Provence Cycling Break

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~~$590~~

$563

Provence Cycling Break

5 Days Starting in Avignon and ending in Arles, France

Visiting: Avignon, Frigolet Abbey, Graveson, Maillane, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Saint-Gabriel, Château d'Estoublon, Château des Baux-de-Provence, Fontvieille, Arles, Mas de la Capelière

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

692

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$590

$563 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$27

NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Enjoy a relaxed self-guided Provence Cycling Break from Avignon to Arles. In just four days you will explore the Alpilles and part of the Camargue, a real mix between exceptional natural landscapes, ancient history and some of the most beautiful provencal villages. A few pedal strokes are enough to transport you from the city of the Popes to the heart of the Alpilles, where the landscape alternates between rocky bars and hills lined and scented with thyme and rosemary. Cycle on the small roads between olive trees, vineyards and cypress trees with the smells of the scrubland, passing by the artistry village of St Remy de Provence, Maussane & one of the most beautiful villages in France, Les Baux de Provence. Stroll on the colourful market in St Remy, the town where Van Gogh lived, and Arles, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading into the heart of the Camargue Regional Natural Park, the meeting point between the salty sea and the softness of the continental waters. Take a deep breath of fresh air amongst the wild white horses, bulls and countless migratory birds, including majestic flamingos. Pedal on perfectly flat routes between rice fields and marshes.

Highlights

Discover one of Provence’s most famous mountain ranges: Les Alpilles
Follow in the footsteps of the artist Vincent Van Gogh and stay in St Remy, the birthplace of Nostradamus
Olive oil and wine tasting opportunities along the route
The Roman ruins in Arles
The wild flora & fauna of the Camargue

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Avignon

Location: Avignon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: standard option: Hotel Boquier or similar // charming option: Hotel Central or similar // spa option: Hotel Horloge or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive in Avignon, and spend this first day visiting the medieval city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the banks of the Rhône, Avignon holds many treasures: the Palais des Papes, the famous Saint Bénezet bridge, its churches and museums, small friendly squares and secret alleys.

Day 2 : Avignon To St Remy De Provence

Location: Avignon, Frigolet Abbey, Graveson, Maillane, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: standard option: Hotel Le Chalet Fleuri or similar // charming option: Le Castellet des Alpilles or similar // spa option: Hotel du Soleil or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have to be at the bike store in Avignon to pick up the bikes at 9am (settings, explanations, contract signing, taking a credit card pre-authorisation). The bike store is closed on Sundays, but if you want to start your trip on Sunday, the pick-up has to be on Saturday between 5 and 6pm.

Today you will leave the historic city centre in the direction of the Montagnette massif with the smell of scrubland, where olive trees, almond trees and pine forests grow. The monastery of Saint Michel de Frigolet is unveiled – an ideal place to picnic. Let yourself be lulled by the song of cicadas before descending to the charming village of Graveson, the place with hundred-year-old plane trees and its “café of the Universe”. The painter Auguste Chabaud of the Fauves movement lived there, and his amazing works are exhibited in a small museum. You cross Maillane, known for Frederic Mistral, before reaching Saint Rémy de Provence, a city of artists where Van Gogh spent the last year of his life. Stay overnight in Saint Rémy de Provence.

Cycling for the day: 35km ↑250m ↓200m

Day 3 : St Remy To Arles

Location: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Saint-Gabriel, Château d'Estoublon, Château des Baux-de-Provence, Fontvieille, Arles

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Acacias or similar // charming option: Hotel du Forum or similar // spa option: Hotel Spa Le Calendal or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

A beautiful stage awaits you on your way to Arles. First, you will ride along the winding streets of the Alpilles through landscapes of pines and wildflowers and the marvellous Romanesque chapel of Saint-Gabriel to Fontvieille. You will enter the olive and wine estate of the elegant Château d’Estoublon, where olive and wine tastings are available (not included). Your route continues to Le Baux de Provence, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. This medieval village is perched vertiginously on top of a rock, crowned by the ruins of its feudal castle. Take your time to explore the village before descending to the plain, passing through the ruins of a 2,000-year-old aqueduct, and reaching Arles. Discover the impressive architectural remains, such as the ancient theatre or the amphitheatre, and take the opportunity to visit the Ancient Museum and the Van Gogh Foundation (entrances not included). You will stay overnight in Arles.

Cycling for the day: 50km ↑250m ↓300m

Day 4 : Arles Loop

Location: Arles, Mas de la Capelière, Arles

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Acacias or similar // charming option: Hotel du Forum or similar // spa option: Hotel Spa Le Calendal or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

A last sporty day awaits you, a beautiful loop crossing part of the Camargue Regional Natural Park, rich in fauna and flora with its atypical landscapes. It is where flamingos rub shoulders with black bulls and white horses around them. It is an absolute pleasure to cycle on perfectly flat expanses between rice fields and salt marshes. Extend your itinerary by 10km to visit La Capelière (price 4€ pp), the starting point of the Reserve, offering a hiking trail and four observers overlooking the marshes. Then loop back to Arles for your final night. The bikes will be picked up from the hotel at 6pm.

Cycling for the day: 46km (+10 km incl. La Capelière)

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Arles

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends after breakfast. Departure, or you can extend your stay in Arles.

What's Included

Accommodation

4 nights of double occupancy with private facilities in hotels
Meals

4 breakfasts
Luggage transfers Days 2 & 3 (1 piece per person up to 20 kg)
Travel kit with roadbook and integrated maps (1 set per room)
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

Flights and airport transfers
Lunches and dinners
Tourist tax, if due
Bike rental
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Entrance fees for attractions and museums
Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme

Mode of Transport

Hybrid bikes: A lightweight, aerodynamic bike with slightly wider tyres than road bikes, designed to combine comfort and performance on both roads and trails.

An ideal bike for touring and riding between 25 and 60km per day. The hybrid bikes – Trek or equivalent – are top of the range: equipped with Shimano parts, lightweight aluminium frames, and a triple chainring. Pedalling: 28/38/48 with 11/32 groupset > 27 speeds.

The bike frames are unisex: where possible, we provide a comfortable women’s saddle for all women riders. Equipment: anti-puncture tires – repair kit – an inner tube for 3 bikes, – pump – helmet – anti-theft – 1 x handlebar bag – 2 x waterproof rear panniers.

E-bikes: Provence is hilly, and most of the prettiest villages are perched, which means you have to climb to get there. The E-bike becomes a magnificent compromise: while pedalling, you can access a perched village without being a big cyclist. How it works: when you start pedalling, the electric motor is activated. You can choose between several levels of electric assistance. Equipped with a battery with a range of 90km (Bosch battery 500Wh), a low frame (Frame Cannondale Mavaro), puncture-proof tyres (reducing the risk of punctures), hydraulic brakes (Shimano M365 hydraulic disc, 180/160mm, guaranteeing the highest level of safety). Equipment: anti-puncture tires – repair kit – an inner tube for 3 bikes, pump tips – pump – helmet – anti-theft – 1 x handlebar bag – 2 x waterproof rear panniers – bike charger. During the bike delivery, you will be asked for a pre-authorisation of your credit card as a guarantee.

Check out our Q&As

When to go

This trip is available on any date from the beginning of March until mid-November. The tour can be arranged year-round only in the option wellness and spa hotels. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate desired beginning date when booking. Provence is beautiful in the spring months of March, April and May when the blooming of the wildflowers is stunning. The summers of Provence are hot and dry, with temperatures that often exceed 30C and relatively cool nights with temperatures between 20C and 25C.
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms). If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own.
Difficulty and terrain

This holiday is appropriate for cyclists with an average level of fitness used to regular exercise, and who can handle cycling uphill. Easy to moderate cycling up to 50km per day on small roads and tracks with moderate climbs along the way through hilly terrain but with an e-bike accessible to all persons. In Camargue, the roads are flat. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. Your holiday information pack will include more detailed information on route navigation.
Are flights included in this tour?

No, international flights are not included
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

This will be provided on all documentation

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes we can, please contact us for details
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?

Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
How long has the tour company been trading?

The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

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