Experience Provence as it should be done- on two wheels! As you peddle through delighful landscapes and quaint villages you can take your time and really appreciate your surroundings. Take in the every changing scenery and smells of nature as you cycle by olive groves and lavender fields (in season). Fully equipped with detailed route notes, highlighted maps and restaurant suggestions, you can take advantage of the full freedom that your bike will give you. Enjoy the stunning bike routes each day, linger over a mid-morning coffee on a terrace in a typical Provencal town, and look forward to a comfortable bed each night in your luxurious accommodations.

Aix-en-Provence is a city in southern France, some 30 km north of Marseille, in the region of Provence and is often referred to as the city of a thousand fountains. The old town; contains wide but irregular streets and houses many old mansions dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. It has a vibrant market in the center of the old town, and the surrounding blocks are full of shops, cafes, art galleries and boutiques. Aix-en-Provence invites a full day of strolling and exploring the sights and smells of this famous region.

Avail of a private transfer between Marseille airport to Aix en Provence, taking some time to see some of the sites in Marseille in the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle. The transfer from Marseille to Aix en Provence is typically about a half an hour.

Enjoy time at leisure strolling around Aix. Be sure to wander down the broad Cours Mirabeau. This idyllic shady promenade is planted with old plane trees and in the middle of the roadway stand three beautiful fountains. There are several impressive buildings in the street, among them the Hôtel des Villiers (No. 2; 1710), the Hôtel d'Isouard de Vauvenargues (No. 10; 1710), the Hôtel d'Arbod Jouques (No. 19; early 18th C.), the Hôtel de Forbin (No. 20; 1656) and the Hôtel de Maurel de Pontèves (No. 38; 1647-50; now the offices of the Principal of the University). At the east end of the Cours Mirabeau stands the Fontaine du Roi René, the work of David d'Angers (19th C.) and the Chapelle des Oblats, part of the Carmelite Monastery designed by a pupil of Puget and restored about 1700. The "Deux Garçons" cafe dates from the 18th C. North of the Cours Mirabeau the Old Town extends as far as the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and is largely a pedestrian precinct. Be sure to wander down the Rue Gaston de Saporta - An ancient (pedestrianised) street which houses four superb mansions from the 17th and 18th centuries.- No.23, the Hotel Maynier d'Oppede, and at No.. 21, The Hotel Boyer de Fonscolombe, No. 19, The Hotel de Chateaurenard, No. 17, The Hotel d'Estienne de Saint Jean.

Hotel Le Pigonnet (4*) is an enchanting small luxury hotel just a stone’s throw from the centre of Aix-en-Provence. This elegant stone combines 18th century décor with touches of Provençal chic to provide a serene and luxurious experience. Guests can wander through the hotel’s delightful gardens or gaze at the majestic Mont Sainte Victoire from the terrace.

Overnight at Le Pigonnet (4*).

Mazan is a town of 4500 inhabitants, with the old town protected by its circled wall of buildings dating from the 14th century. The old "portes" give entrance into a lot of narrow streets, with ancient houses, churches and fountains.

The road between Mazan and Villes-sur-Auzon passes through vineyards, but also through a nice pine forest; a great place for relaxing walks and picnic lunches.

Mazan had a rocky and interesting history, including the infamous Marquis de Sade who staged theatrical productions here in his 18th-century castle.

Enjoy a half day private excursion in the Camargue. Departure from Aix . First stop at the eco museum of Crau. You will reach Arles, the door of the Nature Reserve Park of Camargue and its wide spaces where bulls and horses roam, take the Cacharel road with its many pink flamingos, then we will stop at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and its famous legend (visit of the church, time at leisure. Later, stop at the Bird sanctuary of Pont de Gau for a discovery, on foot, in between marshes and reeds of the main birds of Camargue OR horse riding (not included in cost). Return to Aix.

Enjoy the train ride from en Provence to Avignon. A change in Marseille is required. Train time is approx. 1 hour 30 mins. with typically a 20 minute connection time.

A taxi will meet you in Avignon today at the train station and transfer you to the first hotel in Mazan. This typical small Provencal town will enchant you, with its rich 2000 year old history.

There is an option this afternoon of a short ride (15 km) to limber up your legs if you feel like it.

Before dinner, our representative will meet up with you to go over your trip package and make sure your bikes are fitted properly.

Enjoy dinner this evening in the elegant dining room of the Chatea de mazan. You are sure to enjoy the gourmet dishes which have many local ingredients and cooked in a provencal style.

The Château de Mazan is a beautiful property in the heart of the Alpilles area of Provence. Nestled on the outskirts of the quaint village of Mazan, the property has expansive grounds complete with an outdoor pool and olive groves. The hotel itself consists of the main house as well as individual houses scattered around the grounds which have a number of rooms in each. Run by an accommodating husband and wife team, the hotel is very casual in style, decorated with soft, natural hues and invites guest to treat the place as they were at home. Enjoy the gourmet breakfasts and the wonderful cuisine in the restaurant within the property.

Overnight at Chateau de Mazan (4*).

Please speak with your Sales Advisor if you are interested in having the presence of a Local, English speaking Guide present for any or all of the active days of your itinerary.

Your ride today (55 km) is beautiful, taking you northwards into the Cotes de Rhone vineyards. You'll ride through some of the "cru" villages, like Vaqueyras and Gigondas, with their full-bodied red wines - from the oldest vines in France - as well as Beaumes de Venise, with its wonderful sweet white wines. Of course you'll have opportunities for tastings! The ride loops back on quite flat terrain as you return to Mazan.

Overnight at Chateau de Mazan (4*).

Today's loop ride (42 km) takes you to some classic Provencal vilages. After some riding along the plains, you'll make your way up into Crillon le Brave, a tiny village with its main square (and petanques court!) and spectacular views. From there, continue on to Bedoin, at the base of the Mont Ventoux, legendary in Tour de France routes (but you can skip the 35 km climb today!) and go onward through more towns like Flassan and Mormoiron, with their sleepy cafes and shaded squares.

Overnight at Chateau de Mazan (4*).

Gordes is a very beautiful old village, perched on the southern edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse. The stone buildings built in tight against the base of the cliffs and those perched on the rocks above, including the 12th-century castle, are made of an beige stone that glows orange in the morning sun. The view from the village is a southern panorama out across fields and forests and small perched villages to the Montagne du Luberon.

After a leisurely breakfast, you ride out towards the Rhone plains (45 km). You'll ride through the small village of Venasque (considered by many as the most authentic village of the Venaissain region, and on towards Isle Sur la Sorgue. This compact town, built on the islands of five branches of the Sorgue River, is most well-known today for its huge weekend antique markets. During the week as well, it is worth taking the time to visit the many antique shops and boutiques. From there it is not far to your destination; save some energy for the very end, as Gordes is perched, spectacularly, on the top of a hill.

Enjoy complimentary access to the Spa and choose to spend time in the chromatic bath, jacuzzi, bubble seats, massage jets, hammam, meditation and herbal tea rooms and solarium during your stay at the property.

The Bastide de Gordes & Spa (5*) is a luxury hotel perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful villages in France. With a breathtaking view over the Luberon hills and the superb hanging gardens overlooking the valley below, you will enjoy the Provencal “art de vivre” in a modern and refined comfort. The 26 rooms and 15 suites are spacious, cozy, furnished and decorated in the typical Provencal style and overlook the village or the valley. Some rooms are equipped with King size bed. Suites and Junior Suites have a separate sitting room and a pull out sofa, while the Rampart and Terrasse Suites have a private terrace. The on site restaurant caters to both lunch and dinner - enjoy your meal on the terrace overlooking the vallet or in the interior room which is tastefully decorates.

Overnight at Bastide de Gordes (5*).

Today your bike route (56 km) heads eastwards, passing pretty Luberon villages (originally made famous in Peter Mayle's book, "A Year in Provence". You'll ride through Roussillon, with its stunning ochre cliffs, Joucas, and Goult. If you have the energy at the end of your ride, there is an option to pedal down (but don't forget you have to come back up!) into the valley to visit the Cistercian Abbey of Senanque, perhaps in time to see the monks during vespers.

Overnight at Bastide de Gordes (5*).

Your final bike ride (47 km) is quite beautiful, a loop ride including more Luberon villages. Stop in Menerbes, with its odd corkscrew Museum, and Lacoste, with the ruins of the castle of the Marquis de Sade. A small detour into Bonnieux takes you by some beautiful lavender fields and a cedar forest, and you can also visit the charming bread museum in town. You should aim to get back to Gordes in time to visit the Bories village on the outskirts of town.

Enjoy dinner this evening either on the outdoor terrace overlooking the surrounding valley, or in the well appointed restaurant in the elegant dining room. The restaurant is known in the region as the "Grande Table" , where Provencal and Mediterranean seasonal products mix with delicateness. A large selection of local wines as well as some of the finest French labels are on offer.

Overnight at Bastide de Gordes (5*).

Avignon city is well known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. The palace is an impressive monument and sits within a square of the same name. Nearby, Notre Dame des Doms cathedral is a Romanesque building, mainly built during the 12th century.

You will be transferred from the Provencal hillside village of Gordes to the majestic city of Avignon this morning.

Spend part of today on a private tour taking you out of Avignon and seeing some of the best sites in the area. Visit Nimes with its impressive Roman amphitheatre, Uzes, a wonderful, Provencal town, and the remarkably intacty aquaduct that is Pont du Gard.

Nimes is considered the French "Rome" and houses an impressive amphitheatre, square house, Augustus' gate, and Castellum, or water distribution station. The Arena of Nîmes is a Roman amphitheater that is 133 m long and 101 m wide. The outer facade is 21 metres high, made up of two levels of arcades and divided into 60 spans. Numerous staircases and five circular galleries provide optimum circulation. Divided according to their social rank among the 34 tiers of seats, more than 23,000 Gallo-Romans watched combats between gladiators or animals. The monument was turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages, forming a refuge for the population in case of danger. Today, the amphitheatre forms a fine venue for many events including bullfights, congresses, concerts and sports events.

Relax as you are transfered from Nimes to Uzes (approximately a 30 minute drive). For over 15 centuries, the prosperous medieval market and cathedral town of Uzès has been intimately linked to local and French history. Adorned by the assets of its heritage and thanks to the enlargement of its Preservation Sector, this architectural gem earned the coveted title of “City of Art and History” in November 2008. Savor the nostalgia pervading its narrow and winding medieval streets and unsuspected hidden gardens as you explore the heart of the town. Discover the rich history of its ducal château – both stern fortification and stately palace, spanning eight centuries of art history. Experience the dignified wealth-flaunting stone façades of the Renaissance town mansions of its prosperous 16th – century bourgeoisie. Strolling at your pace, let yourself be captivated by the gentle elegance of plazas shaded by 60-foot plane trees, by the refreshing burble of centuries-old fountains, by bustling Wednesday and Saturday markets, by outdoor cafés and whimsical boutiques. 

The Pont du Gard which dates back to the 1st century AD and is recognized by UNESCO, as the most amazing and well conserved part of the Roman aqueduct of Nimes. Visited by more than 1,250,000 tourists every year, the bridge is part of the aqueduct built around the year 50 to transport water from the Eure spring near Uzès to Nîmes, a distance of over 50 kilometers. (Entrance fee to Roman amphitheatre in Nimes is included).

Avignon Grand Hôtel (4*), with 122 rooms, is ideally located at the foot of the city’s ramparts, which date to the Middle Ages, and just a stone’s throw from the Palais des Papes [Popes’ Palace]. It is also nearby other points of interest such as the lively Place de l'Horloge, the train station and most of the city's many museums. Perfect for relaxing, its style combines modernity and Provençal tradition. Amenities include an outdoor pool and solarium.

Overnight at Hotel Avignon Grand (4*).

Enjoy a train station transfer in Avignon with a private vehicle with French speaking Driver.

Take a train from Avignon to Marseille Airport. The train duration is typically about one hour and there are usually plenty of departures throughout the day.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).