Explore beautiful inland Provence on two wheels
Discover the picturesque villages, historical sites, and exquisite wine areas of inland Provence on this 7-day self-guided cycling holiday.
The Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine tour will show you the best of Provence as you find yourself immersed in its authentic villages and old-world charm. Fabulous cycling routes will have you navigating the backroads of the French countryside, cruising your way from one historical site to the next, enjoying the sights, sounds, and fantastic gastronomy along the way.
Setting out from either Graveson or Barbentane, you'll ride into the foothills of the Alpilles, taking in the splendour of the mighty mountain range as you cruise to the medieval fortified town of Tarascon. Then, riding north, you'll press on to the former Gallo-Roman city of Arles, stopping for lunch in one of the pretty villages that dot your route on the way. Up next, you'll explore beautiful Les-Baux-de-Provence and finally Saint- Rémy -de-Provence, made famous by Van Gogh's time spent in an asylum here and the profound effect this had on his last works.
Discover the castle where the former King of Provence once laid his head at the opulent Château de Tarascon. Delight in the sumptuous wine and produce of the Cotes du Rhone and greater Provence, enjoying heavenly gastronomic experiences at every stop on the tour. Pedal ancient Roman roads, discovering fascinating relics of ramparts that pepper your path.
This region's historical charm is second to none, and there's no better way to explore it than on foot and by bike. Book your spot on the Provence by Bike: Villages, History and Wine tour and discover a truly authentic France.
Highlights of the Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine
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Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
You’ll get your first taste of Provence in your choice of starting points, either Graveson or Barbentane. Both are authentic French villages that will introduce you to the charm and allure of this elegant region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Graveson or Barbentane
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Cycle the Foothills of the Alpilles to Tarascon
Depart from your starting point village this morning, setting out either through the majestic Alpilles' foothills or via the Abbey of St Michel de Frigolet. Regardless of which route you find yourself pedalling this morning, beautiful Tarascon is your highly-anticipated destination.
You'll enjoy spectacular scenery as you ride through several tiny villages along the way, with the freedom to linger as long or as little as you like in each.
Arrive in Tarascon, a medieval fortified town perched on the Rhône River. An array of medieval sites awaits your discovery here, including the 15th-century Château de Tarascon, once called home by the King of Provence Count Rene d'Anjou. Tonight, you'll enjoy a spectacular dinner featuring local specialties and excellent wine, the perfect end to an already magical day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tarascon
Distance: 21km, 113m of ascent, 122m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ride North to Fontvieille and Arles
Hit the road this morning riding north, where you’ll notice the landscape morph into rugged and rocky scenery. Arrive in Fontvieille, home to several ancient windmills (including Daudet’s Mill), as well as many beautiful churches. Spend some time immersed in the history of this tiny town full of intrigue, then hop back on your bike and ride to Arles.
Arrive in the historic town of Arles, which dates to the 7th century BC and is a major Gallo-Roman city. There is no shortage of historical sites in Arles, including the great Arles Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre of Arles. Arles will continue to delight as you later pay a visit to the famous canal to admire the reconstructed Van Gogh Bridge, the setting of Van Gogh’s famous “Pont de Langlois” works.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Arles
Distance: 26km, 166m of ascent, 158m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore Les-Baux-de-Provence
Today’s ride will be brief, allowing you ample time to soak up the sights in the lovely village of Les-Baux- de-Provence. The village, steeped in royal history, is home to fascinating fortified ruins.
If museums are your thing, Les-Baux-de-Provence is also home to some spectacular museums, including a history museum and an olive museum.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Les-Baux-de-Provence
Distance: 23km, 482m of ascent, 307m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Cycle Loop Around Fontevraud
Say “au revoir” to Les-Baux-de-Provence this morning as you ride to Maussane, pedalling quiet backroads that grant you magical views of the Alpilles. Ride to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you’ll quickly learn about Vincent Van Gogh’s connection to this picturesque little town. Not long before his passing, Vincent Van Gogh was detained in Saint-Rémy, an experience that highly influenced some of his final works.
Saint-Remy is one of those places that will sweep you up in historical interest and ancient charm. Enjoy your time here in one of Provence’s most celebrated towns.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Distance: 28km. 483m of ascent, 348m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle Olive Groves and Orchards to Eyragues
A stunning route unfolds today, as you ride to the small village of Eyragues on a path flanked by century-old olive groves and robust orchards bursting with colour. Once in Eyragues, take in its 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque-style Saint Maxime church from the 11th and 12th centuries. Continuing the route, you’ll encounter the remains of ramparts dating back to pre-Roman times.
Finally, you’ll reach the market garden plains of Châteaurenard, from where you’ll continue to your hotel in either Barbentane or Graveson.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Graveson or Barbentane
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Departure
Your cycling tour of Provence comes to an end this morning following breakfast. Check out and head to the airport to depart with a week’s worth of wonderful memories in tow!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week except on Fridays. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $995 USD
- Sharing a double room: $995 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $895 USD
Departure on May 1st – June 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,525 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $950 USD
Departure on July 1st – August 31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,550 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,075 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $975 USD
Departure on September 1st – 30th, 2024:
- Single room: $1,525 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $1,050 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $950 USD
Departure on October 1st –31st, 2024:
- Single room: $1,425 USD
- Sharing a twin room: $995 USD
- Sharing a double room: $995 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $895 USD
Accommodation on the Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Castel Mouisson in Barbentane ★★★
Nestled in the heart of Provence, this serene hotel surrounded by rolling green hills will have you feeling the provencal soul.
Hôtel des Artistes (Tarascon) ★★★
Hôtel des Artistes in Tarascon is a charming and artsy accommodation, offering guests a cozy and creative stay while exploring the historic town and its cultural attractions in the Provence region.
Hotel la Muette in Arles ★★
This hotel is a 12th-century building remarkably restored whilst retaining its original charm.
Le Mas D'Aigret in Les Baux de Provence ★★★
Characterized by a romantic ambience and tranquil setting, this hotel and accompanying restaurant will quickly become one of your favourites in this region.
Hotel Van Gogh in Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur ★★★
This is a charming hotel that brings the best of Saint-Remy-de-Provence right to your doorstep.
Hotel Castel Mouisson in Barbentane ★★★
Nestled in the heart of Provence, this serene hotel surrounded by rolling green hills will have you feeling the provencal soul.
What’s Included in the Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Graveson/Barbentane are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage is included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
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