussillon - Fontaine de Vaucluse 26 km/ 39km (16 / 24 miles)

Today's route will lead you to Provence treasures: Hidden in the middle of the lavender expanses, stands a jewel of Romanesque architecture: Senanque Abbey. Since the 12th century, this building has been home to a monastic community of Cistercian monks. Here, stop, breathe and relax.

Continue to Gordes one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Made up of wonderfully photogenic houses, terraces and gardens, Gordes is dominated by its Renaissance chateau, which also houses a museum. Explore its streets, crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.
You stay at Hotel du Parc (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Fontaine de Vaucluse - Avignon 33 km (20 miles)

Ride to Isle sur la Sorgue, surrounded by the river, this is a charming town to potter around, with narrow streets filled with quaint cafes, little antique shops, old bridges and water wheels, not to mention a bustling market every Sunday.

Then continue through classical Provencal countryside past cherry orchards, fig trees, olive groves and meadows that provide an abundance of sun-drenched fruits and vegetables and cross pretty villages.
You stay at Hotel Magnan (Breakfast included)

Day 7: Leave Avignon