Classic bike (AT)
£175 for 7 days
• Well signed cycle routes on the Via Rhôna and Via Venaissia
• Roman monuments in Orange, Vaison la Romaine and Avignon
• Provençal villages, markets and café culture
• Vineyards, river valleys and lavender scented countryside
• A relaxed rhythm with optional longer or shorter daily routes
Overview
This cycling holiday explores Provence at its most varied and approachable. Starting and finishing in Orange, the route links some of the region’s most recognisable places with long stretches of quiet cycling through vineyards, river valleys and small villages.
You follow established cycle routes for much of the journey, including the Via Rhôna, riding beside the Rhône before turning east into the landscapes of the Alpilles and the Vaucluse. Along the way you pass Roman theatres, medieval centres, lively markets and water filled towns such as L’Isle sur la Sorgue.
Each day is manageable, with options to shorten or extend the distance, making this a rewarding tour for regular cyclists who want variety rather than intensity.
Arrive in Orange and check into your hotel. You’ll receive a welcome briefing along with route notes, maps and practical information. If time allows, explore the Roman theatre and triumphal arch, both UNESCO listed and among the best preserved in France.
Example hotel: Hôtel Le Glacier, Orange
Example accommodation: Hôtel Le Glacier, Orange ***
Leave Orange on the Via Rhôna and ride through the vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. The route follows the Rhône for much of the day, crossing onto the island of Barthelasse before reaching Avignon. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic centre, the Papal Palace and the famous bridge.
Example accommodation: Hôtel Le Magnan, Avignon ***
Continue south along the Rhône on an easy to follow cycle path with wide views of the river and surrounding villages. Stop in Beaucaire to see its hilltop medieval castle before turning east towards the Alpilles. The scenery becomes more dramatic as you approach Saint Rémy de Provence.
Example hotel: Le Chalet Fleri, Saint Rémy de Provence
Example accommodation: Le Chalet Fleri, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence ***
Ride through peaceful countryside, passing small villages and local markets. The shorter route keeps the day relaxed, while the longer option adds extra distance through rural lanes. Arrive in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, often called the Venice of Provence, known for its canals, antique shops and relaxed atmosphere.
Alternative distance: 40 miles
Example accommodation: Le Mas de Cure Bourse, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue ***
Follow the Via Venaissia into classic Provençal garrigue, accompanied by the sound of cicadas in warmer months. The climb up to Venasque is the most testing part of the day before a long descent into Carpentras at the foot of Mont Ventoux.
Example hotel: Le Blason du Ventoux, Carpentras
Alternative distance: 24 miles
Example accommodation: Le Blason du Ventoux, Carpentras ***
Cycle through vineyards and wine villages including Beaumes de Venise and Le Barroux. Arrive in Vaison la Romaine, a town shaped by Roman history and medieval streets rising above the river. Take time to explore the archaeological sites and old town.
Example accommodation: Le Beffroi, Vaison-la-Romaine ***
The final day crosses the vineyards of Rasteau and follows the Aygues valley back towards Orange. Mostly flat and flowing, this is a fitting end to the journey. If you missed anything at the start, this is a good opportunity to revisit Orange.
Example hotel: Hôtel Le Glacier, Orange
Alternative mileage: 42 miles
Example accommodation: Hôtel Le Glacier, Orange ***
Depart after breakfast. Trains are available from Orange with direct connections to major cities.
We recommend flying to Marseille or Train via Lyon and returning from Marseille or Train via Lyon.
£175 for 7 days
£294 for 7 days
Included with bike hire
Provence, France • Camargue, France
Getting to Provence (Marseille or Lyon)
By plane to Marseille: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) has direct flights from UK airports with British Airways from London Heathrow, easyJet from London Gatwick and Luton, and Ryanair from London Stansted. Flight time is around 2 hours. The airport is around 25km from Marseille city centre, with a shuttle bus to the Saint-Charles rail station taking around 25 minutes.
By plane to Lyon: Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) has frequent direct UK connections and its own TGV station. From Lyon, Provence is around 1.5 to 2 hours south by TGV, making this a practical option for exploring the region before the tour starts.
By train: From London St Pancras, take the Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon (around 2 hours 40 minutes) or Marseille (around 3 hours 20 minutes), both of which are excellent bases for exploring Provence.
By car: Marseille is around 1,000km from Calais, taking around 9 to 10 hours via the A26 and A7 Autoroute du Soleil. The toll road runs through the Rhône Valley into the heart of Provence and is a straightforward drive.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
