Provence and the Camargue

Orange to Avignon. Your first cycling of the holiday is through the world famous winegrowing area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The route meanders through the vineyards and onto a virtually traffic free cycle route into Avignon. A lovely end to the day would be an evening stroll through the old city with its cobble streets, waterwheels, bell towers emerging from a mass of pink roofs and the famous Pope’s palace, now declared national cultural heritage. Perhaps walk down to the Rhône to view the picturesque Pont St-Bénézet, well known as ‘la Pont d’Avignon’ through the song, before dinner in one of the many pavement restaurants.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Avignon to Arles. Leave the city en route to the charming fortified town of Graveson whose main street runs alongside the canal, then on to the shady plane trees at Maillane and through the fertile fields of ‘Petit Crau de St Remy’. St. Rémy is a great stop for lunch with its dappled shady boulevards and cooling fountains. To sit in one of the pavement cafés, while taking in the rich scent of herbs from the bustling markets, is the very essence of Provence. Reluctant to leave, there is a choice of the flat route around the Alpilles, or for the adventurous, a challenging climb into the Alpilles with stunning views of the spectacular fortified Les Baux consisting of the lower ‘living’ village and the deserted upper village carved from the solid rock of a natural rock island. At the foot of the Alpilles there is an opportunity to see the well preserved Roman aqueduct before making your way to the former Roman capital of Arles and your hotel for the next two nights. This lovely old town with its impressive Roman remains, huge plane trees and typical café terraces was also, for a while, home to Vincent van Gogh.

Miles: 34 Kms: 55

A complete change of scenery today as you leave Arles heading into the wild flat lands of the Camargue – a fantastic and unique nature reserve with brackish lagoons, reed beds, wild horses, black bulls and the famous pink flamingos. Don’t forget your binoculars for use at the observation areas in order to view the unique wildlife. At Mejanes you can take the small electric railway to explore the waterside further or later take a short detour to a visitor centre close to the waterside in an area frequented by flamingos. Return through the quiet flat country roads to your overnight accommodation at Arles.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Arles to Nîmes. Your route today first crosses the ‘Little Camargue’ with more opportunities to see the famous white horses and black bulls onwards to St. Gilles which was founded in the 8th century by a Christian missionary from Greece. Spend time here to visit the famous Abbey founded in his memory with its wonderful medieval carvings before continuing through rice fields and vineyards to reach King René’s imposing castle in the town of Tarascon and on to your hotel in Nîmes Maybe take a guided tour of the city before a well earned nightcap.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Nîmes to Uzès. Leave Nîmes behind as you cross the mighty Rhône and continue your journey through the vinyards of Costières-de-Nîmes.   Then on to spend time at Pont-du-Gard, the remarkably preserved and massive aqueduct built by the Romans to deliver water to Nîmes. Spend time at the heritage centre, a relaxing lunch or perhaps take a cooling dip in the River Gardon before cycling over the river courtesy of the finest Roman engineers. You may enjoy the sweet smells of confectionary and the Haribo Museum as you approach the medieval charm of Uzès, for your overnight stop.

Miles: 31 Kms: 50

Uzès to Orange. Today you are heading back to Orange, through hills covered with the small evergreen Kermes Oaks and the herbs of the Garrigue, to the fortified Bastide d’Engras. After crossing the small river Tave, you continue for a short while on the route of an old Huguenot path towards the sleepy village of Cavillargues perhaps for some morning refreshments before continuing through more of the vineyards and beautiful orchards of Provence. Crossing the River Rhône, it’s on to Caderousse and then the short distance back to Orange and your overnight accommodation.

Miles: 34 Kms: 55

Extra nights in Orange may be booked if you would like longer to enjoy the unique experience, sights, smells and taste that is Provence.