E-Bike Tour in Provence, France: Discover Its Timeless Charm

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Avignon

  Your adventure begins at 2:30pm with a warm welcome from your knowledgeable tour guide at the Avignon TGV train station. From there, we’ll embark on a guided city tour through the heart of Avignon, immersing ourselves in its rich history and vibrant culture. As the day winds down, we’ll transfer to the medieval town of Uzès, where we’ll stay at the charming Boutique Hotel D’Entraigues, nestled amidst the picturesque streets of this ancient town.

  For those arriving by plane in Marseille, we offer a seamless transfer to Avignon at a prearranged time. If you prefer to drive, parking is available in a nearby garage in Uzès, close to the hotel. At the end of our journey, you can either take the airport bus from Aix to Marseille or arrange a private transfer, ensuring you’re quickly reunited with your car in Uzès, allowing you to leave Provence at your own pace.

  Accommodation: Hôtel Entraigues

  
• Day 2: Pont du Gard to Arles

  We start our cycling journey at the majestic Uzès Castle, hopping onto our bikes and heading toward the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard. This Roman marvel, set in a stunning landscape, was ingeniously constructed to supply water to the distant city of Nîmes. As we admire its grandeur, we’ll learn about its historical significance, highlighting ancient engineering prowess.

  Switching to e-bikes, we pedal through picturesque vineyards producing renowned Côtes du Rhône red wine. We enjoy a Provencal picnic under the shade of plane trees. Our afternoon route follows the tranquil Rhône River, passing dams and bridges to reach historic Tarascon. Here, we explore Tarascon Castle and learn about the legendary Tarasque creature. We continue along canal banks and sunflower fields to Arles, where we park our bikes and head to our hotel for an overnight stay and dinner.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 60 km / 37.3 miles
  Accommodation: Maison Volver

  
• Day 3: Tour of the Camargue

  We start with a short transfer from the bustling city to the pristine marshlands. Along the way, we see expansive salt hills and fields, among the largest in Europe. In the nature reserve, we pass through rice fields, listening to birdcalls and feeling the salty breeze. We spot rare birds like black storks, gray herons, bee-eaters, Egyptian ibises, and flamingos. If we’re lucky, we’ll see the legendary white Camargue horses as well, descendants of an ancient breed.

  Cycling along a flat dam that seemingly merges with the sea, we reach Saintes Maries de la Mer, home to a fortified church and an annual pilgrimage site for Gypsies. After lunch, a transfer takes us back to Arles for a guided tour in van Gogh’s footsteps. We admire St. Trophime Cathedral and explore the city’s alleys, the Rhône River, and cafés. We end the day relaxing at Hotel Le Mas de l’Oulivié near Les Baux.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 31 km / 19.3 miles
  Accommodation: Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivié

  
• Day 4: Around the Little Alps

  In the morning light, we’ll guide you on a stroll through the charming streets of St. Remy, a town rich in history and artistic inspiration. It was here that Van Gogh found solace during his time in the hospital, and where the Romans built a fortress and settlement. During our walk, we’ll show you the town’s most enchanting corners, offering glimpses into its rich past and vibrant present.

  Then, we’ll set off on bicycles through the legendary Hell Valley with its unique rock formations, towards the majestic ruins of Les Baux. A visit to the fortress, bathed in the morning glow, promises an unforgettable experience. Our biking path continues through the limestone cliffs of the Alpilles, adorned with pine trees and vineyards. We’ll rest beneath ancient olive trees, savoring a picnic. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Les Baux to relax in the park and outdoor pool.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 44 km / 27.3 miles
  Accommodation: Hôtel Le Mas de l’Oulivié

  
• Day 5: Luberon: Lavender, wine, and villages

  Today we’ll be gliding through lavender fields and across the Durance River into the picturesque Vaucluse Department. Amidst the idyllic landscape lies Château Bonpas, known for its excellent wines. We’ll visit the château to savor the essence of Provence’s viticultural heritage. Continuing along the “Voie Verte,” a traffic-free path, we’ll pass through quaint villages, including Lumières, before ascending into the rugged beauty of the Lubéron mountains. As the late afternoon sun casts its golden hue, we’ll arrive in Gordes, a village renowned for its preserved cultural heritage and picturesque charm.

  Voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, Gordes is perched on a terraced hill crowned by an ancient fortress. After a brief introduction, we’ll explore the village’s quaint streets, perhaps visiting the historic church or enjoying a coffee in the castle square. With two nights at yet another charming hotel and exquisite dinners, we’ll be embraced by the timeless allure of this Provencal gem.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 50 km / 31 miles
  Accommodation: Relais du Silence Mas des Romarins or Le petit Palais d’Anglae

  
• Day 6: Sénanque Cistercian Abbey

  Like a precious pearl within a shell, the Abbey of Sénanque rests in a deep gorge. Descending on foot to this remote monastery, we’ll feel a sense of tranquility as we explore its sacred halls and its timeless beauty. After our visit, we’ll cycle through the rugged terrain of the Vaucluse Mountains towards Pernes-les-Fontaines, the “City of Fountains.” Here, we’ll encounter the karst source of Vaucluse, a natural wonder with its crystalline waters. For the final stretch to the source’s bubbling point, we’ll take a leisurely walk through the picturesque village, lined with charming studios and cherry trees.

  As we journey back to Gordes, the melody of bubbling springs and rushing streams, weaving us through a rich landscape will guide us homeward.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 45 km / 28 miles
  Accommodation: Relais du Silence Mas des Romarins or Le petit Palais d’Anglae

  
• Day 7: The ocher rocks of Roussillon

  To begin our day, we’ll cycle through the valley, crossing two gentle hills to reach Roussillon, perched atop ochre cliffs. Colors here unfold as the landscape glows in yellow, purple, and rusty red against cedar trees. Ochre, a pigment with ancient origins, has long been Roussillon’s artistic soul, bringing modest yet enduring prosperity. After a delightful ride, we’ll cross the Coulon River via the historic Roman bridge “Pont Julien.” Boarding our bus, we’ll ascend the Lubéron mountains, known locally as the “Enchanted Mountain amidst enchanted forests.”

  Centuries ago, this elevation served as a sanctuary for persecuted Waldensians. Today, tranquility reigns supreme, with aromatic purity in the air and glittering white limestone cliffs. We’ll descend through wooded gorges, guided by nature’s melodies, until we reach Lourmarin Castle. From here, a bus takes us to Aix-en-Provence, where a hotel awaits near the bustling Cours Mirabeau promenade. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a top restaurant, savoring Provence’s flavors and reflecting on our journey.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Cycling: 42 km / 26 miles
  Accommodation: Hôtel de Augustins or Hôtel de l’Arbois****

  
• Day 8: Aix-en-Provence and departure

  On our last day, we’ll explore the picturesque old town of Aix-en-Provence, an incomparable city of art and culture by strolling through its ancient alleyways. Cézanne loved this place and immortalized many of its scenes on canvas, particularly Mont Sainte-Victoire. Occasionally, you’ll catch a glimpse of its distinctive peak between the pink rooftops. We’ll visit the impressive Saint-Sauveur Cathedral with its intricately designed walnut wood doors and charming 12th-century Romanesque cloister. The facades of the patrician houses around the market square exude confidence, boasting elaborate wrought-iron gates, extravagant decorations, and fascinating trompe l’oeil paintings for which Aix is famous.

  After a guided walk through the city, our tour will end around 12pm at the hotel. If necessary, we’ll help you coordinate your departure to Marseille Airport or your starting hotel in Uzès. Every 30 minutes, a transfer bus departs from the bus station to the airport, near our hotel. We certainly recommend extending your stay in Aix-en-Provence! Enjoy a stroll through the vegetable and herb market or the colorful flower market. A visit to the Granet Museum with some of Cézanne’s works is also worthwhile. We would be happy to reserve an additional night at our hotel for you.

  Meals: Breakfast