Highlights of Provence by Bike

Arrive Orange and make your own way to your hotel. Orange has wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times: the Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. Enjoy exploring the old town, with its Provençal charm and small pretty shops and cafés.

On your first cycling day you have two options. The shorter ride is via the Viarhona along the new greenway past the Ile d'Oiselay and the Ile de la Barthelasse, Europe's largest river island. The longer route takes you via the world-famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the town should not be missed. Continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend visiting the old town including the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace). Shorter ride: 146m ascent, 167m descent Longer ride: 286m ascent, 306m descent

Taking the Alpilles route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, one of the most beautiful and typical towns in Provence. Take a break in the shaded square or wander the old centre with its shops and cafes. A visit to the monastery Saint Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, you can admire the Roman Arch as you head to the hills. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its hilltop location and fortress ruins. Continue to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel, where you stay for two nights. Alternatively you can cycle on the ViaRhona path today, the distance is similar. 128m ascent, 126m descent It's possible to add an extra night and stay overnight in St Remy - a supplement applies. In this case it's 25km Avignon to St Remy and 30km St Remy to Arles. Must be requested at time of booking. Recommended, also if you want to visit hilltop Les Baux.

You can do a loop cycle to the Camargue today or explore Arles. The Camargue is a unique natural landscape - half sea and half land, with brackish water lakes, vast salt steppes, wild horses and pink flamingos. Cycle along small paths exploring the nature reserve. In Mejanes you can take a small train through unspoilt nature, with the chance to see flamingos and wild bulls. The route today is almost always on cycleways and quite flat. Return to Arles and your hotel. 19m ascent, 20m descent

In the morning the route takes you to the towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire, located on the banks of the Rhône River. There are many lovely viewpoints and a castle dating from the 12th century en route. You can visit a café and enjoy a break beside the river, or visit the castle of King Remy in Tarascon. Nîmes has numerous well-preserved Roman buildings: the Amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne are impressive, or you can enjoy the modern part of the city and the “Carré d'Art” designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster. Overnight in Nimes. 102m ascent, 60m descent

The fortress of Tarascon accompanies you for a while as you cycle through the vineyards of Costières de Nimes, the area's southern-most wine growing area. After a few hours you'll see the Pont du Gard, the famous World Heritage listed Roman aqueduct. Aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary accompany you into the pretty Provençal town of Uzès, with its magical, medieval charm. It is a maze of small streets and shaded squares, along with a bell tower and 17th and 18th century mansions. Saturday is market day, and this is one of the best in the south of France. 239m ascent, 165m descent

The last day's cycle takes you initially through the hilly landscape of the Garrigue, with its low growing holm oaks, juniper and wild Mediterranean herbs. Then the vineyards and lovely orchards of Provence take over once again, and you cycle through the Rhone valley's famous wine regions of Lirac and Laudun on the other side of the river, before returning to Orange. 246m ascent, 339m descent

Arrangements conclude in Orange after breakfast. If you'd like to add an extra night, please ask for our rates.