Self-guided cycling
3 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
This trip forms part of our 20 night, Tour de France trip. Click here for further details.
The air is infused with the soothing scent of lavender, the zesty aroma of freshly pressed olive oil, and the melodic chorus of cicadas, all enhancing the art de vivre in Provence, especially among its lush vineyards.
Famed for its robust reds, journey through the magnificent vines of Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Along the way, indulge in the delights of Provence: sip a glass of wine on a terrace as the sun sets by the pool, soak in a concert in the stunning Roman theatre of Orange, and wander through vibrant markets bursting with the aromas of the region.
We invite you to venture beyond the lavender fields to discover some of Provence's most charming villages. Savour exquisite Provencal cuisine and enjoy a rendezvous with nature that will leave you enchanted!
Towards the edges of the city, the Pont d'Avignon - celebrated across the world - is also an amazing must-see witness to the city's history. Avignon, surrounded by its ancient ramparts, is very suitable to explore on foot. Do not miss the largest Gothic palace in Europe and epicentre of the city, the Palais des Papes was the residence of pontifical sovereigns during the 14th century.
You stay at .
This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Ride through classical Provencal countryside past cherry orchards, fig trees, olive groves and meadows that provide an abundance of sun-drenched fruits and vegetables and cross pretty villages.
Have a stop at Isle sur la Sorgue, this is a charming town to potter around, with narrow streets filled with quaint cafes, little antique shops, old bridges and water wheels.
The route will lead you to Provence treasures where hidden in the middle of the lavender expanses, stands a jewel of Romanesque architecture: Sénanque Abbey. Then continue to Gordes one of the region's most famous and another of France's Most Beautiful Villages.
You stay at HOTEL DU POETE.
Hotel du Poete is situated in an old mill, at the gates of the Luberon massif. The Sorgue river runs through the lovely gardens and they have an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. They have a restaurant “Le Bistrot” overlooking the river, offering gourmet dishes serving lunch and dinner. Breakfast is a sweet and savoury buffet.
Marking the beginning of the Alps in the Rhone Valley, the 'Dentelles de Montmirail' are saturated by typically Mediterranean vegetation, aromatic herbs, holm oak, Aleppo pine and capers. Your journey continues through the vineyards via the famous wine villages such as Beaumes-de-Venise (renowned for its muscat wines and olive oil museum), Vacqueyras and Gigondas (famous for its ruby-red wine, where you'll find masses of tasting opportunities). Pass through Vaison-la-Romaine, a charming Roman and medieval town. In Orange, absorb the ambiance of the Roman Empire, the Ancient Roman Theatre, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, is the most well preserved Roman theatre in all of Europe.
You stay at GRAND HOTEL D'ORANGE.
This charming spa hotel is located in a quiet square the heart of Orange, near the Arc de Triomphe and the ancient theatre. They offer a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam and fitness room. Their buffet breakfast offers seasonal, organic products from the region, which can be taken on the restaurant’s terrace or in the dining room. Rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Train connection to Chalon sur Saone if you want to continue to the Burgundy section (3 hours journey). See the Burgundy section for further details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: HOTEL MAGNAN, AVIGNON.
This small boutique hotel offers 30 rooms in the historic city of Avignon. All rooms are air conditioned and most have a view of the pretty garden. Le Magnan Hotel have a patio / garden area, the perfect place to relax after a long day or to enjoy your breakfast. They have a lounge area and a water fountain where you can top up your water bottles. Breakfast is buffet and can be taken in the large breakfast room as well as outside.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £282.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided cycling
3 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching