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2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2 to 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

Overview

Trip Code: UPB

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through stunning Provence landscapes
  • Immersing yourself in landscapes that captivated renowned artists
  • Exploring historic cities of Avignon and Arles and medieval towns including St Remy and Uzes
  • Exploring the unique natural landscape of the Camargue
  • Soaking up the hospitality of small family run hotels

Provence is blessed with fertile, lush valleys, the Mediterranean coast, ancient and medieval cultural centres, the scent of herbs and the Provençal lifestyle. Its unique light and intensive colours have attracted countless painters such as van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse and Chagall. Besides this wonderful and varied landscape, Provence offers rich history, art and architecture. Discover architectural masterworks such as the Papal Palace in Avignon (world heritage), the Arena in Arles and the Pont du Gard (world heritage), as well as the Greek-Roman excavation sites of Glanum and medieval Les Baux in the Alpilles. Cycling through the Camargue, the protected moor landscape in the Rhône delta, is another highlight - its famous pink flamingos and white horses are hallmarks of the landscape.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Orange

Finishing Point:

Orange


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.

Meals:  Nil

The first stage of your cycle trip takes you into the world-famous wine town 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). +635m / -680m

Meals:  B

Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town 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 Alpilles. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its harmonic 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. +210m / -215m

Meals:  B

Loop cycle to the Camargue. It's 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. Return to Arles and your hotel. Flat terrain

Meals:  B

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 12 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. +110m / -68m

Meals:  B

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. Uzes 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. +206m / -119m

Meals:  B

The final 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. +248m / -340m

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts – continental style and generally consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 3-4 star comfort hotels - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
  • 7 or 21 speed bike with pannier & helmet (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Tourist tax
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Orange
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Excess luggage
  • Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

Bike information


Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE – GRADE 2 The cycling is introductory to moderate grade with daily cycling distances from 45 to 55km/28 to 34mi. You will cycle mostly on small side roads with low traffic and asphalted paths. The route is easy and varied, with a few small ascents in the hilly landscapes of the Garrigue and the Alpilles. The trip is considered suitable for beginners who have a reasonable to good level of fitness. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. Electric bikes are available on request.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season 1 Jul - 31 Aug, supplement applies

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementGBP£110
  • Comfort hotel upgrade ppGBP£170
  • Single Supplement - Standard hotelsGBP£340
  • Solo traveller Supplement - Standard hotelsGBP£410
  • Single Supplement - Comfort hotelsGBP£470
  • Solo traveller Supplement - Comfort hotelsGBP£550
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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