Provence Alpilles by Bike

Arrive in historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you should visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre. Our first choice of hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Dinner is at leisure.

Today’s cycle is quite short, giving you time to explore. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle and on to Les Baux, a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool located at the foot of the village. Visit the hilltop town on foot or by bike, there are some great museums including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. 169m ascent, 34m descent

From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road with gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy, a small town in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Alpilles. Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum here (he also spent time in Arles) and the picturesque landscapes and light inspired many of his works. Other artists attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample time to explore this delightful town, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. The usual hotel is 3-star with a pool and ideally located near the town centre. Own dinner arrangements. 257m ascent, 386m descent

Today you pedal along back roads lined with orchards, typically olive groves and fruit trees. Pause to peek into the village of Eyragues, with its splendid 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque church of Saint Maxime dating from the 11th century. Stretch your legs on ancient lanes lined with the remains of ramparts, then continue through vegetable gardens and farmland around Châteaurenard. Finish by riding back into Barbentane (or Graveson). Dinner at the hotel. 79m ascent, 118m descent

Arrangements conclude after breakfast. It is approx 15 minutes by taxi to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport.