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Highlights of the Provence
Highlights of the Provence
Cycling through the sunny country of France…
Fertile lowlands, cultural centres from Antiquity and the Middle Ages, fragrant herbs, and the Provencal way of life – all this is life in the Provence! Except for some small ascents in the hill country of de Garrigue and in the Alpilles, we can look forward to an easy and varied tour.
Total length: approx. 305 bicycle kilometres
Dates
Travel beginning: on Mondays, on Saturdays
Duration: 8 days (7 nights)
04.08.12 till 20.10.12Travel beginning: on Mondays, on Saturdays
Duration: 8 days (7 nights)
Itinerary
1. Day: Orange
Individual arrival and accommodation.
2. Day: Orange - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon (approx. 50 km)
The first stage leads us into the world-famous wine town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and farther to Avignon, where the historic old town and the Pope’s Palace await us.
3. Day: Avignon - Arles (approx. 55 km)
We cycle to Saint-Rémy, surely the most typical of towns in the Provence, and - after an ascent in the Alpilles - enjoy a marvellous view of Les Baux (“city in the rock”). Finally we reach Arles, where numerous monuments recall the glory of the Roman past.
4. Day: Arles - Camargue - Arles (approx. 45 km)
In the unique natural environment of the Camargue we behold vast salt steppes with wild horses and the famous, magnificent rosy-coloured flamingos. Accommodation in Arles.
5. Day: Arles - Beaucaire/Tarascon (approx. 50 km)
We continue through the region of the so-called small Camargue, where white horses and wild bulls border the way to Saint-Gilles. At length we cycle through lovely rice and wine fields towards today’s destination of Beaucaire/Tarascon.
6. Day: Beaucaire/Tarascon - Uzès (approx. 50 km)
The fortress of Tarascon, which lies high above the Rhône River, accompanies us for a while through the vineyards. By noon we already catch a glimpse of the Pont-du-Gard, the renowned aqueduct of Roman Times and World Heritage Site. Aromatically scented plants such as lavender, thyme, and rosemary are our steady companions as we cycle into the pretty medieval town of Uzès.
7. Day: Uzès - Orange (approx. 55 km)
At first we ride through the hilly landscape of Garrigue, which is covered with Kermes oak trees and Mediterranean herbs, and then through mellifluous vineyards and orchards back to Orange. The historic town will once again enchant us with its Provencal charm as we round off our day with a glass of wine.
8. Day: Orange
Individual departure or extension of trip.
