Cycling in Provence - from Avignon to Arles

Welcome to the medieval city of Avignon, one of France's most fascinating cultural cities and inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Stroll along the Rhône River, visit the impressive Papal Palace, walk across the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet bridge and enjoy the city's charming squares, churches and narrow alleys.

Today's bike tour takes you out of Avignon's historic city center and into the Provençal landscape. You cycle through the Montagnette massif, surrounded by pine forests, almond trees and olive groves, with the scent of rosemary and thyme in the air. Make a stop at the Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet monastery, a perfect spot for a picnic in the shade of cypress trees. The journey continues via the charming villages of Graveson and Maillane before you reach Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the vibrant artists' town where Van Gogh spent his final year. For those who want to cycle a bit further, there's an extra loop to the picturesque village of Eygalières (+29 km).

One of the trip's most beautiful stages awaits! You follow small roads along the Alpilles, through landscapes filled with pine trees, wild herbs and vineyards. Pass the romantic Saint-Gabriel chapel and the elegant Château d'Estoublon estate, known for its olive oils and wines (tasting opportunity).
Continue towards Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France's most spectacular villages, dramatically situated on a cliff with the ruins of an old castle on top. From here you roll down to the plain and continue to Arles, the ancient Roman city where Van Gogh painted several of his masterpieces.

The day offers a delightful loop tour in the Camargue Regional Nature Park, a unique wetland area where pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses roam freely among rice fields and salt marshes. The cycling is completely flat and goes through vast landscapes with the scent of sea and salt.
For those who wish, the tour can be extended to La Capelière, a nature reserve with viewing platforms over the wetlands (+10 km).

After breakfast, the trip ends. Be sure to take the opportunity to explore Arles a bit more – the historic city center, the amphitheater and the Van Gogh Foundation are well worth a visit before the journey home.