Cycling Tours in france

Back Roads of Provence Cycling

On this self-guided cycle tour, you pedal through the quiet old back roads of Provence; threading your way into large areas of natural beauty, villages filled with history, a region loved for its art de vivre, gastronomy, vineyards and traditions. Leave the main roads behind and discover inspiring landscapes; a trip through time and traditions. 
Starting from the banks of the River Rhône, you won’t fail to be impressed by the lofty Gothic Popes’ Palace in Medieval Avignon, with walls 18-feet thick, dominating the city. On the other extreme there is a chance to visit Greco -Roman Arles where local tradition lives on with Bull fights conducted in the Roman amphitheater. Away from these urban centers, you will be cycling through a low range of Provencal mountains called The Alpilles. This is an area of forests, vineyards and olive groves, highlighted by two particularly pretty small towns: Saint Rémy de Provence adopted home of Van Gogh and Les Baux de Provence, a village with a spectacular position in the hills, set atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains to the south. The former is still a busy little market town, the latter was once renowned for its court, famed for its high level of ornateness, culture and chivalry.
On the way you will also take in the treasures of another range of hills, those of the Luberon, such as L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its antiques shops, hosting colorful and lively antique market. Then there is Roussillon which stands on a hilltop in the heart of "ocher country" and boasts houses in every shade of burnt orange, dusty pink, and russet red that take on a particular brilliance at sunset. Also visit Gordes one of ‘le plus beau village de France’ a town of silk painters, weavers, and potters with houses built of golden stone that rise to the Renaissance château crowning the top. 

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