Provence is more than just a postcard-perfect region—it’s a cyclist’s dream. This self-guided tour takes you through rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and sun-drenched olive groves, with quiet roads leading to France’s finest wines and most stunning historical sites. Start in Avignon, weave through Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s world-famous vineyards, and ride beneath the Roman marvel of Pont du Gard. The pace is yours to set—whether it’s a leisurely pedal past lavender fields or a climb into the Alpilles for breathtaking views. With charming stays, rich flavors, and picture-perfect scenery, this ride is all about savoring the good life on two wheels.
Your trip begins in the heart of Avignon. A medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River, Avignon hides many treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th-century bridge, the 14th-century ramparts, still intact, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by plane trees.
Accommodation: Hotel Boquier in Avignon
You’ll cross the mighty Rhône, and ride on l’Ile de la Barthelasse: an island nestled between two branches of the Rhône River, a paradise of quiet, winding roads snaking through fruit orchards and crops. You are led to France’s most prestigious of the Rhône wines: Châteauneuf du Pape. Literally translated as “New Castle of the Pope”, Châteauneuf du Pape is a small wine-making village crowned by the remains of what was to be the Pope’s summer residence.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 27 km (17 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 100 m (328 ft)
Accommodation: The Wine BB in Châteauneuf du Pape
Today you have two choices. Either go for a short ride around Chateauneuf du Pape, passing renowned estates, and touring around the small Oiselet island before returning to the village, or go on a longer loop ride to Orange and its Antique Theater. You’ll cycle along small country roads amidst vineyards and fields. There are a few short sections on cycling paths. You’ll pass a number of wine estates, ideal for wine tastings.
The afternoon is free in the village of Chateauneuf, and you can enjoy wine tastings from one wine cellar to the next. A half-day wine tour with a wine specialist can also be arranged (for an additional fee), either in the morning before your ride or in the afternoon, after your ride.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking (Oiselet island): 17 km (11 mi), +/-300 m (+/-984 ft)
Biking (Orange): 35 km (22 mi), +/-230 m (+/-754 ft)
Accommodation: The Wine BB in Châteauneuf du Pape
On Day 4, you’ll ride in France’s most reputed vineyards destined for rosé wines, the village of Tavel. This prestigious rosé is the only wine to be found on the wine lists of every 3-Michelin-star restaurant in France. Leaving Tavel, you’ll head west on a short and gradual climb. The vineyards will slowly give way to a forest of sparse evergreen oak. Your destination is Uzès, where the first Dukes of France reigned. Uzès is a very charming town, its center harboring a wealth of beautiful and imposing monuments, including the duke’s castle. The cobbled streets in town are lined with regal stone homes.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 45 km (28 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 400 m (1,312 ft)
Accommodation: Hostellerie de la Taverne in Uzes
Pedal through the rolling Provençal countryside and stop at the Domaine de Malaïgue wine estate, which offers a range of organic wines that are worth tasting. Continue to Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, a village renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Wander its artisan workshops before looping back to Uzès, where cobbled streets and shaded squares invite a leisurely afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 33 km (20 mi)
Elevation gain/loss: 250 m (820 ft)
Accommodation: Hostellerie de la Taverne in Uzes
You’ll ride towards the famous Pont du Gard, a 2,000-year-old monumental Roman aqueduct bridge set high above the river. Incredibly intact after 2 millennia, it used to conduct water from the source near Uzès. You can spend some time wandering under the bridge. Your course heads southward to reach Boulbon, a charming little Provençal village nestled up against the thyme-laden Montagnette hills. You’ll continue cycling all the way to St. Remy de Provence, famous for Van Gogh and its Wednesday and Saturday morning market.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking: 44 km (28 mi)
Elevation gain: +250 m (+820 ft)
Elevation loss: -400 m (-1,312 ft)
Accommodation: Le Chalet Fleuri in Saint Remy
On Day 7, you can choose between two biking options. The easier option starts by following the base of the Alpilles mountains to the east, first on small roads and then on a track leading into the vines. You’ll reach the village of Eygalières, whose main square offers a few restaurants and cafés for a midday break. Heading northbound on tiny roads, you’ll reach the sleepy village of Mollégès before returning to St. Rémy through the heart of the countryside.
For the moderate option, you can visit Saint Paul de Mausole, where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Biking along the winding streets of the Alpilles mountains, in landscapes of pine trees and wildflowers, you’ll reach Les Baux de Provence, a town perched atop a rocky crag, crowned by the ruins of its feudal castle. It’s listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
Meals: Breakfast
Biking (Eygalieres): 28 km (18 mi)
Biking (Les Baux): 42 km (26 mi), +/-400 m (+/-1,312 ft)
Accommodation: Le Chalet Fleuri in Saint Remy
After breakfast, transfer by taxi to Arles, capital of the Camargue, with its Roman amphitheater. On the banks of the Rhône River, Arles harbors a remarkable wealth of Roman monuments, including its majestic coliseum, and emits a warm and authentic charm. The trip ends in Arles.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
*Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
These Provence cycling holidays are rated easy, which means that anyone can join in. The rides are on small country roads and farming tracks. Though the itinerary is designed to avoid roads with heavier traffic, you will still be sharing the tarmac with motor vehicles, especially when leaving or entering cities.
Expect biking up to 45 km (28 mi) per day, while gaining up to 400 m (1,312 ft) in elevation. You can find detailed biking distances and elevation changes in the itinerary.
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A hybrid bike rental is included in the price for 6 riding days. The bike is a Cannondale or Trek or similar. It’s the best choice for cycle touring and tackling the long riding days. Being light and aerodynamic, it can ride fast and handle climbs. With slightly wider tires, a more upright position and flat handlebars, these bikes offer a great deal of comfort, too. With this bike, you get:
There are also rental options for an e-bike or a luxury hybrid bike that you can add to your booking upon checkout for an additional fee.
The electric bike is Scott or Trek or similar. Provence is hilly, and most of the prettiest villages are “hilltop”, meaning we’ll have to climb to get there. This e-bike becomes a wonderful compromise—while still pedaling, you can access perched villages without being a great cyclist. With this e-bike, you get:
The luxury hybrid bike rental is Cannondale or Trek or similar. It’s an ideal and lightweight compromise between a hybrid bike and an e-bike. With this bike, you get:
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as road maps and GPS files. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 phone assistance, accommodation, and transportation.
Group sizes and pricing
Provence cycling holidays can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Provence cycling holidays is Avignon. To get there, most people fly into Avignon-Caumont Airport (AVN). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Avignon.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their 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.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!