Provence: round trip with charme

Begin your journey in Orange, a town full of impressive reminders of Roman times. Admire the monumental theatre and the impressive triumphal arch before strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, which will enchant you with its distinctive Provençal charm. A start that will whet your appetite for more and is the perfect beginning to your cycle tour.

Your route takes you along idyllic paths past elegant country estates, proud castles and endless vineyards to the world-famous wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here, you should not miss the opportunity to sample the fine wine with an international reputation. You then cycle through the picturesque wine-growing region of the same name to Avignon. There you will find the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the charming old town streets, which are still surrounded by a mighty medieval city wall.

Today's stage takes you first to St. Rémy, a place that is considered the epitome of Provence. Stroll under shady plane trees through the charming alleys of the old town and enjoy the lively atmosphere over a coffee. The abundance of colours and scents inspired Vincent van Gogh to create his famous works. If you feel like it, take a detour up to Les Baux, an impressive medieval ruined town that sits majestically on a rocky plateau and rewards you with spectacular views. Then cycle along small paths to Arles. Here, you will encounter history at every turn: Roman architecture and Romanesque heritage characterise the cityscape of what was once the capital of a Roman province. Particularly impressive is the mighty amphitheatre in the heart of the city - a monument that brings the past to life.

Today, a very special cycling trip to the fascinating Camargue awaits you. This unique natural paradise between land and sea delights visitors with its vast salt steppes, sparkling brackish water lakes, wild white horses and elegant pink flamingos. In Méjanes, you will have the opportunity to take a small train deep into the unspoilt countryside - with a little luck, you will not only spot flamingos, but also the region's famous black bulls. Afterwards, enjoy the return journey on almost car-free paths and cycle back to Arles at a leisurely pace.

Today, you will cycle through the vast Rhône Delta and reach the two medieval towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire, which are separated only by the river. Here you will find imposing 12th-century castles and magnificent 17th- and 18th-century town palaces. Your route continues to Nîmes, a town with a rich past and once an important outpost of the Roman Empire. Impressive monuments still bear witness to this era today: the gleaming white Maison Carrée temple with its striking columns and the monumental two-storey amphitheatre.

Cycle along the railway line towards Remoulins, where you will meet the Gardon River. Just a few kilometres further on, a true wonder of the ancient world awaits you: the majestic Pont du Gard (UNESCO World Heritage Site) spans the river with three imposing tiers and a height of 49 metres. The bridge was once part of a 50-kilometre-long aqueduct that supplied the city of Nîmes with fresh spring water from Uzès during the Roman Empire. A walk across the lower level is an unforgettable experience and makes it clear why the Pont du Gard is one of the most important sights in southern France. As you continue on your way, you will be accompanied by the scents of lavender, thyme and rosemary before you reach the charming town of Uzès. With its medieval flair, the arcaded market square Place aux Herbes (Herb Square) and the striking Ducal Palace, it invites you to stroll, marvel and linger.

Look forward to a particularly varied stage, during which the landscape changes several times. First, your route takes you through the typical garrigue, a hilly landscape full of kermes oak trees and fragrant Mediterranean herbs. Then you will once again be accompanied by vineyards and the blossoming orchards of Provence before crossing the Rhône and eagerly covering the last few kilometres to Orange. At the end of your journey, take a stroll around the impressive Roman theatre from the 1st century AD – one of the best preserved of its kind in the world. Relax and unwind on your last day of cycling in the historic old town with its unmistakable flair.

After breakfast, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye to Provence. We would be happy to book additional nights for you so that you can spend even more time in Provence.