World Wanderers Provence

Highlights: Roman monuments of Arles, gourmet dinner with a local chef

Meet today at our hotel in Arles on the banks of the Rhône River. The Romans bridged the Rhône here during the 1st Century B.C., and today the city has a well-preserved Roman theater and arena. The latter is still used for Provençal bullfights. We will get our bikes fitted and enjoy a short test ride before a special introductory meal together in a local chef’s home.

Highlights: Market in Arles or Saint Paul de Mausole, charming St Rémy, Roman ruins of Glanum

This morning Arles puts on one of the largest outdoor markets in France. You’ll have plenty of time to check it all out before taking a short but scenic ride to St Rémy. We will have a guided visit of Van Gogh’s Sanitarium. History buffs should take time to visit the old wealthy Roman City of Glanum. This afternoon you can explore St Rémy or take an extra loop ride on the nearby Alpilles.

Highlights: Les Baux, Van Gogh sites

St. Rémy is where Van Gogh painted several of his most famous works during a year’s residence in the local sanitarium. You’ll appreciate the views that inspired him as we support a ride to Les-Baux-de-Provence and into the Alpilles hills. There is much to explore in St Rémy this afternoon including Van Gogh’s sanitarium and the great shopping in town.

Highlights: Pont du Gard, castle visit (optional, not included)

On our ride today we will cross the Rhône at Tarascon where you can visit the perfectly preserved 15th-century castle. Our route will then continue north to the Pont du Gard which is arguably the most extraordinary Roman ruin in all of Europe. It dates to 20 B.C. when it was built to support the aqueduct that carried water from Uzès to the Roman town of Nîmes. Later this afternoon we’ll arrive in Uzès, a charming medieval town and home to the Dukes of Uzès and their impressive castle.

Highlights: Châteauneuf du Pape, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and villages

Today we head into the heart of the Côtes du Rhone vineyards with some of the most prestigious wines in the south of France including the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We’ll have a beautiful ride through small villages and open countryside before arriving at Châteauneuf where you can get a cafe lunch on your own, or picnic at the castle, a former summer palace of the Avignon Popes. You can also partake in a wine tasting of your choice at any of the countless local wineries. Our route continues to the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains surrounded by vineyards – our little paradise for the next two nights.

Highlights: Epic climb to Mont Ventoux, Sault

Start the day cycling through wine country and Provençal villages with the giant Mont Ventoux set in the background. Here it is…the climb Mont Ventoux, the most illustrious Tour de France climb! Enjoy the downhill to Sault, after your epic climb.

Highlights: Gorges de la Nesque

A spectacular ride awaits today just a few miles out of Sault. Enter the Gorge de la Nesque and get delighted at each turn by the dramatic views over the canyon, UNESCO world Heritage site since 1998. Stop at the many waypoints for great photo opportunities. Once out of the gorge, back in the Carpentras plain, cycle amidst vineyard with the majestic view of the towering Mont Ventoux, before arriving back in Sault.

Highlights: Avignon

We’ll shuttle you to the Avignon TGV station after breakfast this morning. Bon voyage!