Provence, la vie en rose
6 days - $3,995 per person
Information / Reservation: Call Toll free in the US and Canada 1-866-427-4882 or email us at info@linkparis.com
Day One: Pont du Gard 19 B.C.
Your guides will greet your arrival at Avignon and take you through the countryside to the Gard region, where you will spend two luxurious nights. Toast your welcome with the region's sparkling wine during your bike-fitting, safety talk and map review, then hop onto your bike to spin slowly through scenic villages 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. After this outstanding introduction to the journey ahead, we'll cycle back to the hotel, where tonight our chef will delight you with his creative presentation of authentic Provençal fare.
Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Avignon, Pont du Gard & Castillon du Gard or Collias
Distance cycled: 33.20 km / 20.6 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 ride through poppies in Castillion
Day Two: Uzès Loop
Vineyards and fortress villages pepper the route to Uzès, a medieval town that is the starting point of the Pont du Gard. Intense full-bodied reds, fine elegant whites and fresh fruity rosés await your tasting pleasure. Have lunch in town, speak with the artisans in their studios, wander through the pottery shops, then continue cycling through the region's rugged scrubland and villages of Flaux and Valliguieres to arrive at St. Hilaire d'Ozilhan for a tasting. After a fabulous day of biking and sightseeing, join the guides for an exciting game of petanque (local version of bocce) overlooking the Pont du Gard, and then indulge in a fabulous dinner in Castillion du Gard with our darling friend Mario. He is certainly a character and always a favorite among DuViners.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Uzès, Flaux, Valliguieres, St.Hilaire D'Ozilhan & Castillon du Gard
Distance cycled: 33 km / 20.4 miles
"I can't imagine a better way to see Provence. It's great to be physically active on vacation." - Jeff Oringer and Linda Kleeman
Day Three: Gard - Les Baux de Provence
Cycle past rustic stone churches and through rural countryside before crossing the Rhône River. Climb a beautiful slope to the Abbey de St.-Michel-de-Frigolet where we will enjoy a gourmet picnic. Through the villages of Gravenson and Maillane, past craftsmen hand-painting the tiny santons (traditional in Provence since the 18th century), we will arrive at Les Baux de Provence. Among some of the most spectacular views in the region, natural cliffs and lush greenery lead up to the ruins of a fortified castle. Back at our stunning accommodations, relax by the pool in a grove of olive trees. Tonight is your choice for dinner, but you are warmly invited to join the guides at the famed "Chez Brun", our favorite local pizzeria, where our friends Colette and Bruno have re-invented the pizza.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic
Destinations visited: St.Michel de Frigolet Abbey, Gravenson, Maillane & Les Baux
Distance cycled: 48.50 km / 30 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 very happy pampering at Hameaux des Baux
Day Four: St. Rémy Loop
Start with a ride through the crumbling remains of the Roman market town of Glanum - marked by a large Roman arch and memorial tower - to St. Rémy. The birthplace of Nostradamus and favorite inspiration of artist Van Gogh is now a shopper's paradise and a great setting for a café lunch. Choose your favorite traditional Provençal print fabrics and ceramic cicadas from the classic outdoor market. Taste the famous olive oils, and visit Van Gogh's mausoleum before cycling back to the hotel. Tonight, you will experience a real Provence-style meal in Paradou.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Glanum, St. Rémy de Provence, Paradou
Distance cycled: 25.80 km / 16 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 serious game of petanque before cocktail hour
Day Five: Paradou - Eygalierés
Enjoy a hearty breakfast with homemade pain au chocolate, croissants and beignets, and then hop on your bike to cycle through Eygalierés to a hidden gem - Le Mas de la Rose. The owner, Fabianne, has transformed this unique villa into a truly luxurious and exclusive place to relax. After our private picnic in the beautifully serene surroundings, you can join us for an extra ride and wine tasting or just relax by the pool.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Paradou, Maussane & Eygalierés
Distance cycled: 27.50 km / 17 miles
Provence Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 private cocktail hour at mas de la rose
Day Six: Eygalierés - Avignon
After eating a relaxing breakfast surrounded by olive trees, say goodbye to Provence however you see fit. Take a last loop ride around Eygalierés, sip a traditional French café, and finish your shopping in the spectacular village. We'll see you off at the train station as you head on to your next destination.
Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction
TRIP TOTAL: 167KM/ 104 MILES, averaging 32km/ 20 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.
