Cycle Provence

Our trip begins at Marseille Airport (MRS) at 16pm. If you would like to join the airport transfer today, the latest your flight can arrive is 15.30pm. We will travel together as a group by taxi to the historic city of Avignon. In the evening we will enjoy an introductory walk around this wonderful medieval city that still boasts the full circle of remparts, the impressive Papal Palaces and of course the famous Pont d'Avignon. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you may have time to wait ahead of our group transfer to Avignon. If you wish to drive to the start of the trip, please ask us for parking details. Stay: Hotel Ibis (Comfortable)

Today's cycling route takes us across the majestic Rhone River, allowing us to fully experience the freedom of riding our bicycles. We'll pause for a coffee break before crossing the river once more, treating ourselves to breathtaking panoramic vistas of the internationally acclaimed Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards. As we descend into the village itself, we'll immerse ourselves in its charm and allure. Finally, we'll make our way back to Avignon, following the scenic Via Rhona cycling trail. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 54 kilometres/33.6 miles (Total ascent 221 metres/725 feet) Stay: Hotel Ibis (Comfortable) (B)

As we depart from Avignon heading south, our cycling adventure takes us through the picturesque locations of Barbentane and the enchanting Abbey of St Martin de Frigolet. Continuing our journey, we reach St Rémy-de-Provence, a town filled with captivating sites and a rich history. By the time we arrive, it will be lunchtime, providing us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the charm of this beautiful town. St Rémy-de-Provence proudly showcases a pre-Roman Celtic shrine, remarkable Roman antiques, and holds significance as the birthplace of Nostradamus and the former residence of Vincent Van Gogh. Art and history enthusiasts will be pleased to find numerous optional visits, which will be explained by our Tour Leader. Following a few hours of free time to explore, we begin our return journey, taking advantage of cycle route that later leads us through scenic fruit orchards, ultimately guiding us back to Avignon. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 55 kilometres/34.2 miles (Total ascent 260 metres/853 feet) Stay: Hotel Ibis (Comfortable) (B)

Today presents a splendid opportunity to indulge in the myriad of wonders of Avignon at your leisure. You can delve into the rich history by visiting the Papal Palaces, perusing the fascinating museums, or exploring the vibrant covered market halls. The city offers several well-marked walking routes that allow you to uncover its hidden treasures at your own pace. Alternatively, for those seeking a more challenging adventure, there is an option to embark on a longer and more demanding cycling route. Cycle 68 kilometres/42.3 miles with an ascent of 498 meters/1634 feet, leading you to one of the remaining marvels of Roman architecture: the awe-inspiring aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard. Stay: Hotel Ibis (Comfortable) (B)

Having spent four nights in Avignon, it's time to venture into a new setting as we make our way to Carpentras. Carpentras holds a unique place in history, as it served as a safe haven for Jewish communities during the 14th and 15th centuries. The presence of the Popes in Avignon granted them the freedom to worship and live in peace after being banished from the Kingdom of France. Among the notable landmarks is the Synagogue, constructed in 1367 and considered one of the oldest in France. Additionally, we have the opportunity to explore the 18th-century Hospital, known as the Hotel Dieu, which houses a well-preserved collection of apothecary jars, decorated walls, and ornate ceilings. Our planned stop for lunch is the city of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, renowned for its abundance of antique stores and charming eateries. After a break for lunch, we will continue our journey towards Pernes-les-Fontaines, following the recently opened cycle route known as the Via Venaissia. Finally, we will arrive in the historic town of Carpentras. Our total cycling distance today is from 60 kilometres/37.3 miles. Stay: Hotel du Forum (Comfortable) (B)

Today offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Carpentras, particularly its renowned market that boasts an array of delights, including the famous truffles during their season (mid-November to mid-March). For those seeking more cycling, there are 2 options to choose from. The most popular route leads to Gordes, a beautiful village on the banks of the Vaucluse plateau, just beyond the majestic Luberon barrier. Ascending through a picturesque canyon, you'll be rewarded with wonderful views upon reaching this quintessential Provençal gem. A maze of intricate lanes leads up to St Firmin's church and to the massive hulk of a Renaissance château perched on the top of the village. For the more adventurous and willing to push their limits, an exhilarating alternative awaits: the challenging ascent of Mont Ventoux. This climb offers a thrilling test of endurance. Lightweight road bikes or other suitable bicycles can be rented for the day, and you can discuss the logistics with your Tour Leader during the tour. Our total cycling distance today is from 61 kilometres/37.9 miles to Gordes (600 meters/1969 feet of ascent), or 80 kilometres49.7 miles for the Ventoux option depending total ascent 1900 metres/6234 feet) Stay: Hotel du Forum (Comfortable) (B)

The cycling route today gives us a taste of Provencal life, taking us through the lovely villages and vines at the southern foot of Mont Ventoux, before reaching one of the vineyards. Here we have a guided visit round the production process and taste some of the wines of the domain. After wine tasting we will have a picnic lunch on the terraces of the chateau in the shade of the plane trees, then take a walk through the vines around the chateau. A short ride then takes us to a local lake where there is time to relax on the small beach and maybe enjoy a swim. In the early afternoon we cycle back to our accommodation in Carpentras where we have the opportunity to enjoy the sites that we have missed out on so far Our total cycling distance today is approximately 41 kilometres/25.5 miles. Stay: Hotel du Forum (Comfortable) (B/L)

Departing Carpentras after breakfast, we drive 1 hour 15 minutes to Marseille Airport (MRS), where we will arrive at about 9am and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 11am. (B)