A sea of light and color
This journey through the “Empire of the Sun” (Frédéric Mistral) challenges all your senses. Thyme and rosemary spice up the mild air. Grapes and truffles tantalize the palate. Broken fortress walls recall the songs of the troubadours. The luminosity of the light inspired the Impressionists. Let yourself be enchanted by the colorful views and joie de vivre of Provence!
This 8-day e-bike tour begins in the charming medieval town of Uzès and ends in the picturesque old town of Aix-en-Provence. We look forward to cycling with you over the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct and taking a walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Arles. Experience the fascination of Provence with all your senses! Spicy pine and broom scents will be your constant companions as you cycle through shady forests. Pristine marshland landscapes await your discovery in the Camargue. On the hike to the village of RoussilIon, you'll see the bright ochre rocks. You will spend the night in historic town palaces, comfortable old manor houses and a former oil mill in the Luberon. With selected menus, you will enjoy Provence from its “delicious” side.
UNIQUE ON THIS JOURNEY
- Roman architecture at the Pont du Gard (World Heritage Site) and in Arles the Romanesque portal St.Trophîme and amphitheatre.
- Romantic hotels in city palaces and old manor houses
- Picnics in particularly atmospheric places
- Paradisiacal Camargue Nature Park
- A fantastic cross-section of Provence: from the green Camargue to the luminous fields and cliffs of Vaucluse and the Lubéron
PRIVATE TRIP
Experience the Freedom of Bespoke Travel. Imagine all the possibilities, and let us bring them to life. With our bespoke travel option, you have the power to design your perfect cycling adventure. Whether it's for a group of friends, a couple, or a family, we can customize our bike tours to suit your preferences. You decide who joins you, how and when you want to travel, and where you want to explore. Our Experience Designer will work closely with you to craft a personalized itinerary, infused with insider knowledge, local connections, and a touch of magic. This tour can be booked as offered, but we can also change tour details for your group on request. Additional overnight stays are also possible, as is a different route. We can also adapt the hotel category to your wishes.
Ready to start planning? Before we begin, we'd love to hear more about your vision. Get in touch today to begin your bespoke cycling adventure: Info@terranova-touristik.de | +49-69693054.
Itinerary
Day 1: Uzès
Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the Hotel in Úzes at 17:30 for a guided tour of the medieval old town. Dinner in a renowned restaurant and overnight stay charming Boutique Hotel D'Entraigues. Nestled amidst the picturesque streets of this ancient town, your stay promises comfort and charm.
Provence is easily accessible by plane, train and car. If you are traveling by plane to Marseille, we offer you a transfer to Úzes at a fixed time (approx. 14:00, see last travel documents). If you arrive by car, we recommend that you park your car for the duration of your trip in the guarded long-term parking lot in Avignon at the TGV train station. At 15:30 we offer a transfer from there to the hotel in Úzes. At the end of the trip, you can book an airport bus from Aix to Marseille airport or a transfer to the TGV station in Aix-en-Provence. From there you can take the TGV back to your car in Avignon or leave by train. We will be happy to book suitable flights or train connections for you.
Day 2: From Pont du Gard to Arles | Middle Stage - 60 Cycling Kilometers
Embark on an exhilarating cycling journey starting from the majestic Uzès Castle, where you'll hop onto your bicycles and set off towards the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard. This Roman marvel, nestled in a breathtaking landscape, awaits your admiration. As you take in its grandeur, your tour guide will enlighten you about its historical significance—it was ingeniously constructed to supply water to the distant city of Nîmes, a testament to ancient engineering prowess. On the e-bikes you'll pedal through picturesque vineyards, where the southern slopes yield the renowned Côtes du Rhône red wine. Amidst this scenic backdrop, a delightful picnic of Provencal specialties awaits under the shade of plane trees.
In the afternoon, your cycling route meanders alongside the tranquil Rhône River, flanked by imposing dams and expansive bridges. Your journey leads you to the historic city of Tarascon, where the legendary "Tarasque" is said to roam. Discover the mystique of this mythical creature during a guided tour of Tarascon Castle, where cozy fireplace rooms and an aromatic herb garden beckon. Continuing along idyllic canal banks and sunflower-dotted fields, your path guides you to the charming city of Arles, protected by formidable city walls. Parking your bikes at the city gates, you'll make your way on foot to the luxury Hotel Jules Cesar for an overnight stay and a delectable dinner, concluding a day filled with adventure, history, and the unparalleled beauty of Provence.
Day 3: Flamingos & horses in the Camargue | Middle Stage - 31 Cycling Kilometers
A short transfer takes you out of the lively city and brings you to the edge of this pristine marshland. On the way, you will see the white gold rising into the sky. The salt mountains and fields are among the largest in Europe. Our route runs flat through extensive rice fields and takes us deeper into the nature reserve. The air is salty and the silence is only broken by the eager twittering of birds. Rare black storks, grey herons and colorful bee-eaters can be found on the shores of the numerous brackish water lakes. Egyptian ibises enjoy the warm rays of sunshine on their feathers. Flamingos stalk through the shallow saltwater lakes. A wonderful picture when their pink wings light up against the deep blue sky! With a bit of luck, you may come across the much-praised white Camargue horses. These stocky animals with angular heads are descendants of an ancient breed that was depicted in cave paintings in prehistoric times. They are still ridden today by the daring “Gardians”, who use their traditional trident to catch the semi-wild grazing black bulls. You cycle to Saintes Maries de la Mer on a flat embankment, which in some places gives you the feeling of riding through the middle of the sea. The defiant fortified church is an annual pilgrimage destination for gypsies from all over Europe. Picasso experienced exhilarating spectacles of fiery flamenco here. Feel the strange atmosphere of the crypt and learn the story of the three Marys and their servant Sara.
After the lunch break, a transfer will take you back to the Roman city of Arles for a city tour in the footsteps of van Gogh. The Romanesque portal of St. Trophime Cathedral is one of the masterpieces of Provençal stonemasonry and has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The mighty body of the church takes a back seat to the magnificent, triumphal arch-like doorway. On the advice of his friend Toulouse-Lautrec, Vincent van Gogh went to Arles in 1888, attracted by the light and the almost supernatural Provençal colors, which were often described to him. In Arles, he created an almost unbelievable number of paintings and drawings. However, he was never inspired by the city's famous buildings. He preferred to capture the shady avenues, the lazily flowing Rhône river and the smoky cafés, such as the famous painting of the Café de la Nuit. In the late afternoon, you will reach your hotel near Les Baux. 2 nights and dinner at the Hotel Le Mas de l'Oulivié.
Day 4: Around the "little" Alps | Middle Stage - 44 Cycling Kilometers
In the morning, we take a walk with you through St. Remy. The hospital where van Gogh spent some time was located in the village. The Romans built a mighty fortress and settlement. During a short tour, we will show you the most beautiful corners of the village. Your bikes will then be ready for you. You reach the majestic ruins of Les Baux through the legendary Höllental valley with its bizarre rock formations. A visit to the fortress in the morning light is particularly recommended. The aristocratic lords of Les Baux ruled here for a long time, wielding enough power to rule over the whole of Provence. Their coat of arms featured the sixteen-pointed star of Bethlehem and their proud motto was “Race d`aiglons, jamais vassale” - race of eagles, never vassal! In the Middle Ages, troubadours used to gather in this small, high-altitude town for countless singing competitions. The dilapidated village still gives visitors a sense of the past splendor of the once noble buildings. After an exhilarating descent, our cycle route takes us up the hills through the limestone cliffs of the Alpilles, covered in pine trees and vines. The small vineyards produce a ruby-colored red wine, full-bodied, with lots of fruity notes, spoiled by the sun. Rest in the shade of old olive trees, fortify yourself with a lovingly prepared picnic and listen to the chirping of the cicadas. In the early afternoon you are back in Les Baux and can reflect on the day's experiences in the well-kept park and by the outdoor pool.
Day 5: Lubèron: Lavender, Wine & beautiful villages | Middle Stage - 50 Cycling Kilometers
A gentle e-bike ride along lavender fields across the mighty River Durance into the Vaucluse department. After a short transfer to the other side of the mighty river, you continue on a traffic-free “Voie Verte” (green route) to Lumières and then through many small villages into the Lubéron mountains. In the late afternoon, you will reach the houses of Gordes, grouped around the imposing castle. Thanks to its preserved heritage, the small village has managed to retain its charm and original character over the centuries. It has been voted one of the most beautiful villages in France several times. This is certainly due to its unique location. The village nestles on a large hill with several terraces. The old fortress, from which the fortunes of the region were controlled, is enthroned at the top. After an introduction, you can stroll through the pretty streets of the village on your own, visit the church and enjoy a coffee on the castle square. Our lovingly restored Hotel Les Romarins is located right next to the old town of Gordes. 2 nights
Day 6: Sènanque Cistercian Abbey | Middle Stage - 45 Cycling Kilometers
The abbey of Sénanque lies deep in a gorge like a pearl in a mussel shell. We cycle down to the remote monastery. After a visit, our cycle route leads through the rugged Vaucluse mountains to Pernes-les-Fontaines, the “town of fountains”. You reach the karst spring of the Vaucluse. You walk the last few meters to the place where the water gushes out of the ground. A picturesque village has formed around the spring, where small workshops have set up shop. Along countless cherry trees, bubbling springs and rushing streams, you return to Gordes.
Day 7: The ochre rocks of Roussillion | Middle Stage - 42 Cycling Kilometers
A wonderful drive takes you through the valley and over two hills to below the village of Roussillon. From there you walk through the village, which is perched on a crown of ochre rocks. What a feast for the eyes when it glows yellow, purple and rust-red between the pine-green cedars! Ochre was already used by cavemen as an artificial material, and Roussillon owes its modest prosperity to it. After an enjoyable drive, you cross the little river Coulon on the old Roman bridge “Pont Julien”. The terranova bus takes you over the heights of the Lubéron Mountains. The locals call this elevation a “magical mountain in the midst of enchanted forests”. Many centuries ago, it was the last refuge of the Waldensians, who were persecuted by the inquisitors of the Catholic Church. Today it is peaceful here and the air is spicy and pure. White limestone cliffs stretch majestically into the blue sky. On a beautiful long descent, we cycle through the wooded gorges of the fairytale mountains to the gates of Lourmarin Castle. The excellent hotel in a former oil mill is magically situated in the middle of the old town. In the evening, we invite you to an excellent final dinner in the hotel's outstanding restaurant.
Day 8: Aix-en-Provence and Departure
After breakfast, a transfer will take you to Aix-en-Provence. You will experience the picturesque old town of this incomparable city of art and culture on a guided walking tour. Cézanne loved this place and captured many of his faces and scenes on canvas. He was particularly captivated by the sight of Mont St. Victoire; every now and then we can catch a glimpse of its striking peak between the pink roofs of the houses. Passing a number of small squares with fountains murmuring peacefully to themselves, you walk to the imposing Saint Sauveur Cathedral with its delicately designed double doors made of dark walnut wood. The church has an enchanting Romanesque cloister from the 12th century. In contrast, the façades of the patrician houses around the market square look confident, almost boastful. Discover with us the artfully crafted wrought iron grilles, exuberant Mannerist decoration and fascinating trompe l'oeil paintings that create the illusion of architecture - and for which Aix is so famous. After the guided tour of the city, your journey ends in Aix-en-Provence at 13:00.
At 14:00 we offer you a transfer to Marseille airport (advance reservation). Your tour guides will be happy to inform you about other departure options and coordinate your departure to the TGV train station in Aix-en-Provence or to the parking lot in Avignon. A public shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from the bus station to Marseille airport.
We recommend an extension in Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy a stroll through the vegetable and herb market or the colorful flower market. The Granet Museum with several works by Cézanne is also worth a visit. We will be happy to reserve a connecting overnight stay for you at our contracted hotel.
E-BIKE TOUR - ROUTE ASSESSMENT:
The cycling routes mostly follow small, asphalted, low-traffic roads. A longer unpaved stretch is encountered in the Camargue (nature reserve). There are longer but not steep descents. The high daily mileage on some days is due to long flat stretches. The total cycling distance for the tour is 272 km. The shortest daily route is 31 km, and the longest is 60 km. On the 6th day of the trip, there are two short hikes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Flight Arrival
Airport Transfers: Marseille Airport -> Avignon -> Hotel on the arrival day: 12:30 PM* Cost per person: 120.00 EUR
Aix-en-Provence -> Marseille Airport on the departure day: 14:00 PM* Cost per person: 50.00 EUR
Please check the final transfer times in the last travel documents you will receive from terranova about 14 days before your departure. As of Spetmber 2024- subject to change. Flight time information is not guaranteed.
- terranova Support Bus: Our terranova support bus often allows you to shorten or cancel a bike ride or hike during the day. Even in bad weather, there is plenty to do in Provence.
- Appropriate Clothing: In general, clothing should be loose-fitting and comfortable. The temperature difference on a bike trip can be significant within a day, so be prepared with appropriate clothing. Layered sweaters and thin jackets protect against unexpected cold snaps and wind while cycling; the "layering" principle is always effective. Additionally, you will need rain protection clothing to put on! We recommend packing mid-height hiking boots in your luggage.
- Additional Expenses: The trip includes half-board. Please budget for purchasing picnic supplies, including drinks - an estimate is approximately 15 EUR per day, so 90 EUR for the entire trip. Drinks must also be paid for separately during dinner and, of course, in case of visits to pubs. Additionally, it is advisable to budget for gratuities.
- Entry Requirements, Health, and Safety Guidelines: You will receive a personalized link with current information on entry requirements, as well as health and safety guidelines, with your final travel documents.
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PRIVATIZE A TRIP
Experience the Freedom of Bespoke Travel. Imagine all the possibilities, and let us bring them to life. With our bespoke travel option, you have the power to design your perfect cycling adventure. Whether it's for a group of friends, a couple, or a family, we can customize our bike tours to suit your preferences.
You decide who joins you, how and when you want to travel, and where you want to explore. Our Experience Designer will work closely with you to craft a personalized itinerary, infused with insider knowledge, local connections, and a touch of magic.
Ready to start planning? Before we begin, we'd love to hear more about your vision. Get in touch today to begin your bespoke cycling adventure: Info@terranova-touristik.de | +49-69693054.
