Self-Guided Bike Tour in Provence, France

On this unique bike tour in Provence, you will discover this exquisite region and its famous places: Saint Rémy de Provence, Gordes and Bédoin among others.  This route has wonderful attractions rooted in the region's Roman origins and Provencal culture, up through the Papal dominance in the Middle Ages.  You will cycle on small country roads through vineyards and lavender fields.  See Van Gogh's palette come to life in a landscape of golden hues and crystal-blue skies. Pass fields of vivid lavender, thyme, rosemary, and sage, breathing in that undeniably Provencal scent. Stroll past barrels of plump olives, mounds of rich and colorful spices, and thick wedges of goat cheese at the outdoor market.  Enjoy a summer festival.  At night, you will enjoy spectacular accommodations and the local gastronomy.  Cycle Provence and make it yours.

PROVENCE SELF-GUIDED BICYCLE VACATION SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Avignon, just under three hours from Paris by train.  We will meet you at the train station and transfer you directly to your hotel in Saint Rémy de Provence.  DuVine offers a variety of accommodations in St. Remy de Provence, please speak with the DuVine staff to select the hotel for you.  At 4:30, a DuVine guide will meet you at your hotel to share details about Avignon, Provence and your cycling adventure.  At this time, your guide will supply your bikes and maps for the remainder of your journey.  After your orientation, take the time to visit the village of St. Remy de Provence.   Gourmet dinner included this evening.

Points of interest in St. Remy de Provence:

• Excavations of Glanum, a gallo-roman City.
• Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric center which treated Van
• Gogh.
• Collegiale Saint Martin, from the 14th and 18th Century.
• Van Gogh Art Center
• Musee des Alpilles

Day 2  On your first riding day, start with a loop tour around Saint Rémy in the Alpilles. The ride starts out flat and goes to the North before turning to Eygalieres and the Alpilles, passing through vineyards and olive groves.  Depending upon your route selection, this hilly ride can be modified to be shorter and cutting out the hills.  Enjoy another night in St. Remy de Provence and enjoy dinner on your own in the village. Distance: 50 km route. Hilly, but option to shorten the route in order to cut out the hills.

Day 3 Today cycle to Fontaine de Vaucluse, famous for its impressive Spring which flows out of the 230 meter high cliff.  This gigantic source of water is the most powerful in France and fifth in the world. The emerald green calm summer waters become especially spectacular in the wet seasons of Spring and autumn.  In all seasons secondary sources flow into the river to create an extremely beautiful shady pool, under the immense trees.  After your full day of exploration, enjoy your lovely accommodations and dinner on your own tonight. Distance: 40 km

Points of interest in Fontaine de Vaucluse:

• Ruins of the XIV° Bishops of Cavaillon Château
• XI°, ND de St Véran church, Roman style
• Remains of the Roman Canal on the R. Sorgue
• Pétrarque Museum (in the italian poet's former residence, XIV°)
• Ecomusée du gouffre

Day 4  From Fontaine de Vaucluse cycle to Gordes, a beautiful perched village in the heart of the Lubéron.  Today’s ride is short, it is your choice to take time to rest at the hotel or visit the town of Gordes.  Le Village des Bories, an ancient hamlet of dry stone buildings just outside Gordes, is well worth the visi. Also nearby is the 12th century Abbaye de Sénanque.  Sénanque is a rated “one of the most beautiful village of France”.  This evening overnight in Gordes with a delectable dinner included. Distance: 18 km with 35km roundtrip loop option

Points of interest in Gordes:

• The Chateau de Gordes
• Le Village des Bories, just outside Gordes, an ancient hamlet of dry stone buildings
• The Oil Mill Moulin de Bouillons

Day 5  Today enjoy a loop tour around Gordes on the Ochre Road. This itinerary will take you to Roussillon and Apt.  Roussillon is considered one of the most impressive villages in France.  Situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world, Roussillon is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. The red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast with the lush green pinetrees. The vivid blue of the Provençal sky and the exceptional quality of light make this a magical site. Return to Gordes for the night and enjoy dinner on your own. Distance: 35 or 70 km route

Points of interest today:

• Roussillon, with its Clock tower and its ochre façades
• Rustrel, with its 17th century château, 9th century ruins of the Prieuré St. Julien
• St Romain church and Chapel St Roch in Rustrel

Day 6  Cycle from Gordes and to Bédoin, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux.  For the strongest cyclists, if you arrive early – attempt to climb Mont Ventoux.   Bedoin boasts a good wine, AOC, along with asparagus and various fruits. It is also home to a large and interesting communal forest, where there is 1,200 different species of vegetation to study and is without doubt the most varied forest in this whole area and maybe in France. Enjoy this evening in Bedoin and a farewell dinner is included. Distance: 39 km 

Points of interest in Bédoin:

• Romanesque chapel Notre Dame du Moustier
• Eglise des Baux de Bedoin
• St. Madeleine's Chapel

Day 7  Time to bid adieu to Provence, take your time with breakfast and explore as much as you wish.

Package available April 1 – October 31, 2010 and includes:

• All accommodations in deluxe châteaux, charming country inns, and wine estates.
• All breakfasts, three gourmet dinners.
• Orientation upon arrival to meet a local guide and receive maps and emergency contact information.  
• Top of the line aluminum hybrid bicycle, choice of five lightweight frame sizes, gel seat, handlebar bag, rear carrier rack, lock, patch kit with spare tube, pump, lock, DuVine water bottle, bell, toe straps option.
• Highlighted regional maps with background on each noteworthy sight and plenty of options to try along the way.
• All baggage transport. 
• DuVine Adventures t-shirt, water bottle, and luggage tag.

Price $3,495 per person double in US funds. Single Supplement $1,250.

*Tour also available with three star accommodations $2,450 per person double in US funds. Single Supplement $650.

Call or email us today and tell us the dates you would like to travel and the type of tour that interests you and we will give you a quote that fits your time and budget.  Contact: info@duvine.com or 617 776 4441 or 888.396.5383.

You have the freedom to cycle independently, but you'll also get daily support.  We supply you with detailed route maps and delights in helping you discover the specialties of the region.  We always highlight areas of particular interest, set up wine tastings or other special local tours, handle your luggage transfers, and continuously offering a resource information for any special requests or emergency needs.  We can offer you the logistical support that you need.

* Prices include charming accommodations, new bicycles, meals, route information, luggage transport, support in France, and more. Costs vary depending on meals and accommodations.