dossier
Back Roads of Provence Cycling
Season
March to October (July & August can be very hot).
Level Of Difficulty
This is a hilly region where cycling requires a degree of stamina. This trip is graded moderate. You cycle between 30km/19mi and about 62 km/38mi a day over some hilly terrain so a reasonable standard of fitness and stamina is required. It can be windy if the Mistral winds blow. The summer heat can be a problem, but by making early starts you can escape the hottest part of the day, but note that hotels do not often serve early breakfasts.
The Bikes
The normal specification is as follows: 21-gear hybrid with straight handlebars. On the bike there is a pannier (on each side of the bike) and a handlebar map-document bag. There is a water bottle cage, a repair tool kit and a pump. A cycle lock is provided.
Helmets can be included but for sizing and hygiene reasons, we recommend that you bring both your own helmet and waterbottle. We aim to adhere to the above specification, but occasionally there may be variations.
A bike hire fee of 75 E (approx US$113) has to be paid locally.
Maps & Route Notes
We provide specially written route notes, descriptions and map details.
Accommodation
7 Continental Breakfasts and 5 Dinners are included. Dinners normally include entree, main course and dessert and are particularly wholesome, normally prepared by your host. Occasionally the meal may just consist of 2 courses. Picnic lunches are not included in the tour cost but are available from hotels or can easily be obtained from local shops. We indicate in the route notes where there are suitable restaurants or cafes for lunch stops, or recommend you carry food if there are none convenient to the trail.
Double occupancy with private facilities:
Night 1: In a 2* hotel inside
Nights 2, 3 & 4. In Fontvieille . Here you stay in a lovely old 2* logis de
Nights. 5, 6 & 7. In
Note that pools maybe closed for cleaning or even emptied at certain times of year and we may not know this at the time you travel.
Arrival
First hotel: The starting point of the tour is in
Arrival: Anytime during the day, rooms may not be available if you arrive early, but you will be able to leave your luggage and explore the town.
Travel: Fly to
From
Marseille: http://www.marseille.aeroport.fr
The travel time for the bus that goes from the Marseille airport to the Aix TGV station (closer than Marseille train station) is about 15 minutes and the one-way price is about 5 Euros (approx US$7.50). Buses leave every 30 minutes. After that the TGV from Aix to Avignon TGV is 20 minutes duration. Then from the Avignon TGV, take the blue shuttle bus into town. The shuttle bus fare is around 1.5 Euros (approx US$2.25).
If you are starting from Marseilles Gare Saint-Charles (i.e in town at the SNCF-French Railways) there are normally trains every 1 to 2 hours to
Traveling from
For train times from other places you can check out the French Railways website at www.sncf.com. Check train times before traveling.
End of Tour: Taxi to train station at La Sorgue included. Train to
Itinerary
(Note: B: Breakfast included, D: Dinner Included).
Day 1. Arrival in
Day 2. Ride from Avignon to the Alpilles, and Fontvielle (45km) via the Monastery Saint Frigolet (12th century) which takes its name from the thyme (“ferigoulo” in Provençal), which grows wild on the hill sides. It’s most famous pilgrim was Anne of Austria who went to pray for an heir to the throne of
Night in Fontvieille. (B, D)
Day 3. Ride to les
Baux is a wonderful 10th century AD, a wonderful hilltop town that belonged to the Grimaldi family until 1790. Today, Prince Albert of Monaco retains the honorary title of Marquis of Les Baux. From there drop down into Saint Rémy de Provence for a stroll to discover several 15th / 16th century mansions or to have a drink under a plane tree (almost as old as the buildings). Night Fontvieille. (B, D)
Day 4. A relaxing day trip to
Day 5. Fontvieille to
Ride into the heart of the Baux valley through the typical provencal
producers of local wonders like the 17th century Cornille mill where you can taste one of
or try a tapenade at
Night L’Isle sur la Sorgue. (B, D)
Day 6. A day in the Luberon (62km)
This takes you along little roads, through wonderful villages from Gordes to
settings for a wonderful day. Night
Day 7. Another luberon ride (42km) A day to discover some of the lesser known villages in the Mont de Vaucluse including Venasque that overlooks Mont Ventoux, perched at the summit of a rocky outcrop, classed amongst one of the "most beautiful villages in
Night once again in
Day 8. Trip ends after breakfast in
General Information
Baths: it is not normal for your room to have a bath, the main reason being that it takes up a lot of space, some hotels may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but usually en-suite facilities include a shower.
Breakfasts: in countries such as
Single Supplements: are payable on most of our tours. The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms.
Language: Note that you will not necessarily come across people speaking English. Remember you have left home to find things different bring a phrase book, try to learn a bit of French
Luggage: When arriving at hotels, your luggage may have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival. However, don’t be surprised if your luggage is waiting for you at reception.