Backroad cycling France

A superbe bike trip taking in historic Towns, prestigious vineyards, and scenic Provençal landscapes—from Avignon to ArlesRef CN23

What better way to explore the heart of this charming corner of Provence than on a bike? From bustling Avignon and the Palais des Papes, we cross lush orchards and wine estates including the famous Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes de Venise. Our route offers us breathtaking views of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the majestic Mont Ventoux. A network of quiet roads with little traffic take us from village to village as we discover the local architecture and cultural heritage. Further south, we reach the white rocks of the Parc des Alpilles before heading towards the medieval perched city of Les Baux de Provence, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. To finish the week, we gently descend to the ancient city of Arles, whose historic centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

If we like, we can extend our trip on the Pearls of the Gard itinerary from Arles back to Avignon. Our route first leads us from Arles to Nîmes, where we’ll explore Roman treasures like the magnificent Arena and Maison Carrée. From there, we continue to the iconic Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman aqueduct nestled in the Gardon Gorges. The journey concludes back in Avignon, with time to soak up its vibrant atmosphere.

Self-guided tour: from 795€ - Details Duration : 6 or 10 days | Level : Customer satisfaction :
- 11 reviews
+33 458 140 435 A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.
Book this tour
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    Not especially sporty, but you enjoy biking occasionally.

  • Tour profile:

    Distance: 25 to 35 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 500 metres maximum accumulated over the day.
Physical level :  

  • Your profile:

    Fairly sporty, enjoying leisure cycling on a fairly regular basis.

  • Tour profile:

    Distance: 35 to 50 km per day depending on the route profile. Altitude gain: 800 metres maximum accumulated over the day.
This tour is E-bike compatible

Highlights

  • Riding on quiet backroads through vineyards, orchards and olive groves, with the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux as a backdrop
  • The towns and villages of Provence, with their exceptional cultural, historical and architectural heritage
  • Discovering the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise
  • Crossing the Parc Naturel des Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence
  • The option to extend your stay with our 'Pearls of the Gard' extension, including Nîmes and Pont du Gard

Description

  • Accommodation:

    Standard: 3* hotels and Chambres d'hôtes (guest houses)
    Comfort+: 3* & 4* hotels and Chambres d'hôtes

  • Luggage transport:

    Included. You carry only your daypack.

Comments

  • This trip exists in 2 versions : V1=1 wheel / V2=2 wheels
  • It has a 6-day version (classic Pearls of Provence trip) and a 10-day version (Pearls of Provence and Pearls of the Gard)
  • Special offers for private groups. Please ask us for a quote.
  • E-bike rental available for this tour. See details in "Useful information" tab.

Pearls of Provence itinerary (6 days)

Pearls of Provence itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Avignon - Châteauneuf du Pape - Orange

Itinerary start: France Bike Trips services begin on day 1 at 10m at Avignon SNCF railway station. Departure directly by bike; please arrive in your cycle clothing. On request we can book the previous nights accommodation for you in Avignon.

You know you’re in Provence as soon as you arrive in the magnificent city of Avignon. Christian capital during the Middle Ages, Avignon has retained an exceptional heritage from its past, a large part of which is classified by Unesco: the Palais des Papes, the Pont d’Avignon, but also the Place des Palais with the baroque facade of the Hôtel des Monnaies, the Petit Palais museum and the Doms cathedral... We visit the ramparts, from the garden of the Doms to the Pont d’Avignon, before heading north on quiet back roads, following the Rhône upstream. The village of Châteauneuf du Pape, with its vineyards and prestigious wines offer an almost obligatory stop! We then reach Orange, the City of Princes. Roman city and gateway to Provence, Orange has many historic buildings, including the famous Théâtre Antique and Arc de Triomphe, which we can take the time to visit late afternoon.

Route option 1 (along the dyke on the right bank of the Rhone heading north, gravel track): Distance covered: approx. 39 km; altitude gain: approx. 200 m
Route option 2 (on the Via Rhona cycle route in a northerly, direct northerly direction): Distance covered: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: approx. 200 m

Day 2: Orange - Vaison-la-Romaine

The 2 levels each leave on different routes today. Level 1 heads northeast to the foot of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, winding its way through the vineyards of Vacqueyras and Gigondas, and the picturesque villages of Violès and Sablet. The highlight of the day is the listed medieval village of Séguret, with its cobbled streets, its posterns, its picturesque houses and the ruins of the feudal castle, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From Séguret, a quiet road winds its way through the hills to reach our overnight stop in Vaison-la-Romaine.
The level 2 itinerary leaves Séguret and the Dentelles vineyards for the following day and heads off on a completely different route. First of all Piolenc, the garlic capital, a few pedal strokes from Orange. We then ride along the foot of the wooded hills of Uchaux, before heading northeast across the Plan de Dieu vineyards towards Cairanne. Perched on a hilltop, the old village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux, as well as the Aygues and Ouvèze valleys, next section of our route, following in the footsteps of the Templars. Vaison-la-Romaine would be worth a day’s visit alone! Ranked amongst the Most Beautiful Detours of France, "La Cité des Voconces" is home to a rich heritage, hiding numerous treasures.

Level 1: approx. 30 km; altitude gain: approx. 250 m
Level 2: approx. 50 km; altitude gain: approx. 450 m

Day 3: Vaison-la-Romaine - Mormoiron (at the foot of Mont Ventoux)

The level 1 route continues its tour of the Dentelles de Montmirail by the east, taking the road to Malaucène. The scenery between the Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles is magnificent, helping us to forget that the route isn’t the flattest in the area! Heading back down to the plains, we cross Le Barroux with its emblematic castle, its oil mill and its aqueduct.
Meanwhile the level 2 route circumvents the Dentelles to the west. Séguret, then Gigondas and Vacqueyras, and finally Beaumes de Venise… villages with evocative names in the world of wine, as well as an exceptional heritage! With the Dentelles as a backdrop, we ride through numerous vineyards, interspersed with several pretty stone villages. The two routes meet once again at Caromb, before criss-crossing the terraced landscapes typical of the Ventoux area. We reach the village of Mormoiron, our stopover for the night, where the Salettes lake awaits us for a relaxing post ride swim.

Level 1: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: approx. 350 m
Level 2: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: approx. 550 m

Day 4: Mormoiron - Isle sur Sorgue

This morning we cross the agricultural Comtat plain. Early in the day we discover the small village of Mazan, with its many chapels and its 64 early Christian sarcophagi! The two levels then separate just before Venasque. For the level 1 our route leads to the historic Pernes-les-Fontaines, a magnificent medieval village with 40 fountains. Nearby Velleron offers the opportunity to discover one of the most renowned agricultural markets in the Vaucluse. The level 2 route also has some great surprises in store. After Mazan, our itinerary joins the perched villages of the Monts de Vaucluse: Venasque, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Le Beaucet and its fortified castle, the old village of Roque-sur-Pernes and its "calades" (pebble arrangements)...The climb is a bit tough, but the reward is more than worth it with superb panoramic views of the Ventoux and the surrounding countryside. A great descent awaits us to join the various sites of the Sorgue: Saumane de Vaucluse and the castle of the famous Marquis de Sade, the enchanting Fontaine de Vaucluse, source of the Sorgue and its abyss... Plenty to see! The day's route ends at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, nicknamed the "Venise comtadine" with its canals, paddle wheels, the Notre-Dame des Anges church... and its celebrated flea markets.

Level 1: approx. 35 km; altitude gain: negligible (optional out and back trip to Venasque + 5 km)
Level 2: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: approx. 450 m

Day 5: Isle sur Sorgue - St Rémy de Provence

We leave the Sorgue country behind us and join the Petit Luberon and the village of Robion. Nestled between the Alpes de Haute Provence and the Plaine de Vaucluse, between the Calavon Valley to the north and the Durance to the south, is the imposing Luberon range. We could spend a whole week discovering the Luberon by bike, but this time we’ll content ourselves with its capital, Cavaillon, its delicious melons and a stroll through its picturesque streets and alleys. Back on the bikes once again we head west to reach the Alpilles, the last range of hills before the plains of the Camargue. Saint Rémy de Provence, to the north of the Alpilles range is another of the region's must-see towns. Built on one of the oldest archaeological sites in Europe, in a setting of lush green, scented valleys, it’s easy to fall under its charm. Its many fine period homes have been restored with taste and its pretty streets offer the perfect setting for a late afternoon stroll...

Distance covered: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: negligible

Day 6: St Rémy de Provence - Arles

Home of the writer Alphonse Daudet and a favoured painting destination of Van Gogh, the Alpilles offer the perfect end to this Provençal bike tour. We cycle through some magnificent Provençal scenery of “garrigue”, pine and oak forests, along shaded tracks and small back roads leading to some beautiful local bastides (country houses). The listed village of Les Baux-de-Provence offers us another superb stop, with an exceptional architectural and historical heritage. The range offers great views of the surrounding olive groves, and further south, the Camargue. The Alpilles, Camargue and Crau area make up what is known as the “Golden Triangle of Biodiversity”, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Gateway to this beautiful region and the final point of our stay is the city of Arles. A few gentle pedal strokes lead us to the Arènes, an important venue for bullfighting, but above all an imposing and charismatic emblem of the town's glorious past.

Distance covered: approx. 30 km; altitude gain: approx. 200 m

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end at Arles SNCF railway station at around 3:30pm. On request we can book the following nights accommodation for you in Arles.

In order to return to Avignon we strongly recommend the direct TER train service (journey time approx. 20 mins, bicycles accepted free of charge). Please contact the SNCF directly for train times and further information.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Trip extension Pearls of the Gard (4 days)

Trip extension Pearls of the Gard (4 days)

Days 1-6: Avignon - Arles

See our 6 day version of the Pearls of Provence trip above.

Day 7: Arles - Nîmes

Leaving Arles, you'll take the back roads of the Camargue towards the village of Saint Gilles and its abbey church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the route alternates between vineyards and traditional Gard villages until you arrive in Nîmes, the timeless Roman city that will transport you back to the days of gladiatorial combat.

Level 2: approx. 46 km; altitude gain: approx. 250 m

Day 8: Nîmes – Vers-Pont-du-Gard

A few twists and turns through the narrow streets of Nîmes will take you to a cycle path that leads you to the gates of the Pont du Gard, nestling in the heart of the Gorges du Gardon, an exceptional natural site.

Level 2: approx. 40 km; altitude gain: approx. 350 m

Day 9: Loop ride around Vers-Pont-du-Gard

We're taking advantage of this loop day to take time to discover the Pont-du-Gard, a jewel listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1985 and the most visited ancient site in France! The first, shorter version lets you enjoy this pretty greenway, a former railway line, or visit the Pont du Gard museum. The second version takes you to the pretty village of Sagriès et Sanilhac, in the heart of the garrigue.

Level 1: approx. 20 km; altitude gain: approx. 100 m
Level 2: approx. 32 km; altitude gain: approx. 300 m

Day 10: Vers-Pont-Du-Gard - Avignon

On our final day, we'll be heading for the legendary city of Avignon via the Eurovelo 11 route, which runs along the banks of the Rhône. It's an opportunity to take in the architectural gems of Avignon one last time, including the Palais-des-Papes, the Pont d'Avignon and the Jardins Pontificaux.

Level 2: approx. 45 km; altitude gain: approx. 150 m

Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end at Avignon SNCF railway station at around 3:30pm. On request we can book the following nights accommodation for you.

Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.

Dates

This tour can be booked anytime between mid-April and mid-December.

Costs and services self-guided tour

Price per person for a group of:

Single-room supplement will be automatically charged in the case of odd-numbered groups.

The price includes:
  • 5 or 9 nights' in 3* hotels and chambres d'hôtes in double rooms (DR) with en-suite facilities
  • 5 or 9 breakfasts
  • Daily baggage transfers (only 1 luggage item per person, max 20 kg)
  • Carefully designed itineraries with different levels of difficulty
  • Our navigation app for smartphones, a detailed road book including maps (digital format) and GPS tracks
What is not included:
  • Lunch meals
  • Bike rental
  • International flights
  • Your transfer to the meeting place (see paragraph below)
  • All services mentioned in extensions
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks at the accommodation
  • Visits to museums, monuments and sites
  • Additional travel related to change in the programme due to bad weather
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything not mentioned under  “the price includes".

Supplementary services

(Prices per person)

Single room accommodation, 6 days (5 nights) - Hotels 3* and chambres d'hôtes 295 € / 

Single room accommodation, 10 days (9 nights) - Hotels 3* and chambres d'hôtes 415 € / 

Extra nights in Avignon:

Extra night in Avignon in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 75 € / 

Extra night in Avignon in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 125 € / 

Extra night in Avignon in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 95 € / 

Extra night in Avignon in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 145 € / 

Extra nights in Arles:

Extra night in Arles in 2* hotel, double room, including breakfast 70 € / 

Extra night in Arles in 2* hotel, single room, including breakfast 115 € / 

Extra night in Arles in 3* hotel, double room, including breakfast 90 € / 

Extra night in Arles in 3* hotel, single room, including breakfast 135 € / 

Bike rental: see below

On request, we can book the 5 dinners of your trip in restaurants carefully selected by our teams (budget generally between 30 and 35 € per person, starter, main course and dessert. Drinks not included). Meals are to be paid by you upon arrival at the restaurant. A fixed fee of 35€ per booking, to be added at the time of your registration.

Bike rental

Bikes are available for rent.

Standard bike (6 days) 160 € / 

E-Bike (6 Days) 380 € / 

Standard bike (10 days) 280 € / 

E-bike (10 days) 610 € / 

Delivery to Avignon and pick-up in Arles/Avignon
Shared package, from 1 to 5 bikes rented		 195 €

Delivery to Avignon and pick-up in Arles/Avignon
Shared package, from 6 to 10 bikes rented		 320 €

Helmet & bike locks 15 € / 

All bicycles are equipped with mudguards, a puncture repair kit, a smartphone holder, a rear rack with two rear panniers (saddlebags). Helmets and bike locks available upon request (extra 15 € per person).

Please confirm your height on your booking form.

Electric bikes offer pedaling assistance, greatly reducing the effort needed to cover a given distance compared to a classic "human-powered" bicycle. They offer an alternative solution in two cases: 

  • You do not feel able to complete a level 1 wheel (lowest level) circuit. With electric assistance, this trip becomes accessible. 
  • You would like to complete a circuit with a person who is fitter than you and you are worried that you will be unable to keep up, or that the other person will find your pace too slow.

Private groups / Custom tours

You are a group of friends, a family, a company or a cycling club and you would like to organise a private cycling tour on the dates of your choice. This option is available for guided and self-guided tours.

  • If you are interested in one of the tours presented on our website, we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in your group.
  • If you are interested in a custom version of one of our tours, with specific requirements (tour duration, accommodation type, vehicle assistance, airport transfers, bike rental, etc.), we can provide you with a detailed quote based on the number of persons in the group and the group's specific requirements.

For more information or to receive a quote, please contact us by phone at +33 458 140 435  or by email at info@france-bike-trips.com.

Travel insurance

It is important to be correctly insured when embarking on a cycling holiday. We recommend checking the details of your travel insurance (if you have one) and, if necessary, subscribing to our contract below. Please note that France Bike Trips is simply an intermediary between you and the insurance company.

You can choose between these travel insurance contracts while completing your booking form:

  • I subscribe to the "comprehensive multi-risk" insurance cover (4.5%), minimum premium of 15 €:
    This contract covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage, holiday interruption and cancellation. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "cancellation only" insurance cover (2.5%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers cancellation only. To see the full contract, click here.
  • I purchase the "repatriation & assistance" insurance cover (1.6%), minimum premium of 10 €:
    This policy covers assistance, repatriation, lost or stolen luggage and holiday interruption. To see the full contract, click here.

Recommendation:
If you choose to take out a travel insurance policy with another insurance company, please check that the search and rescue coverage is suitable: area covered, expenses included, risks covered (as an indication, a minimum cover of 15 000 € is recommended). Please note that credit card insurance rarely offers this type of coverage.

Booking procedure / Cancellation

How to book

In order to make a booking please fill in the online booking form on the "booking" page of your chosen tour. At the end of the booking process you will be transferred to our bank's secure payment page in order to pay a 30 % deposit.

Last minute booking

All self-guided bookings made within 21 days of tour departure will incur a surcharge of 15 € per person.

Expert advice
  • Unsure which tour to book?
  • Interested in a custom version of one of our tours?
  • Not sure if a particular tour is suitable for your riding style?

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm (French time) by phone - +33 458 140 435 or by mail - info@france-bike-trips.com.

Tour confirmation

In order to confirm our guided tours, we need to reach a minimum number of participants (usually 5 persons are necessary). Therefore booking a guided tour does not necessarily mean the tour is confirmed. In the unlikely event that we are unable to confirm your chosen tour, we will offer you the opportunity (no less than 21 days before departure) of switching to another (confirmed) tour, or receiving a full refund.

Self-guided or custom tours: We confirm bookings of self-guided tours and custom tours directly after booking.

In both cases, please await our final booking confirmation before making any travel arrangements.

Balance payment

Tour balance payment must be made no less than 30 days before tour departure. Your travel documents will be sent to you once we have received your balance payment. Road books and maps will be sent to you 3 weeks before departure.

Cancellation

In the event that you are obliged to cancel your tour France Bike Trips will reimburse the entire sum paid for the tour, minus the following cancellation charges:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 5 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 60 and 31 days before departure: 15 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 30 and 21 days: 30 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 20 and 14 days: 50 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Between 13 and 7 days: 70 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium
  • Less than 7 days before departure: 100 % of the tour price, excluding insurance premium

Full details of our sales conditions are available here

Getting there

By train: From Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Avignon train station (about 3h30 by TGV train).
https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

By plane:

  • From Lyon airport: join the Lyon train station and head to Avignon train station.
  • From Marseille airport : join the Marseille train station and head to Avignon train station.

By car:
Route planner: en.mappy.com

Coming back:

You can return to Avignon by taking the train from Arles (about 15min) : https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Route navigation

You will receive an email 2 weeks before departure, containing all the information necessary for your upcoming tour, including the following navigation tools:

Our dedicated smartphone app

Follow your route with comfort and ease! Thanks to the Velorizons navigation app, download the full trip itinerary to your smartphone, view route maps and profiles, access the list of booked accommodation, services and useful contacts, and use the integrated route guidance (visual and vocal) for navigation.

►See the mobile app presentation video

To benefit fully from the app navigation system, we strongly recommend attaching your smartphone to the bicycle handlebar using a dedicated mount. An example can be viewed here.

Velorizons app compatibility
Operating systemAndroidAppleWindows PhoneBlackberry
CompatibilityVersion 8.0 minimumiOS 8.0 minimum. iPhone compatible, iPad compatible if GPS equippedNon compatibleNon compatible
A detailed Road Book

Your tour road book will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The road book contains:

  • Full colour maps with highlighted routes,
  • Step-by-step route description,
  • Route profiles
GPS tracks

Tour GPS tracks will be available to download in your My France Bike Trips customer area. The tracks are in .gpx format, compatible with all GPS devices/apps.

Car sharing

If you sign up for a guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to see if you can carpool with other participants to get to the point of departure. To do this, go to "Car sharing" in our website. By entering the complete reference and the date of departure of the tour (available on the registration confirmation that we have sent you), you have access to route details and emails of other participants who wish to carpool.

Group size and guiding

For guided trips we limit the size of our groups from 5 (min) to 12 (max) persons in order to ensure security and conviviality.

You will be guided by English-speaking French mountain bike guides.

No size limitation for self-guided groups.

Accommodation

We favour comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality. For more details, please see the "Costs and services" section.

For private groups and self-guided tours it is possible to choose alternative accommodation (upgrade) depending on availability.

Food

"L'art de la table"

We pay very careful attention to the quality and the variety of your meals.  Fresh and local produce will be served wherever possible.

Depending on the meals included in your chosen tour:

  • Continental breakfasts taken at the accommodation
  • Cold picnics for lunch (mixed salad, bread, cold meats, cheese and fruit). Each participant carries his picnic in his daypack
  • Hearty dinners (3 to 4 courses, with local dishes)

Please check the "Dates & Prices" section for meal plan details.

Baggage

During the day you carry only a daypack for additional clothing, water, food, camera, etc. The rest of your baggage is transferred each day to the following nights accommodation.

Health

We strongly recommend having a medical check-up before your holiday. 

Our / Your state of mind

- A "group" tour: If you join a guided tour, you will be part of a group for several days. This is a superb opportunity to meet new people and share some magical moments. However, a group tour requires that each person show friendliness, openness and mutual respect for their fellow travellers.

- An "adventure" tour: despite the most careful preparation, adventure tours can present unforeseen events. Accepting these risks will help you enjoy your trip to the full, in the knowledge that your guide, our local partners and the entire France Bike Trips team will offer you the most suitable solutions to any given situation.

Bike and plane / train

If you decide to bring your own bike, be aware that transporting a bike by plane or train is no longer an issue. However a few simple guidelines help to optimise the transport and avoid potential damages that could occur.
Your bike must be transported in a designated bike bag (standard size 120x90cm). This maximal size allows you to travel with your bike as "hand luggage" in any TGV and SNCF trains.
It is very important that you protect your bike in the bag. After having deflated the tires, removed the wheels (by removing the quick release mechanisms), pedals and rear derailleur (which is left hanging on the chain), we recommend you wrap your bike inside the bag in a sheet of dense foam (thickness of 3 to 5 cm). A piece of cardboard or rigid plastic positioned between the foam and the inside of the cover can be beneficial to provide more rigidity.

Once folded up the bike bag will take up very little space and will be transported by the assistance vehicle during your tour.

Bike bags are available directly from France Bike Trips at a cost of 70 euros, plus postage.

Your equipment

Equipment provided by France Bike Trips on guided tours:
  • A group first-aid kit
  • A bike repair kit and tools
Personal equipment to bring:
Baggage

All your luggage must fit in two bags: a daypack and a travel bag.

1/ Daypack

This is the bag you will keep with you each day whilst riding. This bag should not be too large (up to 30 litres).

It will contain: a picnic lunch, camera, waterproof and extra clothing, etc.

Each day, your guide will advise you on what to bring in your bag according to the route and the weather.

2/ Travel bag

This is the bag that will be transported from one accommodation to the next by vehicle. It should contain all the belongings you will not use during the day.

IMPORTANT: Your luggage transported from one accommodation to the next must fit in a single bag and must not exceed 20kg.

List of equipment to pack in your bag the day of departure:
For your head
  • A cap or other head protection against the sun
  • A hat or headband
  • A bike helmet.
For your upper body
  • Two base layers (made of synthetic or natural breathable fabrics)
  • A warm shirt or a sweatshirt
  • A fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
For your legs
  • Two good quality cycling shorts
  • Trousers
  • Casual short
  • A swimsuit.
For your feet
  • Comfortable sports shoes 
  • Sports socks
  • Sandals (not obligatory, but nice during breaks and in the evening...).
For your bike

If you rent a bike from France Bike Trips, this material is not necessary.

  • 2 spare tubes and a puncture repair kit
  • Lubricant for chain and derailleur
  • A pump
  • A spare derailleur hanger
Various
  • A pair of cycling gloves
  • A bike lock
  • 2 bike bottles 75 cl (or Camelbak)
  • A small individual pharmacy: sunscreen (face and lips); band aids + double skin; Immodium; pain killers, earplugs, other personal medication.

Self-guided formula

Self-guided tour "user guide"

Active autonomy: what you need to know for our self-guided tours

In order to achieve the planned tour programme, you must:

  • Guide yourself with the highlighted maps and road book;
  • Choose suitable start times adapted to the lengths of the daily stages as well as your own riding pace, and leave an adequate safety margin of time;
  • Obtain daily weather forecasts from your hosts, and take into account the weather conditions when planning journey times;
  • Arrive at the booked guest houses and hotels listed in the programme on the given dates; 
  • Bring the necessary personal equipment to carry out the tour. France Bike Trips equipment list constitutes the necessary minimum;
  • Carry insurance policies and emergency telephone numbers with you at all times;
  • Be familiar with basic first-aid steps;
  • In the event of any problems during your trip, contact France Bike Trips (contact information in your travel documents). Possession of a mobile phone that works in France is strongly recommended.

Self-guided tours are undertaken without a guide and at your own risk. France Bike Trips cannot be held liable for any route error, misconduct, personal imprudence, inadequate planning or inappropriate reactions in the event of incidents.

Any programme change of your own initiative is under your responsibility and at your expense. 

Having said this, with our advice and good preparation, you should be able to look forward to a wonderful, trouble free holiday. Enjoy your trip!

Average tour rating:

4.5/5 - 11 Reviews
Gillian C. | Participant rating:
"We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the whole trip. The scenery was magnificent and we got to see so much that we would not have seen if we hadnt been on bikes. We loved all of the towns and the hotels that we stayed in. This was a trully memorable holiday."
Helga G. | Participant rating:
"An excellent tour! Lovely view and nice hotels - something to remember "
Caroline B. | Participant rating:
"We found the Pears of Provence to be magical (in fact at times we said it was more than Pearls, it was Diamonds). The organization, the route, the bikes, the backroads, the accommodations, the food, the wine, the history, the friendliness, the culture....well, look no further and book this trip. We were very sad when it was over on the last day, it was magical. "
Nuala O. | Participant rating:
"Wonderful holiday exploring the beautiful countryside and medieval towns of Provence. Did the tour on an E-Bike! Will do another tour again. Loved it!"
Christine K. | Participant rating:
"The accommodation and food with our ‘ comfort upgrade’ surpassed expectations- the route took us through a variety of beautiful country side, villages and historic settings. All in all a fantastic experience. "
Other reviews:
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A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.


Phone number: +33 458 140 435

Contact us

A dedicated team of travel specialists is available to offer you expert advice Monday to Friday from 9 to 12:30 AM and 13:30 to 6 PM (French time) on the phone, or by email.

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Your email will not be communicated to any third party or company outside France Bike Trips / Velorizons. You may receive occasional emails from France Bike Trips, with the possibility to unsubscribe at any time. CNIL (French National Commission for Data Protection and Liberties)