Cycle Provence

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
Cycle Provence
8 Days
From AUD $4560
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Cycle Provence

Cycle Provence

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Ride your way through neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and past verdant forests on an eight-day active cycling adventure through Provence.

Highlights

  • Cycle through the same landscapes that inspired some of Vincent van Gogh's greatest masterpieces, like ‘Irises’ and the iconic ‘Starry Night’.
  • Pass by fragrant fields on the way to the spectacular three-tiered city of Pont du Gard – this Roman aqueduct is a UNESCO World Heritage site and if it’s quiet, you’ll even get to ride the bridge!
  • Search for wild white horses outside Camargue as you cycle to the Mediterranean Sea. The lakes of Camargue are also a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds.
  • Encounter rich Roman history and architecture in the historic towns of Arles and Orange. You’ll see Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in Europe.
  • Stop in at famous vineyards outside Avignon and savour the delicious, regional French wines of the area. You deserve a reward after days of riding, don’t you?
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Avignon, France

Finishes

Arles, France

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Avignon
Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Avignon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon or explore the leafy streets and the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) at your own pace. You could also flop down on the grass of the Jardin des Doms with a fresh fougasse (French bread often sculpted to resemble a head of wheat) and some cheese. Tonight, ask your new local leader for the best dinner spot.

Optional Activities:

  • Avignon - Pont d'Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) (5 EUR)
  • Avignon - Palais des Papes (15 EUR)
  • Avignon - Museum of the Petit Palace (6 EUR)
  • Avignon - Museum Calvet (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Orange
After breakfast today, there will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone's equipment has been set up properly. Then, you’ll leave Avignon and cycle along quiet and flat country roads to Orange. Along the way, pass through the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and maybe make a stop at a local vineyard. Sample some of the red wine this region is famous for, then continue the road to Orange. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the town, visiting the Arc de Triomphe d'Orange and the outstanding Roman Theatre – one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe. The rest of the afternoon is free.

Included Activities:

  • Orange Roman Theatre

Optional Activities:

  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Wine tasting - Free
  • Orange Triumphal Roman Arch - Free
  • Orange Art and History Museum (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Uzes
Leave Orange behind and ride the quiet roads south to the walled Provencal commune of Caderousse. Here, cross the mighty Rhone River passing the medieval village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and cycle past the vineyards that produce Lirac wines – the favourite wines of kings and the papal community in Avignon. Continue west through wine country to the legendary Pont du Gard – widely considered to be one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a Roman Aqueduct. Towering high above the Gardon River, this three-tiered stone masterpiece never fails to impress. On a quiet day, there may even be an opportunity to ride across it! After visiting the Pont du Gard, continue west to the small town of Uzes with its graceful circuit of boulevards and cute cafes.

Included Activities:

  • Pont du Gard Entrance

Optional Activities:

  • Uzes - Cathedral - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Saint Remy
Today is a long day in the saddle, but you’ll be rewarded with impressive sights along the way. Hopefully, the infamous mistral wind will be blowing from the northwest, providing a tailwind all the way to Saint Remy. Winding back across the Rhone, travel beneath the old city gate and into the small town of Tarascon. Take a short break from cycling to visit the imposing medieval castle, before sitting on the riverbank to learn about the legend of the Tarasque, the namesake of the town. After lunch, continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In distinct contrast to the surrounding larger cities and towns, Saint Remy displays a typically Provencal way of life. Visit the serene gardens of Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent van Gogh was a self-admitted patient and where he painted many works of art, including ‘Irises’ and the famous ‘The Starry Night’.

Included Activities:

  • Saint Remy - Van Gogh Asylum visit

Optional Activities:

  • Saint Remy - Glanum Archaelogical Site (8 EUR)
  • Saint Remy - St Paul de Mausole Monastery (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Saint Remy (& optional Mont Ventoux ride)
Today is a free day off the bike to explore charming Saint Remy at your own pace. Indulge your inner Van Gogh and chill out in a Provencal cafe, or if you’re still keen for a ride, your crew can suggest the best route in the local area. You can also take on the legendary Mont Ventoux on a carbon road bike. Driving from Saint Remy to Bedoin early, you’ll be riding on the mountain as the sun rises to beat the infamous Ventoux winds and summer heat. The unguided ride should take about 4 hours, leaving enough time to grab a coffee and croissant before you rejoin your driver in Bedoin for the drive back in Saint Remy.

Optional Activities:

  • Mont Ventoux Cycling Extension (Including road bike hire & transport)) (155 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Les Baux & Arles
Hit the road again after breakfast. Today, you start with a short ride to the hilltop commune of Les Baux-de-Provence. Although the distance is short, this is also one of the more difficult rides. For those not wanting to ride uphill, your support vehicle is always available. The first climb through the forest is rewarded with a short but beautiful descent on possibly the smoothest road in all of France. Carry on through olive groves and vineyards before arriving at Les Baux – declared ‘one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France’ thanks to its narrow, cobbled streets and surrounding countryside. Visit Chateau des Baux, which sits perched on a limestone cliff offering 360-degree views. After, ride through the Val d’Enfer’s (Valley of Hell) white limestone rock formations. From here, it is a downhill ride to Fontvieille, where you’ll follow the Canal d'Arles alongside the Rhone River all the way into Arles. Park the bikes and take a leader-led walk, passing the Place de la Republique, Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre.

Included Activities:

  • Arles Amphitheatre
  • Castle Visit - Les Baux de Provence

Optional Activities:

  • Arles - Musee de Arles Antique (8 EUR)
  • Arles - Reattu Museum (8 EUR)
  • Arles - Vincent Van Gogh Foundation (10 EUR)
  • Les Baux de Provence - Carriere des Lumieres (14 EUR)
  • Les Baux de Provence - St Vincent Church - Free

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Arles
Swap vineyards for waves on a ride south to the capital of the Camargue – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which sits on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Set on the Rhone River delta, the lakes of Camargue are a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds. The area is also known for its famous white Camarguais horses, often seen running free around Camargue. After lunch, return to Arles by vehicle. You also have the option to ride back to Arles (but this optional ride will not be supported by either the leader or your vehicle). Tonight, maybe get the group together to enjoy a final dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Saintes Maries de la Mer - Boat Tour 90 minutes (16 EUR)
  • Saintes Maries de la Mer - Ornitology Park - Flamingos (8 EUR)
  • Saintes Maries de la Mer - Cathedral Rooftop Climb (2 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Arles
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,560
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Ride your way through neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and past verdant forests on an eight-day active cycling adventure through Provence.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Ron
Traveled, July 2023

08/04/2023

I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in cycling around the world, we had a fantastic experience.

3.5
Frank
Traveled, July 2023

08/04/2023

Trip was very well organised. Andrea Alessandrini was an excellent tour leader and did his ultimate best to make it a safe and pleasent trip for everyone. Cycling is a great way of traveling, I am considering to do another tour. The only remark (I already told Andrea) is that it was not made possible for me to book a single room. My son therefore joined me, to help me out. But two members of the group were having a single room anyway so I don’t really understand. Safie who did the transport was also doing a real good job and was also very nice. And the group was a bunch of interesting prople from different continents. Great experience !!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989