Provence Backroads

The neighbouring towns of Barbentane and Graveson offer a great start to your cycle trip in Provence, just a 15 minute taxi ride from Avignon TGV rail station. On arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy the gardens and, subject to weather, swimming pool. You can also wander into the nearby town. Dinner at the hotel is included tonight. The usual hotel is in Barbentane. Overnight may be at Graveson, subject to availability.

After breakfast, begin cycling to Tarascon. Depending on your hotel the previous night, you'll cycle through the foothills of the Alpilles to reach Tarascon or alternatively via the Abbey of St Michel de Friogolet. Whichever route you take, today is full of superb scenery through typical villages of Provence. Situated on the Rhone River, Tarascon has some interesting sights. Its well preserved castle was once home to Count Rene d’Anjou, the King of Provence, and has an excellent display of tapestries and earthenware jars. The Souleiado (fabric) museum is also worth exploring (closed on Sundays). Tuesday is market day, where you can discover some local specialties. Across the river are some great 17th and 18th century houses. The usual hotel is 3 stars in the centre of Tarascon. Own dinner arrangements. 27m ascent, 32m descent

Today's route takes you north into rugged and rocky scenery close to the town of Fontvieille. Here you can see the windmills (including Daudet’s Mill as described in the short stories ‘Lettres de mon Loulin’, written by Alphonse Daudet in 1869), some interesting churches and the Musee de Daudet. Continue to historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you can visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre, and cycle along the canal to the reconstructed Van Gogh bridge, the setting of his famous “Pont de Langlois” works. The Frank Gehry-designed Luma-Arles is worth a visit. Our usual hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Own dinner arrangements. 31m ascent, 22m descent

Today’s cycle is quite short, giving you time to explore. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle and on to Les Baux, a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool located at the foot of the village. Visit the hilltop town on foot or by bike, there are some great museums including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. 169m ascent, 34m descent

From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road with gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy, a small town in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Alpilles. Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum here (he also spent time in Arles) and the picturesque landscapes and light inspired many of his works. Other artists attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample time to explore this delightful town, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. The usual hotel is 3-star with a pool and ideally located near the town centre. Own dinner arrangements. 257m ascent, 386m descent

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Saint Remy, including the Van Gogh walking trail to discover where his great works were painted. Wednesday is market day. Own dinner arrangements.

Today you pedal along back roads lined with orchards, typically olive groves and fruit trees. Pause to peek into the village of Eyragues, with its splendid 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque church of Saint Maxime dating from the 11th century. Stretch your legs on ancient lanes lined with the remains of ramparts, then continue through vegetable gardens and farmland around Châteaurenard. Finish by riding back into Barbentane (or Graveson). Dinner at the hotel. 79m ascent, 118m descent

The trip concludes after breakfast. It is a 15 minute taxi ride to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport.