France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the Marseille airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel in Aix-en-Provence.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the beautiful, 2,000-year-old “City of a Thousand Fountains” at your leisure. Listen to the soft murmur of those ancient fountains as you stroll its narrow winding streets, take in the bright colors and flavors in the markets, or linger with locals on crowded café terraces. VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Aix-en-Provence. Perhaps you’ll savor typical fare prepared with fragrant herbes de Provence from the hillsides for dinner on your own.

After an included breakfast, and an early lunch on your own in Aix-en-Provence, meet your VBT representative/coach driver at 1:00 p.m. and travel by bus to Castillon-du-Gard.

Your hotel is set in the heart of the charming hilltop village. Please note that rooms may not be ready until 4:00 p.m.

At 2:30 p.m., meet your VBT trip leaders for a short introduction, followed by a safety and bike-fitting session and warm-up ride. Tonight, attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your explorations with a warm-up ride to the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Breathtaking scenery and excellent cycling await you on the first full day of your Provence bike trip. After breakfast at your hotel, cycle from Castillon-du-Gard to Avignon. Enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, in Avignon, join a local guide for a walking tour of the fabled “City of the Popes.” Stroll the timeless cobblestone streets of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later this afternoon, cycle to Chateauneuf-du-Pape along the new cycling path on the island of La Barthelasse. Pause in the village at a wine cellar for a tasting of the distinctive red and white wines that reflect the terroir of the pebbly soil and the sunny climate. You can also visit the ruins of the 14th-century castle that was built by Pope John XXII, admire the views of the Rhône valley and the Mont Ventoux, and stroll along the charming streets lined with shops. From here, travel by coach back to the hotel in Castillon-du-Gard.

Tonight is free for you to enjoy an authentic Provençal dinner in one of the village restaurants or at your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Castillon to Avignon — 34 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Avignon to Chateauneuf-du-Pape — 19 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy a morning ride mainly on quiet country roads from the Gard to the Vaucluse department into Avignon. Enjoy impressive first views of France’s historic papal city as you approach it. After lunch on your own, join a guided walking tour of Avignon inside the ancient city walls.

Later this afternoon, cycle on the ViaRhôna bike path leading to the greenway to Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.

Afterwards, shuttle back to the hotel before dinner on your own.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 53 km (12 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today’s ride takes you to Uzès, a charming medieval town. Visit its well-preserved historic city center, where cobblestone pathways lead the way to ancient castles, hidden gardens and picturesque squares.

After lunch, cycle to the banks of the Gardon and its Roman aqueduct bridge. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering this masterpiece. Built by the Romans in the first century BCE (and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985), the Pont du Gard is just one segment of a 31-mile-long (49.9-km) aqueduct built to transport water from a spring in Uzès to the city of Nîmes. Remarkably, the structure was built entirely without mortar, using stones that weighed up to six tons. Consisting of three levels, this bridge appears surprisingly delicate despite the massive stones used in its construction. Much of the aqueduct has deteriorated over time, but this most impressive span still stands. Walk across this stunning architectural achievement.

It’s then just a short bike ride back to your hotel.

Tonight’s dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Castillon to Uzès — 19 km (11miles)

Afternoon: Uzès to Pont du Gard — 16 km (10 miles) OR Pont du Gard to hotel — 6 km (4 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle through beautiful agricultural land up into Uzès. Wander the narrow streets to the quaint shops, galleries, museums, and monuments before lunch on your own. This afternoon, ride your bicycle from Uzès to Pont du Gard for a visit of this impressive aqueduct. After your visit, it is a short bike ride back to the hotel.

Tonight, dine at a restaurant, just footsteps from the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 6 – 41 km (4 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, begin cycling toward the Rhône River and into the Montagnette and to the Frigolet Abbey, built in the 12th century in the middle of a forest of pines and cypresses.  Visit of the exterior grounds and the two churches of this sanctuary dedicated to the archangel Saint-Michel. The place owes its name to the thyme (“ferigoulo” in Provençal) which strews the surrounding hills.

Enjoy a picnic lunch nearby featuring Provençal favorites. After lunch, pedal to your hotel in Saint-Rémy.

Once settled in, you have time to relax, perhaps in the hotel’s outdoor pool before dinner at a local restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Avignon to Pont du Gard — 41 km (26 miles)

Afternoon: Vers to Pont du Gard — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle form the hotel toward the Rhône River, crossing over to   and a stop at the Frigolet Abbey. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch in Montagnette before cycling to your hotel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 – 52 km (7 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, roll into the heart of the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence. Stop at some interesting sites along the way, such as the ancient fortress of Les Baux, which sits on an 800-foot (243.8-meter) rocky plateau.

The beautiful village of Les Baux has many lookouts with stunning views of Arles, the Camargue, and the Alpilles. As you walk through, pause at the architectural accomplishments of its church, château, town hall, hospital, chapels, houses, and doorways.

Have lunch on your own here. Afterward, experience an extraordinary visual and musical production at Carrières de Lumières, whose spectacular multimedia shows are set in an abandoned limestone quarry. Then cycle back toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence through the gentle countryside that inspired van Gogh to create more than 150 paintings.

Later, meet up with your trip leaders and walk to meet local historian Mathilde Duvillier by the Saint-Paul Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh admitted himself. Mathilde will guide your small group to many of the places pictured in the artist’s works during his time here, enabling you to relate the scenes directly to them. You’ll also venture inside the sanitarium to see the carefully reproduced layout and furnishings of van Gogh’s room.

After another short walk back to Saint-Rémy, enjoy dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saint-Rémy to Les Baux Loop — 32 km (20 miles) OR Saint-Rémy to Les Baux — 10 km (6 miles)

Afternoon: Les Baux to Saint-Rémy — 10 km (6 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle into the heart of the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a rocky plateau. If you wish, you may add an extra loop in the Alpilles before lunch. You may cycle back to the hotel or return by support vehicle after lunch on your own. Later, walk to meet local historian Mathilde Duvillier for a van Gogh tour, followed by an included dinner in town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 – 42 km (6 – 26 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, prepare for what may be the most beautiful cycling of the entire week. You’ll ride through pristine Provençal countryside, passing olive groves and the soaring Alpilles. A small chain extending from the Luberon, the Alpilles are not very wide but rise dramatically out of the Rhône Valley. Their foothills are flanked by the Durance and Rhône rivers.

As you cycle, you can stop to wander through timeless villages. Perhaps you’ll explore Eygalières and its lovely stone-built homes lining small winding streets. While here, you might walk to the top of the village to view the panorama, and enjoy a picnic lunch on your own in a cool field, shaded by olive or almond trees. If you’re up for a more ambitious riding day, our longer option offers even more delightful scenery.

Later this afternoon, you are free to stroll Saint-Rémy’s narrow cobblestone streets, browse the enticing shops, and admire the ancient restored houses with their Renaissance façades.

Tonight, exchange stories of your Provence bike trip as you celebrate with your fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saint-Rémy to Eygalières — 19 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Eygalières to hotel — 17 km (11 miles) OR Eygalières and Alpilles to hotel PLUS — 40 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

Start to cycle through the pristine Provençal countryside, passing olive groves and the Alpilles mountains. Consider a stop in Eygalières to explore this Provençal village and its outdoor market. Buy a picnic lunch or try one of the local restaurants—and don’t forget to walk to the top of the village to enjoy the panorama.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 – 57 km (11 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, transportation is provided to your centrally located hotel in Marseille, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m. The hotel reception will hold your luggage until your room is ready for check-in later in the afternoon. VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Marseille.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Marseille airport will be provided for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet at the first hotel in Castillon-du-Gard by 2:30 p.m.

Your hotel is set in the heart of the hilltop village. At 2:30 p.m., meet your VBT trip leaders for a short introduction, followed by a safety and bike-fitting session and warm-up ride. Tonight, attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-up — 8 km (5 miles)

What to Expect:

Begin your explorations with a warm-up ride to the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. Return to Castiloon-du-Gard, a 13th century village with cobblestone streets, gargoyles, old watch tower, Romanesque chapel and ochre façades of magnificently restored houses.

Cumulative Distance Range: 8 km (5 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Breathtaking scenery and excellent cycling await you on the first full day of your Provence bike trip. After breakfast at your hotel, cycle from Castillon-du-Gard to Avignon. Enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, in Avignon, join a local guide for a walking tour of the fabled “City of the Popes.” Stroll the timeless cobblestone streets of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later this afternoon, cycle to Chateauneuf-du-Pape along the new cycling path on the island of La Barthelasse. Pause in the village at a wine cellar for a tasting of the distinctive red and white wines that reflect the terroir of the pebbly soil and the sunny climate. You can also visit the ruins of the 14th-century castle that was built by Pope John XXII, admire the views of the Rhône valley and the Mont Ventoux, and stroll along the charming streets lined with shops. From here, travel by coach back to the hotel in Castillon-du-Gard.

Tonight is free for you to enjoy an authentic Provençal dinner in one of the village restaurants or at your hotel.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Castillon to Avignon — 34 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Avignon to Chateauneuf-du-Pape — 19 km (12 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy a morning ride mainly on quiet country roads from the Gard to the Vaucluse department into Avignon. Enjoy impressive first views of France’s historic papal city as you approach it. After lunch on your own, join a guided walking tour of Avignon inside the ancient city walls.

Later this afternoon, cycle on the ViaRhôna bike path leading to the greenway to Chateauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.

Afterwards, shuttle back to the hotel before dinner on your own.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 53 km (12 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today’s ride takes you to Uzès, a charming medieval town. Visit its well-preserved historic city center, where cobblestone pathways lead the way to ancient castles, hidden gardens and picturesque squares.

After lunch, cycle to the banks of the Gardon and its Roman aqueduct bridge. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering this masterpiece. Built by the Romans in the first century BCE (and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985), the Pont du Gard is just one segment of a 31-mile-long (49.9-km) aqueduct built to transport water from a spring in Uzès to the city of Nîmes. Remarkably, the structure was built entirely without mortar, using stones that weighed up to six tons. Consisting of three levels, this bridge appears surprisingly delicate despite the massive stones used in its construction. Much of the aqueduct has deteriorated over time, but this most impressive span still stands. Walk across this stunning architectural achievement.

It’s then just a short bike ride back to your hotel.

Tonight’s dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Castillon to Uzès — 19 km (11miles)

Afternoon: Uzès to Pont du Gard — 16 km (10 miles) OR Pont du Gard to hotel — 6 km (4 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle through beautiful agricultural land up into Uzès. Wander the narrow streets to the quaint shops, galleries, museums, and monuments before lunch on your own. This afternoon, ride your bicycle from Uzès to Pont du Gard for a visit of this impressive aqueduct. After your visit, it is a short bike ride back to the hotel.

Tonight, dine at a restaurant, just footsteps from the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 6 – 41 km (4 – 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, begin cycling toward the Rhône River and into the Montagnette and to the Frigolet Abbey, built in the 12th century in the middle of a forest of pines and cypresses.  Visit of the exterior grounds and the two churches of this sanctuary dedicated to the archangel Saint-Michel. The place owes its name to the thyme (“ferigoulo” in Provençal) which strews the surrounding hills.

Enjoy a picnic lunch nearby featuring Provençal favorites. After lunch, pedal to your hotel in Saint-Rémy.

Once settled in, you have time to relax, perhaps in the hotel’s outdoor pool before dinner at a local restaurant.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Avignon to Pont du Gard — 41 km (26 miles)

Afternoon: Vers to Pont du Gard — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle form the hotel toward the Rhône River, crossing over to   and a stop at the Frigolet Abbey. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch in Montagnette before cycling to your hotel in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 – 52 km (7 – 33 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, roll into the heart of the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence. Stop at some interesting sites along the way, such as the ancient fortress of Les Baux, which sits on an 800-foot (243.8-meter) rocky plateau.

The beautiful village of Les Baux has many lookouts with stunning views of Arles, the Camargue, and the Alpilles. As you walk through, pause at the architectural accomplishments of its church, château, town hall, hospital, chapels, houses, and doorways.

Have lunch on your own here. Afterward, experience an extraordinary visual and musical production at Carrières de Lumières, whose spectacular multimedia shows are set in an abandoned limestone quarry. Then cycle back toward Saint-Rémy-de-Provence through the gentle countryside that inspired van Gogh to create more than 150 paintings.

Later, meet up with your trip leaders and walk to meet local historian Mathilde Duvillier by the Saint-Paul Asylum, where Vincent van Gogh admitted himself. Mathilde will guide your small group to many of the places pictured in the artist’s works during his time here, enabling you to relate the scenes directly to them. You’ll also venture inside the sanitarium to see the carefully reproduced layout and furnishings of van Gogh’s room.

After another short walk back to Saint-Rémy, enjoy dinner on your own.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saint-Rémy to Les Baux Loop — 32 km (20 miles) OR Saint-Rémy to Les Baux — 10 km (6 miles)

Afternoon: Les Baux to Saint-Rémy — 10 km (6 miles)

What to Expect:

This morning, cycle into the heart of the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence, situated on a rocky plateau. If you wish, you may add an extra loop in the Alpilles before lunch. You may cycle back to the hotel or return by support vehicle after lunch on your own. Later, walk to meet local historian Mathilde Duvillier for a van Gogh tour, followed by an included dinner in town.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 – 42 km (6 – 26 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, prepare for what may be the most beautiful cycling of the entire week. You’ll ride through pristine Provençal countryside, passing olive groves and the soaring Alpilles. A small chain extending from the Luberon, the Alpilles are not very wide but rise dramatically out of the Rhône Valley. Their foothills are flanked by the Durance and Rhône rivers.

As you cycle, you can stop to wander through timeless villages. Perhaps you’ll explore Eygalières and its lovely stone-built homes lining small winding streets. While here, you might walk to the top of the village to view the panorama, and enjoy a picnic lunch on your own in a cool field, shaded by olive or almond trees. If you’re up for a more ambitious riding day, our longer option offers even more delightful scenery.

Later this afternoon, you are free to stroll Saint-Rémy’s narrow cobblestone streets, browse the enticing shops, and admire the ancient restored houses with their Renaissance façades.

Tonight, exchange stories of your Provence bike trip as you celebrate with your fellow travelers during a special farewell dinner.

Today's Ride Choices

Morning: Saint-Rémy to Eygalières — 19 km (12 miles)

Afternoon: Eygalières to hotel — 17 km (11 miles) OR Eygalières and Alpilles to hotel PLUS — 40 km (25 miles)

What to Expect:

Start to cycle through the pristine Provençal countryside, passing olive groves and the Alpilles mountains. Consider a stop in Eygalières to explore this Provençal village and its outdoor market. Buy a picnic lunch or try one of the local restaurants—and don’t forget to walk to the top of the village to enjoy the panorama.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 – 57 km (11 – 36 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, transportation is provided to our Marseille hotel in the old port, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m. Your tour ends here.

Included Meals: Breakfast