France - Provence [8 days]

Provence – France’s sunshine country with fertile, lush valleys, the Mediterranean coast, ancient and medieval cultural centres, the scent of herbs and the Provençal lifestyle. A great cultural landscape, which has attracted countless painters such as van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall with its unique light and its intensive colours. Apart from the wonderful and varied landscape Provence attracts with its history, art and architecture. The visitor is enchanted by famous architectural masterworks such as the papal palace in Avignon (world heritage), the Arena in Arles and the Pont du Gard (world heritage) as well as the Greek-Roman excavation sites of Glanum and the medieval city Les Baux in the Alpilles. The bike tour through Camargue, the protected moor landscape in the Rhône delta, is another highlight. The famous pink flamingos and the white horses are the hallmarks of this landscape. [scroll down for tour details]

Tour Details:

Day 1: Arrival in Orange
Individual arrival in Orange, the city with the wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times. The great theatre and the triumph arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. The old town attracts with Provençal charm as well as small pretty shops and cafés.

Day 2: Orange – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon approx. 50 km
The first stage takes you into the world-famous wine town Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A stroll through the town should not be missed. You travel to the city of Avignon along the Rhône on cycle paths and without the bother of car traffic. We recommend a stroll through the old town (guided options include a guided tour of the city) with a visit to the papal palace.

Day 3: Avignon/surroundings – St. Rémy – Arles approx. 50 km
Today you leave Avignon and cycle directly to St. Rémy, one of the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town in the Provence. On your way to Arles, you will make a stop in Baux, also known as the “city in rock”. Chosen small paths and tiny streets take you to Arles. Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the cityscape and the history of Arles. Arles was the second-biggest city of the Roman Empire; it is also the city of Vincent van Gogh

Day 4: Arles – Camargue – Arles approx. 45 km
Half sea, half land – the Camargue is an unique natural landscape with lakes, vast salt steppes, wild horses and the famous pink flamingos. Small paths take you into the unique nature reserve. The route takes you on almost traffic-free paths back to Arles.

Day 5: Arles – Beaucaire/Tarascon approx. 50 km
The route takes you from Arles through the region of the so-called small Camargue. The white Camargue horses and wild bulls line the path to St. Gilles. A visit to the world-famous abbey with the Romanesque portal which belongs to world heritage. You continue to the city Beaucaire/Tarascon.

Day 6: Beaucaire/Tarascon – Pont-du-Gard – Uzès approx. 50 km
The fortress of Tarascon, located high above the Rhône, accompanies you for a while through the vineyards of Costières-de-Nimes. About noon you will already see Pont-du-Gard, the famous aqueduct from Roman times, world heritage as well. Aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary accompany you into the pretty Provençal town of Uzès.

Day 7: Uzès – Orange approx. 55 km
The last stage takes you through the hilly landscape of the Garrigue, with its oaks and Mediterranean herbs. On the other side of the river you cycle through other famous wine regions of the Côte du Rhône (Lirac, Laudan) and reach the city of Orange in the afternoon.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast individual departure or extension.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Prices in GBP, USD and CAD are informative and may vary with the official exchange rate.

Please don't forget to choose the charity of your choice from our list!

Carbon Footprint for this package: EUR 2.74