Day 1 - Avignon and the famous Pope's palace
Your trip begins in the heart of Avignon. A medieval town on the banks of the mighty Rhône River, Avignon hides many treasures: the Pope’s palace, the 12th century bridge, the 14th century ramparts, still intact, and many museums and churches. Meander through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and discover cafés in open squares, shaded by plane trees.
Meals included : none
Night : Avignon
You cross the mighty Rhône, and ride on l'Ile de la Barthelasse: an island nestled between two branches of the Rhône River, a paradise of quiet winding roads snaking through fruit orchards and crops of all kinds. You are led to France's most prestigious of the Rhône wines: Châteauneuf du Pape. Literally translated as "New Castle of the Pope", Châteauneuf du Pape is a small winemaking village crowned by the remains of what was to be the Pope's summer residence.
Today you go
Today, you ride in France's most reputed vineyards destined for rosé wines: the village of Tavel. This prestigious rosé is the only wine to be found on the wine lists of every Michelin 3* restaurant in France. Leaving Tavel you head westward on a short and gradual climb. Slowly the vineyards give way to a forest of sparse evergreen oak. Your destination is Uzès, where the first Dukes of France reigned. Uzès is a very charming town, its centre harbours a wealth of beautiful and imposing monuments, including the duke's castle. The cobbled streets in town are lined with regal 17th and 18th century stone homes.
Today, you will explore the countryside around Uzès, dotted with tiny villages and adorned with vineyards. Leaving Uzès you pass stunning farmhouses, passing the Domaine de Malaïgue wine estate, with their flavourful and powerful red organic wines. You reach St. Quentin la Poterie, a small village world renowned for its pottery-making, and attracting artists from every corner of the planet. The artists' boutiques reveal a wide array of styles, inviting you to stroll around the tiny streets of this tightly-knit village. St. Quentin is the perfect stop for lunch, with a variety of bistros to choose from. Cycle back into the heart of Uzès.
You ride towards the famous Pont du Gard, a 2000 year-old monumental Roman aqueduct bridge set high above the river. Incredibly intact after 2 millennia, it used to conduct water from the source near Uzès, over a course of 50km. You can spend some time wondering under the bridge. Your course heads southward to reach Boulbon, a charming little Provençal village nestled up against the thyme-laden Montagnette hills. You continue cycling all the way to St remy de Provence, famous with Van Gogh and its Wednesday & Saturday morning market !
2 cycling options today !
After breakfast, transfer by taxi to Arles, capital of the Camargue, with its Roman amphitheater. (Transfer to Avignon is also possible if wished ). On the banks of the Rhône River, Arles harbours a remarkable wealth of Roman monuments, including its majestic coliseum, and emits a warm and authentic charm. End of your trip in Arles.