Provence Classic Bicycle Tour Itinerary

Day One: Pont du Gard 19 B.C.

Your guides will greet your arrival at the Avignon TGV train station and drive you through the rolling countryside to the Gard region, where you will spend two luxurious nights. Toast your arrval with some Rosé de Provence during your bike-fitting, safety talk and map review, then hop onto your bike to spin slowly to the Pont du Gard aqueduct – one of the grandest structures ever built by the Romans. This feat of engineering genius was built in 19 B.C.to carry water from the nearby town of Uzès to Nîmes, and boasts having the largest main arch of any Roman structure. Then ride through the scenic villages of Lédenon and Cabrières past fruit orchards aplenty. After a pleasant climb, enjoy a log thrilling descent through the gorgeous gorges of the "garrigue" or Provençal scrubland. After this outstanding introduction to the journey ahead, we’ll cycle back to the hotel. Tonight our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of authentic Provençal fare.

Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Avignon, Pont du Gard, Lédenon, Cabrières
Distance cycled: 28 km / 16.8 miles

Day Two: Uzès Loop

Vineyards and fortress villages pepper the route to Uzès, a medieval town that was the starting point of the Pont du Gard aqueduct because of its plentiful source of fresh water. Pottery, truffles, wines, asparagus, olives and olive oils are just a sampling of some of the wonderful and delicious products you'll find in the vibrant shops and stalls of Uzès. Enjoy lunch in town, speak with the artisans in their studios, wander through the streets and admire the views from the Tour Fénestrelle. Then continue cycling through the region’s garrigue and villages of Flaux and Valliguieres taking in the Chateau of St. Siffret and fields of asparagus. Stop along the way for a tasting of intense, full-bodied reds, fine elegant whites and fresh fruity rosés. After a fabulous day of biking and sightseeing, take the time to wander the streets of your town and take in the surroundings at the only café, a popular stop for all the locals. Tonight, indulge in a fabulous dinner in Castillon du Gard with our darling friend, Mario. He is certainly a character and always a favorite among DuViners.

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Vers, Uzès, Flaux, Valliguieres, and Castillon du Gard
Distance cycled: 42 km / 26 miles

Day Three: Gard – Les Baux de Provence

After enjoying another full breakfast buffet including fresh fruit, yogurt, baguettes and local honey, you will leave the Gard region and cycle past rustic stone churches and through rural countryside before crossing the Rhône River. Climb a beautiful slope to the working Abbey de St. Michel-de-Frigolet where we will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. While passing through the villages of Graveson and Maillane, we can stop in a at café to reenergize with a café au lait or a pastis, a traditional anise-flavored liqueur. After riding through miles of fruit orchards, we will arrive at Les Baux de Provence. Once we have reached the top, you'll have earned some of the most spectacular views in the region. Natural cliffs and lush greenery lead up to the ruins of a fortified castle. When we arrive back at our stunning accommodations, relax by the pool in a grove of olive trees before heading off for dinner in Maussane. Tonight is your choice for dinner, but you are warmly invited to join the guides at the famed "Chez Brun", our favorite local pizzeria, where our friends Colette and Bruno have reinvented the pizza.

Meals: Breakfast/Gourmet Picnic/Dinner
Destinations visited: St.Michel-de-Frigolet Abbey, Gravenson, Maillane and Les Baux de Provence.
Distance cycled: 50 km / 30 miles       

Day Four: St. Rémy to Eygaliers

Your mission today is to explore St. Rémy de Provence! We start with a tasting of the world's best olive oils before heading to enjoy the scents and colors of a typical Provençal market. The streets are filled with artisans selling their fabrics, essential oils, soaps, produce, jewelry, olives, and more...The birthplace of Nostradamus and favorite inspiration of artist Van Gogh is now a shopper’s paradise. Have lunch in one of the bustling cafés or grab a baguette and some cheese to have a picnic by a fountain. Take your pick of visiting Van Gogh’s mausoleum or Glanum, the site of the most important Roman excavation site in France, before cycling to our next hotel, le Mas en Rose. The owner, Fabienne, has transformed this unique villa into a truly luxurious and exclusive place to relax. When passing through Eygalieres, take the time to wander the streets up to the top of the hill where you can visit the chateau ruins and the esplanade of the old gatehouse and Saint-Laurent church. Tonight we are treated to many  of the local specialties from the area in our hotel's restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: Maussane-les-Alpilles, St. Rémy de Provence, Eygalieres
Distance cycled: 28 km / 17 miles

Day Five: Paradou - Eygalierés

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with homemade pain au chocolate, croissants and other pastries and then hop on your bike to cycle through the beautiful mountain range known as les Alpilles. This could possibly be the most beautiful ride of the week as we pass gorgeous rock outcroppings often dotted with shepherds and their flocks of sheep. This rugged land manages to be ideal terroir for the vineyards of Mas de Gourgonnier and their many olive groves. We'll stop and taste their wines and find how out how this land is perfect for the styles of wines they seek to bring to the table. Continue back to Eygalierés for a lovely picnic and then a gentle return climb back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours to learn a few secrets about Provencal cuisine during your cooking class led by our chef. Our last dinner together will be filled with reminiscing, good food and wine with your newfound friends.

Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited:  Eygalierés
Distance cycled: 26.8 km / 16 miles

Day Six: Eygalierés - Avignon

After eating a relaxing breakfast surrounded by Provençal countryside, say goodbye to Provence however you see fit. Take a last loop ride around Eygalieres, sip a traditional French café, or finish your shopping in the village's market. We’ll see you off at the Avignon TGV train station as you head on to your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction

TRIP TOTAL: 174.8KM/ 105.8 MILES, averaging 35km/ 21 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.

Additional Information

Where do we meet on the first day of the Provence bike trip?
Your two DuVine guides will meet you at the TGV train station in Avignon on the morning of your tour. They will be wearing DuVine gear. Contact your DuVine tour coordinator at least 60 days prior to your trip to finalize your pre & post tour travel plans you have made or wish to make.

Where does the Provence bike trip finish?
We will depart from the last hotel in the late morning for the TGV train station in Avignon to catch a TGV train to Paris, or any other destination of your choice.

How do I go about making my travel arrangements?
DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of your pre and post travel plans.  Whether you are seeking a reservation at a hotel in Paris, or train tickets, simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com.

What is not included on your Provence bicycle trip?
Any pre and post travel accommodations, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way will not be covered by DuVine Adventures.

How should I tip my DuVine guides?
If you appreciate the service your guides provide, we recommend giving a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.

What travel documents will I need for my bike trip?
All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport.  Please make 2 copies of your passport and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.

What is the weather going to be like in the South of France?
May - October in Provence usually bring clear, warm, and pleasant days with cool evenings. Rain is rare in Provence but always a possibility, so be prepared with the proper rain gear.

What is the average daily mileage?
The average daily mileage is about 18-20 miles (28-32km). There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer miles.

How should I get in DuVine shape?
The best way to prepare for your DuVine bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle.  We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity.  As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches — the kind of terrain that you will find on your Provence bicycle tour.  We have different riding options everyday and, of course, great van support.

How should I pack?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.

A few words and phrases you’ll definitely use in Provence

• pastis: sweet, anise-flavored apertif, served ice cold
• tapenade: puréed or finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil
• calissons: canydy with a paste of candied fruit and ground almonds topped with a thin layer of white icing.
• creme brulee: Provence’s favorite custard
• herbes de provence: a mixture of herbs available in a sachet so you can take a little of Provence home with you
• promenade digestive: the long walk you’ll feel like taking right after dinner at almost any restaurant in Provence