Itinerary

Day One: Pont du Gard 19 B.C.
Your guides will greet your arrival at the Avignon TGV train station and drive you through the rolling countryside to the Gard region, where you will spend two luxurious nights. Toast your arrival with some Rosé de Provence during your bike-fitting, safety talk and map review.  Hop onto your bike to spin slowly to the Pont du Gard aqueduct – one of the grandest structures ever built by the Romans. This feat of engineering genius was built in 19 B.C. to carry water from the nearby town of Uzès to Nîmes, and boasts having the largest main arch of any Roman structure. Your ride will continue through the scenic villages of Lédenon and Cabrières past fruit orchards aplenty. After a pleasant climb, enjoy a long thrilling descent through the gorgeous gorges of the "garrigue" or Provençal scrubland. After this outstanding introduction to the journey ahead, we’ll cycle back to the hotel. Tonight our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of authentic Provençal fare.

Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Avignon, Pont du Gard, Lédenon, Cabrières
Distance cycled: 32 km / 20 miles

Day Two: Uzès Loop
Vineyards and fortress villages pepper the morning route to Uzès, a medieval town that was the starting point of the Pont du Gard aqueduct because of its plentiful source of fresh water. Pottery, truffles, wines, asparagus, olives and olive oils are just a sampling of some of the wonderful and delicious products you'll find in the vibrant shops and stalls of Uzès. Enjoy lunch in town, speak with the artisans in their studios, wander through the streets and admire the views from the Tour Fénestrelle. Then continue cycling through the region’s garrigue and villages of Flaux and Valliguieres taking in the Chateau of St. Siffret and fields of asparagus. Stop along the way for a tasting of intense, full-bodied reds, fine elegant whites and fresh fruity rosés. After a fabulous day of biking and sightseeing, take the time to wander the streets on your own and take in the surroundings at the only café, a popular stop for all the locals. Tonight, indulge in a fabulous dinner in Castillon du Gard with our darling friend, Mario. He is certainly a character and always a favorite among DuViners.

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Vers, Uzès, Flaux, Valliguieres, and Castillon du Gard
Distance cycled: 42 km / 26 miles

Day Three: Gard – Les Baux de Provence & St Remy
After enjoying another full breakfast buffet including fresh fruit, yogurt, baguettes and local honey, you will leave the Gard region and cycle past rustic stone churches and through rural countryside before crossing the Rhône River. Climb a beautiful slope to the working Abbey de St. Michel-de-Frigolet where we will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch. While passing through the villages of Graveson and Maillane, we can stop to reenergize with a café au lait or a pastis, a traditional anise-flavored liqueur. After riding through miles of fruit orchards, we will arrive at the base of les Alpilles.  Here you can decide if you want to take the flat route into town or climb the 7 kms to the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence.  Once you have reached the top, you will have earned some of the most spectacular views in the region. Natural cliffs and lush greenery lead up to the ruins of a fortified castle. When we arrive back at our stunning accommodations, relax by the pool in a grove of olive trees before heading off for dinner in St Remy. Tonight is your choice for dinner, but your guides will happily suggest some of their favorite options in town.

Meals: Breakfast/Gourmet Picnic
Destinations visited: St.Michel-de-Frigolet Abbey, Gravenson, Maillane, Les Baux de Provence & St Remy en Provence.
Distance cycled: 45 km / 29 miles    
 
Day Four: Les Alpilles
It’s market day in St Remy!  Savor a tasting of the world's best olive oils before heading to enjoy the scents and colors of a typical Provençal market. The streets are filled with artisans selling their fabrics, essential oils, soaps, produce, jewelry, olives, and more...This town, the birthplace of Nostradamus and favorite inspiration of artist Van Gogh is now a shopper’s paradise. When passing through Eygalieres for a lunch stop, take the time to wander the streets up to the top of the hill where you can visit the chateau ruins, the esplanade of the old gatehouse and Saint-Laurent church. We will continue on our way over the Durance river and enter into the more tranquil region of the Luberon. Our luxury hotel perched upon a hill gives some of the best views of the week. Tonight we are treated to many of the local specialties from our favorite local Provençal restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner
Destinations visited: St. Rémy de Provence, Eygalieres, Cavaillon, Gordes
Distance cycled: 48 km / 30 miles

Day Five: Essence of the Luberon
After your gourmet breakfast cycle past rustic stone villages perched along ridges overlooking vineyards: Roussillon, Lacoste, Menerbes.  Ride your way towards Roussillon to meet the local potters and explore the famous Ochre cliffs which surround the village, responsible for the ochre-colored homes. The deep green pine trees against the brilliant blue sky express the magic of color in the beautiful light of the Luberon.  Then continue on to cycle through the heart of the “Petit Luberon.” Lacoste was once the home of the infamous French author, the Marquis de Sade. The views from the ruins of his chateau are not to be missed. Peer out across the valley floor with its patchwork of orchards and vineyards, towards the equally picturesque village of Bonnieux.  In Menerbes you will be treated to a truffle and wine tasting during lunch at the House of Truffles and Wine. In some of the narrow streets of this hilltop town you'll see vaulted passages and some very lovely fountains amongst the quaint artisan shops. A quick stop off at an olive oil mill on our return journey will give you a much better understanding of the processes involved in the production of olive oils in one of the last operating mills in the region.  Tonight, with views over the Luberon Valley, our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of gourmet provençal fare, our last meal together.

Meal: Breakfast / Gourmet Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Menerbes, Lacoste
Distance cycled: 40 km/ 25 miles

Day Six: Au Revoir
After eating a relaxing breakfast, say goodbye to the Luberon however you see fit. Take a last loop ride down to the Abbaye de Senanque, sip a traditional French café, and finish your shopping in the spectacular village. We’ll see you off at the Avignon TGV train station as you head on to your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction

TRIP TOTAL: 207 KM/ 130 MILES, averaging 42 kms/ 26 miles per day.

Provence can be hilly. Optional longer rides available each day.



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