Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive at Avignon

Arrive in Avignon where your hotel is inside Avignon’s fortified city for the first night. Discover the beauty of one of Provence’s great cities. From the “Palais des Papes” to the “Pont d’Avignon”, a stroll through history.

Day 2:
Avignon to Fontvieille, 28 miles (45km)

After a welcome meeting you receive your bikes and ride from Avignon to the Alpilles via the 12th century Monastery Saint Frigolet which takes its name from the thyme growing wild on the hill sides. Night in Fontvieille.

Day 3:
Circular ride from Fontvieille, 28 miles (45km)

Ride to les Baux de Provence, a wonderful 10th century hilltop town. From there onto Saint Rémy de Provence for a stroll to discover several 15th/16th century mansions or to have a drink under a plane tree (almost as old as the buildings).

Day 4:
Circular ride from Fontvieille, 19 miles (30km)

A day trip to Arles (Wednesday is market day - a must see!). Discover Van Gogh’s second home and the city’s Roman centre. Or you might prefer a rest day to sit by the pool and relax. Night in Fontvieille.

Day 5:
Fontvieille to L’Isle sur la Sorgue, 34 miles (55km)

Ride into the heart of the Baux valley through the typical village of Maussane. Enjoy the centre’s cafés and producers of local wonders such as the 17th century Cornille mill where you can taste one of the best olive oils in Provence or try a tapenade at Jean Martin. Arrive in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, the antiques capital of Provence.

Day 6:
Circular ride from L’Isle sur la Sorgue, 39 miles (62km)

A day in the Luberon takes you along small roads, through ochre coloured hilltop villages from Gordes to Roussillon. Bucolic settings for a wonderful day. Or you might prefer another rest day to simply explore L’Isle sur la Sorgue.

Day 7:
Circular ride from L’Isle sur la Sorgue, 26 miles (42km)

A day to discover lesser known villages in the Mont de Vaucluse including Venasque, perched at the summit of a rocky outcrop, classed amongst one of the "most beautiful villages in France". The village boasts a beautiful baptistery believed to be the oldest in the region.

Day 8:
Departure from L’Isle sur la Sorgue

Trip ends after breakfast. Transfer to nearby train station.