Deluxe Bike Tour in Provence, France

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • Experienced cycling guides with extensive local knowledge of the area
    • 7-day Provence cycling adventure (6 days of cycling)
    • Accommodation for 6 nights in luxurious hotels
    • Meals for the duration of the tour (6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners)
    • Snacks and beverages between meals
    • Ground transportation during the adventure (van shuttles to tailor the rides to your preferences)
    • Transportation to your accommodation from Avignon
    • Guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries, and more
    • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
    • Entrance fees for accessing to parks and attractions
    • Luggage transfers for the duration of the tour

  Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

  • • Single occupancy room
    • Bike rental

  Not included:

  • • Transportation to Avignon
    • Any personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks in bars, etc.)
    • Insurance — mandatory, available to add at checkout
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  For this Provence guided bike adventure, you have to be reasonably fit. This tour is suitable for cyclists who regularly ride at weekends and have no problem staying on their bike for several hours at a time. You should be comfortable with an occasional challenging climb and have good control of your bike, feeling confident in your skills to ascend and descend safely. The region’s diverse terrain, characterized by both flat expanses and undulating hills, demands a certain level of stamina and strength.

  Your cycling experience should be sufficient for you to be able to cross between 15 and 50 miles (25-80 km) 6 days in a row, with daily elevation gains between 1,300 and 3,940 feet (400-1,200 m). Keep in mind that the riding is customizable, which means that your group will be able to choose either an easier or a more demanding route on any day, potentially with an option to split the group depending on preferences. This means that, for example, instead of riding 46 miles (75 km) with an elevation gain of 3,900 feet (1,200 m), you can opt for a 35-mile (56 km) route with an elevation gain of 1,640 feet (500 m). If you’re still worried about the distances and climbs, a good option may be renting an e-bike, which will make your rides significantly less strenuous. Road bike and e-bike rentals are available for an added fee of $355 and $380, respectively.

  Keep in mind that you will regularly take breaks. Your guide will always be by your side, monitor your technique, push you to give your maximum, and change the route if it gets too strenuous for your group.

• How can I prepare for this tour?

  To prepare for the guided Provence bike tour, start with a fitness assessment to gauge your current cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Given Provence’s diverse terrain, it’s essential to build robust fitness levels. Incorporate consistent training sessions into your routine, focusing on strengthening your leg muscles and enhancing overall cardiovascular endurance. This targeted preparation is crucial for navigating the characteristic climbs and descents that define Provence’s cycling landscape. Additionally, gradually increase your mileage in training to acclimate your body to longer distances, ensuring that you can fully savor the picturesque landscapes without succumbing to excessive fatigue during the tour.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Road bike or an e-bike — can be rented (road bike and e-bike rentals are available for an added fee of $355 and $380, respectively)
    • Helmet — can be provided by the guide upon request
    • Comfortable riding clothing (make sure its made of moisture-wicking or synthetic material)
    • Sneakers or sport shoes for riding (multipurpose bike and hike shoes are recommended)
    • Breathable outside layer or jacket
    • Lightweight rain jacket
    • Sweater or fleece
    • Sunglasses
    • Water bottles or hydration bladder
    • Daypack large enough for everything you might need in a day
    • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
    • Casual clothes to wear when you’re not cycling
    • Swimsuit
    • Comfortable walking shoes to wear when you’re not cycling
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)

  You’ll receive a more detailed packing list upon booking. Pack clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Opt for breathable fabrics and ensure you have sun protection to enhance your comfort during the ride. Ensure to adjust this list based on the season and the duration of your stay.

• Should I rent a regular road bike or an e-bike?

  Bikes are not included in the price of the guided Provence bike trip, but can be rented at checkout. Choosing between a regular road bike and an e-bike depends on your preferences and fitness level.

  If you enjoy a traditional road cycling experience, value agility, and seek a physical challenge, go for the regular road bike. It’s ideal for those in good physical condition accustomed to longer rides and hilly terrain. On the other hand, if you prefer extra assistance, especially on climbs, or want to enjoy the journey without intense physical effort, an e-bike is a wise choice. It’s suitable for cyclists of all levels, providing electric assistance to ease climbs and extend your range. The e-bike is accessible to a wide range of people, including those with concerns about distance or elevation. Keep in mind the additional weight and the need for regular battery recharging. Ultimately, choose the option that aligns with your cycling goals and desired experience.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for this group tour is usually between 6-8, but the maximum group size is 12.
    • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Cycling in Provence can be arranged for private groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Is a single occupancy room available?

  The price for this Provence bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Avignon, the starting point of the adventure, most people fly either into Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport or into Marseille Provence Airport. Once you’re in either of the two cities, we recommend taking a high-speed TGV train to Avignon. The journey will take you approximately 3 hours from Paris or 50 minutes from Marseille. You will meet fellow cyclists and guides on Day 1 by 11am, at your hotel.

  For an optimal start to your Provence guided cycling adventure, many guests choose to stay the night before in Paris, Marseille, or Avignon. To streamline your journey, your guides offer transfers from the Avignon TGV train station or the center of Avignon on the morning of the trip’s commencement, with pickups typically scheduled around 10am. That way, you can board a morning train from Paris or Marseille on Day 1 and easily get to the pickup point in time.

• Safety measures and insurance

  Covering all your bases with insurance is mandatory. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

  Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

  Basic

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

  Super Flexible

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.