Compare Country Walks In Provence by Alpine Interface vs Cycle Provence by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,540 | $ 2,720 |
| Price Per Day | $ 443 | $ 340 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Whether you’re in search of the perfect family hiking trip or a self-guided walking tour, sun-drenched Provence offers French charm in abundance. This is one of our most popular hiking adventure vacations. Discover a place of immense beauty that has attracted painters, poets, and writers from all over the world. Our European walking tours center around Mont Ventoux, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards. We combine half-day walks and daily visits to local markets, museums, and archeological sites. The walking is moderate and offers incredible views from the fortified towns, jagged limestone peaks and ancient villages. Stroll through vineyards, meet the locals and enjoy “la belle vie” of southern France. |
Ride your way through neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and past verdant forests on an eight-day active cycling adventure through Provence. This journey through Southern France is the perfect blend of scenic trail riding, historical sightseeing and indulgent wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works, savour regional red wines at a vineyard outside Avignon and walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux to the top of the limestone cliffs. With a handful of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Roman history and serene landscapes where wild horses roam free – what more does a European cycling adventure need? |
Day 1: Avignon
Transfer from Avignon TGV ( High Speed Train) to our hotel in Avigon. If time permits, a guided visit of the Papal Palace is planned.
Day 2: Avignon-Carpentras-Vaison-la-Romaine
Our day begins with a short drive to Carpentras, in order to explore one of the more vibrant and authentic markets in all of Provence. Buying our own lunches, we can sit under the shade of one of many majestic Plane trees and enjoy local delicacies such as taponade or olive paste, local cheeses and the many different kids of red, white and rose wines produced in the Cotes du Rhone region of Provence. After lunch, a short drive brings us to Vaison-la-Romaine, an ancient, well-preserved Roman town on the banks of the River Ouvezes.
Day 3: Gigondas
Our hike takes us around the Dentelles de Montmirail, a fin of limestone jutting up from the vineyards. Along the way, a wine tasting has been arranged with Yves and Edmond Gras, a father and son team of local vintners producing high quality red and white wines.
Day 4: Sault – Beaumes de Venise
Our day begins with a van transfer to the village of Sault where we begin the long hike into the Gorges de la Nesque, a spectacular canyon walk below towering limestone cliffs. Our night will be spent in Baumes-de-Venise, known for its sweet, syrupy wines taken as a cocktail in France.
Day 5: Mont Ventoux
The “Giant of Provence” is our goal today. Also know as the Mt Ventoux, this nearly 2000m high mountain allows for a spectacular hike along the north face, shaded from the sun as we meander in and out of the forests.
Day 6: St. Remy de Provence
St Remy de Provence is our destination today. Painted by Van Gogh, this bustling town is surrounded by excellent hiking trails allowing for half-day hikes in order to explore this very photogenic part of southern France. Market and guided visit of the cloister where Van Gogh lived.
Day 7: Les Baux de Provence
Leaving from our hotel, we make our way to the fortified town of Les Baux de Provence, known for its tiny streets, shops selling hand painted works of art and excellent restaurants. This easy hikes leads us to one of the more charming villages in all of France.
Day 8: Departure Day
The trip ends after breakfast. Transfers possible to the TGV station in Avignon.
Day 1 Avignon
Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Avignon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon or explore the leafy streets and the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) at your own pace. You could also flop down on the grass of the Jardin des Doms with a fresh fougasse (French bread often sculpted to resemble a head of wheat) and some cheese. Tonight, ask your new local leader for the best dinner spot.
Day 2 Orange
After breakfast today, there will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone's equipment has been set up properly. Then, you’ll leave Avignon and cycle along quiet and flat country roads to Orange. Along the way, pass through the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and maybe make a stop at a local vineyard. Sample some of the red wine this region is famous for, then continue the road to Orange. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the town, visiting the Arc de Triomphe d'Orange and the outstanding Roman Theatre – one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Day 3 Uzes
Leave Orange behind and ride the quiet roads south to the walled Provencal commune of Caderousse. Here, cross the mighty Rhone River passing the medieval village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and cycle past the vineyards that produce Lirac wines – the favourite wines of kings and the papal community in Avignon. Continue west through wine country to the legendary Pont du Gard – widely considered to be one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a Roman Aqueduct. Towering high above the Gardon River, this three-tiered stone masterpiece never fails to impress. On a quiet day, there may even be an opportunity to ride across it! After visiting the Pont du Gard, continue west to the small town of Uzes with its graceful circuit of boulevards and cute cafes.
Day 4 Saint Remy
Today is a long day in the saddle, but you’ll be rewarded with impressive sights along the way. Hopefully, the infamous mistral wind will be blowing from the northwest, providing a tailwind all the way to Saint Remy. Winding back across the Rhone, travel beneath the old city gate and into the small town of Tarascon. Take a short break from cycling to visit the imposing medieval castle, before sitting on the riverbank to learn about the legend of the Tarasque, the namesake of the town. After lunch, continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In distinct contrast to the surrounding larger cities and towns, Saint Remy displays a typically Provencal way of life. Visit the serene gardens of Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent van Gogh was a self-admitted patient and where he painted many works of art, including ‘Irises’ and the famous ‘The Starry Night’.
Day 5 Saint Remy (& optional Mont Ventoux ride)
Today is a free day off the bike to explore charming Saint Remy at your own pace. Indulge your inner Van Gogh and chill out in a Provencal cafe, or if you’re still keen for a ride, your crew can suggest the best route in the local area. You can also take on the legendary Mont Ventoux on a carbon road bike. Driving from Saint Remy to Bedoin early, you’ll be riding on the mountain as the sun rises to beat the infamous Ventoux winds and summer heat. The unguided ride should take about 4 hours, leaving enough time to grab a coffee and croissant before you rejoin your driver in Bedoin for the drive back in Saint Remy.
Day 6 Les Baux & Arles
Hit the road again after breakfast. Today, you start with a short ride to the hilltop commune of Les Baux-de-Provence. Although the distance is short, this is also one of the more difficult rides. For those not wanting to ride uphill, your support vehicle is always available. The first climb through the forest is rewarded with a short but beautiful descent on possibly the smoothest road in all of France. Carry on through olive groves and vineyards before arriving at Les Baux – declared ‘one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France’ thanks to its narrow, cobbled streets and surrounding countryside. Visit Chateau des Baux, which sits perched on a limestone cliff offering 360-degree views. After, ride through the Val d’Enfer’s (Valley of Hell) white limestone rock formations. From here, it is a downhill ride to Fontvieille, where you’ll follow the Canal d'Arles alongside the Rhone River all the way into Arles. Park the bikes and take a leader-led walk, passing the Place de la Republique, Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre.
Day 7 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Arles
Swap vineyards for waves on a ride south to the capital of the Camargue – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which sits on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Set on the Rhone River delta, the lakes of Camargue are a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds. The area is also known for its famous white Camarguais horses, often seen running free around Camargue. After lunch, return to Arles by vehicle. You also have the option to ride back to Arles (but this optional ride will not be supported by either the leader or your vehicle). Tonight, maybe get the group together to enjoy a final dinner.
Day 8 Arles
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
