The neighbouring towns of Barbentane and Graveson offer a great start to your cycle trip in Provence, just a 15 minute taxi ride from Avignon TGV rail station. On arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy the gardens and in most cases, the swimming pool. You can also wander into the nearby town. During the afternoon our bike specialist will deliver your bike and make any necessary adjustments. If you will be arriving late this evening your bike will be waiting for you at the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Through typical Montagnette villages to King René’s town, Tarascon (20 or 27km/13 or 16.8mi)

After breakfast, begin cycling to Tarascon. Depending on your hotel the previous night, you’ll cycle through the foothills of the Alpilles to reach Tarascon or alternatively via the Abbey of St Michel de Friogolet. Whichever route you take, today is full of superb scenery through typical villages of Provence. Situated on the Rhone River, Tarascon has some interesting sights. Its well preserved castle was once home to Count Rene d’Anjou, the King of Provence, and has an excellent display of tapestries and earthenware jars. The Musee des Tissues Souleiado (fabric museum) is also worth exploring. If you arrive on a Tuesday, this is market day and it’s well worth spending some time checking out the local specialties. Across the river are some great 17th and 18th century houses. Our comprehensive route notes will provide further tips for exploring this pretty town. Own arrangements for dinner tonight and accommodation in a 2-star hotel in the centre of Tarascon. Ascent: 113m/370ft, descent 122m/400ft

Today the cycle takes you north into rugged and rocky scenery close to the town of Fontvieille. Here you can see the windmills (including Daudet’s Mill as described in the short stories ‘Lettres de mon Loulin’, written by Alphonse Daudet in 1869), some interesting churches and the Musee de Daudet. Continue to historic Arles, which dates from the 7th century BC and was a major Gallo-Roman city. Here you should visit the Arena and the Roman Theatre, and you can cycle along its canal to the reconstructed Van Gogh bridge, the setting of the painter’s famous “Pont de Langlois” works. The Frank Gehry-designed Luma-Arles is worth a visit. Our usual hotel is in the old centre of Arles. Own arrangements for dinner this evening. Ascent: 166m/544ft, descent 158m/518ft

Today’s cycle is quite short, giving you time to explore the area. From Arles you cycle via Barbegal Castle then there’s a short steep climb to Les Baux, a picturesque Medieval village atop a fortified rocky site with a royal history and ruins to explore. There are some great museums in the village including the History Museum and the Olive Museum, and the nearby Carrieres des Lumieres is well worth a visit. Dinner and overnight at Les Baux. The usual hotel is a charming 3 star with pool. Ascent: 481m/1578ft, descent 307m/1007ft

Day 5: Cycle to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (27km/16.8mi)

From Les Baux you ride to Maussane along a back road, from which there are gorgeous views of the Alpilles, and continue to Saint Rémy. The year before his death, Vincent van Gogh spent time in an asylum in this town and also in nearby Arles. The colours and light were an inspiration in his paintings. Other artists who have been attracted to the area include Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Cézanne. There is ample opportunity to explore the delightful town of Saint Remy, including the house where Nostradamus was born and its pretty squares and shops. Overnight in a 3-star hotel with swimming pool. Ascent: 483m/1584ft, descent 348m/1141ft

Free day to spend time exploring the town further including the Van Gogh walking trail to discover where his great works were painted. Own arrangements for dinner tonight.

Day 7: Return to Barbentane/Graveson (25 or 27.5km/15.5 or 17mi)

Today you will cycle along back roads across the market garden plains of Châteaurenard to your starting hotel in either Barbentane or Graveson. Dinner at the hotel. Ascent: 174m/570ft, descent 215m/705ft

Day 8 Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast. It is a 15 minute taxi ride to Avignon TGV station, from where you can take the train to Paris (3hrs) including Charles de Gaulle airport.