Provence by Bike: Villages, History, and Wine

You’ll get your first taste of Provence in your choice of starting points, either Graveson or Barbentane. Both are authentic French villages that will introduce you to the charm and allure of this elegant region.

Depart from your starting point village this morning, setting out either through the majestic Alpilles' foothills or via the Abbey of St Michel de Frigolet. Regardless of which route you find yourself pedalling this morning, beautiful Tarascon is your highly-anticipated destination.

You'll enjoy spectacular scenery as you ride through several tiny villages along the way, with the freedom to linger as long or as little as you like in each.

Arrive in Tarascon, a medieval fortified town perched on the Rhône River. An array of medieval sites awaits your discovery here, including the 15th-century Château de Tarascon, once called home by the King of Provence Count Rene d'Anjou. Tonight, you'll enjoy a spectacular dinner featuring local specialties and excellent wine, the perfect end to an already magical day.

Hit the road this morning riding north, where you’ll notice the landscape morph into rugged and rocky scenery. Arrive in Fontvieille, home to several ancient windmills (including Daudet’s Mill), as well as many beautiful churches. Spend some time immersed in the history of this tiny town full of intrigue, then hop back on your bike and ride to Arles.

Arrive in the historic town of Arles, which dates to the 7th century BC and is a major Gallo-Roman city. There is no shortage of historical sites in Arles, including the great Arles Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre of Arles. Arles will continue to delight as you later pay a visit to the famous canal to admire the reconstructed Van Gogh Bridge, the setting of Van Gogh’s famous “Pont de Langlois” works.

Today’s ride will be brief, allowing you ample time to soak up the sights in the lovely village of Les-Baux- de-Provence. The village, steeped in royal history, is home to fascinating fortified ruins.

If museums are your thing, Les-Baux-de-Provence is also home to some spectacular museums, including a history museum and an olive museum.

Say “au revoir” to Les-Baux-de-Provence this morning as you ride to Maussane, pedalling quiet backroads that grant you magical views of the Alpilles. Ride to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where you’ll quickly learn about Vincent Van Gogh’s connection to this picturesque little town. Not long before his passing, Vincent Van Gogh was detained in Saint-Rémy, an experience that highly influenced some of his final works.

Saint-Remy is one of those places that will sweep you up in historical interest and ancient charm. Enjoy your time here in one of Provence’s most celebrated towns.

A stunning route unfolds today, as you ride to the small village of Eyragues on a path flanked by century-old olive groves and robust orchards bursting with colour. Once in Eyragues, take in its 18th-century clock tower and fortified Romanesque-style Saint Maxime church from the 11th and 12th centuries. Continuing the route, you’ll encounter the remains of ramparts dating back to pre-Roman times.
Finally, you’ll reach the market garden plains of Châteaurenard, from where you’ll continue to your hotel in either Barbentane or Graveson.

Your cycling tour of Provence comes to an end this morning following breakfast. Check out and head to the airport to depart with a week’s worth of wonderful memories in tow!