Provence Highlights Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided | Individual | 8 days | 7 nights | From £799 per person
Other durations available on request.
Full holiday prices by date are shown on the ‘Book Now’ tab.
Book the Provence Highlights cycling holiday here >>
Tour Highlights
• Shows you the natural wonders of Provence.
• Ride through the famous wine town of Chateauneuf du Pape.
• Enjoy the wine tasting area of the Cote du Rhone.
• Suitable for beginners and first time cycle-tourists.
• Explore a popular area of France.
Route: Provence, but away from the hills!
Apart from a few small ascents in the hilly landscapes of the Garrigue and the Alpilles, the route is easy and varied, suitable even for inexperienced cyclists. You mostly bike on small streets with less traffic and on asphalted paths.
The approximate difficulty level for this tour
Day 1: Individual arrival in Orange
Enjoy the city with the wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times. The great theatre and the triumph arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. The old town attracts with Provençal charm as well as small pretty shops and cafés. One overnight in Orange.
Day 2: Orange – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon approx. 50 km
The first stage takes you into the world-famous wine town Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A stroll through the town should not be missed. You ride on to the city of Avignon along the Rhône cycle paths, without the bother of car traffic. We recommend a stroll through the old town with a visit to the papal palace. One overnight in Avignon.
Day 3: Avignon – St. Rémy – Arles approx. 55 km
Without much ado and once again with hardly any traffic you leave the town and cycle directly to St. Rémy, probably the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town in the Provence. Nothing surpasses the hustle and bustle, the blaze of colour and the richness of herb scents under the shadow-offering plane trees in the ancient alleys of the old town.
The effort of the ascent to the Alpilles is rewarded with great views of the Les Baux because of the harmonic location of the village and because of the fortress ruins, Les Baux is also known as the “city in rock”. Chosen small paths and tiny streets take you to Arles. Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterise the cityscape and the history of Arles. Arles was the second-biggest city of the Roman Empire; it is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Your hotel accommodates you for the next two nights.
Day 4: Arles – Camargue – Arles approx. 45 km
Half sea, half land – the Camargue is an unique natural landscape with brackish water lakes, vast salt steppes, wild horses and the famous pink flamingos. Small paths take you into the unique nature reserve. In Mejanes with the Arena you have the opportunity of travelling with a small train through unspoilt nature and to admire, with some luck, flamingos and wild bulls. The route takes you on almost traffic-free paths back to Arles. Further night in Arles.
Day 5: Arles – Nîmes approx. 50 km
In the morning you cycle to the cities Tarascon and Beaucaire. Both cities are placed beside the Rhône River. There are a lot of nice places and castle of the 12 century. Visit a café in Beaucaire and enjoy a break beside the riverbank. The charm of the city Beaucaire invites you to stay and relax.
In Nîmes numerous well-preserved buildings are evidence of the Romans. Visit the arena, the Maison Carrée or the Tour Magne. Or enjoy the modern part of the city the “Carré d´art” of Norman Foster. One overnight in Nîmes.
Day 6: Nîmes – Pont-du-Gard – Uzès approx. 50 km
You will ride for a while through the vineyards of Costières-de-Nimes. About noon you will already see Pont-du-Gard, the famous aqueduct from Roman times, world heritage as well. Aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary accompany you into the pretty Provençal town of Uzès, which attracts with its magical, medieval charm. Among other places of interest, the unique market square, surrounded by arcades, is worthwhile. One overnight in Uzès
Day 7: Uzès – Orange approx. 55 km
Today the landscape changes once again. The last stage takes you through the hilly landscape of the Garrigue, with its oaks and Mediterranean herbs. Later on, the vineyards and the lovely orchards of the Provence take over once again. On the other side of the river you cycle through other famous wine regions of the Côte du Rhône (Lirac, Laudan) and reach the city of Orange again in the afternoon. One overnight in Orange.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast individual departure or extra days.
Route Profile
Apart from a few small ascents in the hilly landscapes of the Garrigue and the Alpilles, the route is easy and varied, suitable even for inexperienced cyclists. You mostly bike on small streets with less traffic and on asphalted paths.
Where is the starting point of the holiday?
Tour Route Map
The Provence Highlights tour stays in 2* hotels or 3* hotels carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route.
Your stay includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and permanent assistance in case of problems.
The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival. |
|
Provence Highlights | Sample Hotel List |
Orange | Hotel Saint Jean |
Avignon | Hotel Au Saint Roch |
Arles | Hotel Porte de Camargue |
Arles | Hotel Porte de Camargue |
Nimes | Best Western L’Orangerie |
Uzes | Hotel saint Genies |
Orange | Hotel Saint Jean |
Services
• Overnights in double rooms (shower/WC) in hotels of the booked category with breakfast
• Half-board if booked: at least several course dinner (Supplement Payable)
• Welcome briefing
• Detailed travel documents
• English-speaking tour guide on spot
• Luggage transfer
• 7-days-service hotline
• GPS tracks available
Quality, comfortable and sturdy bikes
We understand that well made bikes are essential for an enjoyable cycling holiday. All bikes are based on technology from leading Austrian bike manufacturer ‘KTM’ and serviced by an expert mechanic.
The bikes use good quality components to give you confidence in the bike on your holiday and comfortable riding on varied cycle paths and roads.
About the bikes
You will be given an easily identifiable, solid and sturdy aluminum trekking bike with V-brakes, solid wheels, almost puncture resistant tyres. Each bike has been built through continuous development and feedback from customers.
Each bike is also fitted with a dynamo lighting system for ease, handlebar bag, pannier, mudguards and comfortable saddle made by Selle Royal.
You can also bring your own saddle and adapter with you (diameter of seat post from 27, 2 to 31, 4 mm). We help you with the fitting of saddles and SPD shoes should you require assistance.
Gear systems
7-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano NEXUS gear hub. Gears can be changed anytime even whilst stationary.
21-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano ALIVIO derailleur. The ALIVIO system is robust and easy to use.
Frame sizes
The following frame sizes are available on tours with the bikes shown in the picture:
Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm
Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedal brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm
Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with freewheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping crossbar” cm
(Must be reserved in advance!)
We will request your heights at the time of booking to ensure correct bike sizing.
Accessories
We high-quality accessories for your holiday from well-known manufacturers:
• Waterproof rear pannier
• Waterproof handlebar bag
• Service-Set with tools and extra bicycle tube
• Bike pump
• Combination lock
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men’s Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men’s bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping” cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)?
Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Provence Highlights, 8 days, 7 nights
All prices are per person and include bike hire.
Cycling Holiday Prices:
Prices are based on seasonal date bands
Season 1: March – June | September – October
Season 2: June – June | August – September
Season 3: June – august
Arrival Saturdays and Mondays
Category Deluxe: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From, £1139 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £1199 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £1219 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £429
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £109
Category A: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From £919 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £949 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £979 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £199
Half Board Upgrade: From £209
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £109
Category B: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From £799 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £829 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £849 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £179
Half Board Upgrade: From £189
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £109
Extra Nights (Prices per person per night):
Location, Price (DBL/BB), Single Room Price (SGL/BB)
Orange (Cat A): From £59 | £99
Orange (Cat B): From £49 | £79
Calculate the cost of your cycling holiday
Hotel Category Descriptions
Deluxe: Comfortable hotels of the 3*** and 4****-level (french class.), partly with air conditioning system and pool.
Category A: Comfortable hotels mostly of the 2** and 3***-level (french class.), partly with air conditioning system and pool.
Category B: Good hotels and guest houses of the 2**-level (french class.). All rooms with shower and toilet or bath and toilet.
Extra nights are available to book on this tour!
Prices are per person per night and based on two sharing. Single supplements apply.
For extra nights, you will stay in the same hotel. Please let us know if you wish to book extra nights at the start or at the end of the tour when completing your ‘Booking Request’.
Any local tourist taxes are not included in the holiday price and are payable at the hotel.
For help and queries regarding this tour…
Contact us | F.A.Qs
Holiday Price: From £799
Single Supplement: From £179