The region of Provence is a sensuous land of strong colors; aromatic purple lavender, bright yellow sunflowers and dramatic landscapes are made more vibrant by the extraordinary light here. It was this that inspired painters, poets and now brings cyclists. Our route takes in the medieval city of Uzes, charming St. Remy before reaching Gordes, perhaps the most charming village in all of Provence.
Location
Avignon
Avignon, France
Day 1
Uzès
Uzès, France
Day 2+3
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France
Day 4+5
Gordes
Gordes, France
Day 6+7+8
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
7 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Use of a high quality performance hybrid or road bike and accessories
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Any start day between March to November
We recommend you to start your tour on a Saturday so that you can see the market in Saint Remy held every Wednesday. July and August are high season; if you’re planning to travel during this period, it is best to reserve far in advance.
We recommend you to start your tour on a Saturday so that you can see the market in Saint Remy held every Wednesday. July and August are high season; if you’re planning to travel during this period, it is best to reserve far in advance.
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
8 days / 7 nights with 6 days of cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Avignon / Gordes
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate: 30-60+ km (20-40) miles daily including century options on 2 days (Longer options available).
TERRAIN
2 days gently rolling, 3 days are moderately rolling, 1 day hilly.
COST
Classic Accommodation: US $1,820
Single supplement: US $520
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,980
Single supplement: US $810
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Getting There
For those arriving via Paris, most international flights arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. The easiest way to reach Avignon is via a direct train (TGV) from CDG; the journey takes about 3 hours. Then you can take a taxi from the train station in Avignon to your hotel. Information on how to get to the tour start will be sent to you with your confirmation package.
1
Day 1
Avignon
Arrival Day. Avignon was once the residence of popes and the historical center is filled with monuments including the incredible Papal palace. The city is also filled with superb restaurants; we’ll recommend our favourite to you…
2
Day 2
Uzès
Cycling west from Avignon, you’ll soon find yourselves immersed in Cote du Rhone vineyards en-route to Tavel, a village that has made wine for centuries. Afterwards, you’ll continue through quaint villages including St. Victor-la-Coste towards Uzes.
Ride Distance: 59 km, elevation gain 616 m.*
3
Day 3
Uzès
On the next day, you’ll ride north to the village of St. Quentin-la-Poterie where you can see the unique style of pottery typical of this region. Afterwards continue to La Roque-sur-Cèze, known as one of les plus beaux villages in France. The riding is along quiet country roads, amongst vineyards and orchards. In Uzès, you’ll stay at a wonderful hotel in the historical center.
Ride Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 457 m or 82 km, gain 1012 m.*
4
Day 4
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Making your way south, you can visit the extraordinary Pont du Gard, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe. Crossing the Rhone River, you’ll continue on to Barbentane, with its Renaissance chateau and the Abbey de Frigolet, where monks still carry on centuries-old traditions. Arriving to St. Remy, you’ll find it the perfect village to explore, filled with cafes, restaurants and artisan shops. You’ll stay at a comfortable hotel with swimming pool, and a private park.
Ride Distance: 60 km, elevation gain 426 m.*
5
Day 5
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
On your second day here, you’ll ride to Les Baux de Provence with its remarkable pilgrimage site. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the asylum where Van Gogh spent a year painting.
Ride Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 438 m or 43 km, gain 559 m.*
6
Day 6
Gordes
From St. Remy, you’ll ride east, crossing the Durance River at Cavaillon before the ascent to Gordes. You’ll stay at the charming Hotel Le Mas des Romarins with pool and wonderful gardens.
Ride Distance: 61 km, elevation gain 514 m.*
7
Day 7
Gordes
You’ll explore the Luberon visiting Roussilon, an often photographed village situated by the quarry of ochre that is so vibrant in color, Lacoste, famous for its chateau and former owner, the Marquis de Sade and Menerbes which has the best collection of corkscrews in France.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 696 m.*
8
Day 8
Gordes
Linger before departing.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Hôtel de l’Horloge, Avignon
In the heart of Avignon near the Papal Palace this hotel offers sunny rooms with traditional furnishings.
There are many restaurants steps away.
Hostellerie Provençale, Uzes
Located in a 300 year old manor house, the hotel combines the charms of an historic building and the modernism of the 21st century. The regional market (and restaurants) are steps away.
Hôtel Gounod, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
The original and oldest hotel in Saint Rémy has been renovated using stylish furnishing and rich colors, reflecting the perfect blend of the old and new of Provence. It boasts a beautiful pool in the courtyard, surrounded by gardens, daily yoga class and a sumptuous spa.
Hôtel Les Romarins, Gordes
A charming boutique hotel & restaurant with views over Gordes, and an inviting swimming pool and gardens. Walking distance (500 m) to several options for dinner.
Luxe
Hôtel d’Europe, Avignon
Napoleon, Victor Hugo and Jackie Onassis were just some of the guests that have stayed at this legendary 16th century mansion. The elegant salons are surrounded with tapestries and paintings and the rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated.
La Maison d’Uzes, Uzes
This three-hundred-year-old house, tucked away down an alley in the majestic city of Uzès, once the Chambon de La Tour family home and a historic monument, has recovered all its former glory and is now a 5-star boutique hotel. The regional market (and restaurants) are steps away. Member: Relais & Chateaux
L'Atelier de L'Image, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
This chic and modern 4-star hotel has been established around the theme of photography and has a gallery. There is a Resto-Bar that serves Japanese and French cuisine in contemporary decor or on the terrace in summer.
La Bastide de Gordes & Spa, Gordes
At the heart of the perched village of Gordes, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the 5-star La Bastide de Gordes offers all the splendour of a former stately home with swimming pool and terraced gardens. The hotel combines charm, elegance, comfort and luxury. Restaurant and spa services available.
Trip Reviews
“This has been an eye-opening experience for us because this form of tourism is one of the best ways to really get to know the customs and lifestyle of a certain region. In some places, we felt like we had been the only tourists there – that’s a very satisfying feeling.”
“Overall, the tour and scenery and locations were fabulous. We had so much fun seeing and smelling everything in bloom. The villages are incredibly charming, you gave plenty of good info on the sites – very detailed directions.”
“My friend’s description of their trip was so positive and the excellent selection of trips offered by your company was sufficient. We were surprised at how easy the instructions were to follow. Wonderful choices of hotels – staff was excellent and hotels were so unique. They were a highlight at the end of the day of cycling. There was almost too much to see. The route chosen was filled with so many interesting sites and the scenery was gorgeous! This was enhanced by the routes chosen – with minimal traffic we were free to take in all the sights and countryside. Our area manager was very friendly and helpful.”
“We had a fantastic time. The 2 days of “mistral” were a challenge but overall the weather was great for mid October. The Gordes area and Vaucluse are spectacular. Every day got better as we went. All accommodations were great, Gordes was awesome. Our dinner was very special – both the food and the atmosphere. RideWithGPS app was good. Our Area Manager was great and we appreciated him picking us up in Avignon.”
Leave a Review