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Cycle Provence

France - Trip code CVP Cycling
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85Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Ride through the heart of Provence, indulging in France's rural charms and culinary delights. Our eight-day cycling trip traverses hilltop villages, sprawling vineyards and historic towns. Explore Roman relics, walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh and visit picturesque chateaux, all whilst cycling through some of the region's most photogenic landscapes.

Why we love this trip
  • Avignon - Discover the museums and galleries of this historic city, which was once home to the pope.
  • Chateauneuf du Pape - Sample the world-renowned wine at its source and learn more about one of France's most-loved exports.
  • St Rémy de Provence - Explore the streets of this quaint market town, one time home to Vincent Van Gogh.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 6

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Bicycle

    Taxi

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    Accommodation

    3 nights comfortable

    4 nights comfortable hotel

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    Cycling grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip Marseille Airport, drive to Avignon

Our tour starts today at Marseille Airport (MRS). Our group transfer will depart the airport at 4pm - if you'd like to join the transfer, the latest your flight can arrive is 3.30pm. We'll travel by taxi to the historic city of Avignon. On arrival, we'll have a glimpse of the medieval city, famous for its circle of ramparts, impressive Papal Palaces and the Pont d'Avignon.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day and you don't want to wait for the transfer, you can take the shuttle bus from the airport to Vitrolles, from where there are frequent trains to Avignon. Our hotel is 600 metres from the train station.

If you plan to drive to the start of the trip, please ask us for parking details.

Accommodation:

Hotel Angleterre (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Circular cycle along the bank of the Rhone, visit Chateauneuf du Pape

Today's cycling route takes us across the majestic Rhone River, allowing us to fully experience the freedom of riding our bicycles. We'll pause for a coffee break before crossing the river once more, soaking in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the internationally acclaimed Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards. As we climb into the village itself, we'll immerse ourselves in its charm and allure. Finally, we'll make our way back to Avignon, following the scenic Via Rhona cycling trail.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 45 kilometres/28 miles with a total ascent of 160 metres/530 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Angleterre (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Cycle south to St Rémy-de-Provence

This morning, we'll leave Avignon behind and head south through Barbentane and the enchanting Abbey of St Martin de Frigolet. We'll continue until we reach St Rémy-de-Provence, a town teeming with captivating sites and a rich history. Arriving around lunchtime, we'll have the chance to immerse ourselves in the town's charm and indulge in the local cuisine.

St Rémy-de-Provence is a treasure trove for art and history lovers - it's home to a pre-Roman Celtic shrine and remarkable Roman antiques and was also the birthplace of Nostradamus and the former residence of Vincent Van Gogh. There are plenty of optional activities to dive into this afternoon, including a visit to the ancient Glanum ruins and a visit to St Paul de Massane, the psychiatric hospital that Van Gough spent time at - our tour leader will explain the options in full.

Following a few hours of free time to explore, we begin our return journey, taking advantage of a cycle route that leads us through scenic fruit orchards, ultimately guiding us back to Avignon.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 58 kilometres/36 miles with a total ascent of 260 metres/853 feet.

Accommodation:

Hotel Angleterre (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Free day to explore Avignon or optional cycle to Pont du Gard

Today you have the option to explore more of Avignon at your own pace or take on another bike ride.

If you'd like to see more of Avignon, you could delve into the city's history with a visit to the Papal Palaces or take in some art at the Calvet Museum. If you prefer contemporary art, the Lamber Collection is the place for you or if you'd like to simply watch local life pass by, head to one of the covered markets.

For those wanting a more active day, there's the option to embark on a longer and more demanding cycling route. The ride covers 68 kilometres/42 miles (with an ascent of 498 metres/1,634 feet) and leads to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard aqueduct.

Accommodation:

Hotel Angleterre (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cycle to Pernes-les-Fontaines via L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, along Via Venaissia

Having spent four nights in Avignon, it's time to venture into a new setting as we make our way to Pernes-les-Fontaines. Today is a gentler day to save our legs for tomorrow. Our planned stop for lunch is the city of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, renowned for its abundance of antique stores and charming eateries. After a break for lunch, we'll continue our journey towards Pernes-les-Fontaines, following the recently opened cycle route known as the Via Venaissia.

Pernes-les-Fontaines is a medieval village that at one time had 40 fountains - hence the name - and still has a ruined castle and city wall. There is also a cycle museum because Pernes-les-Fontaines is the birthplace of Paul de Vivie, the man who revolutionised cycling with the invention of a two-speed derailleur in 1905.

Our total cycling distance today is 40 kilometres/24 miles.

Accommodation:

Hotel L'Hermitage Pernes-les-Fontaine (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 - Free day to explore Carpentras, or optional cycle to Gordes

Today is free to relax and explore Pernes but for those wanting a challenge, there is the option to take on a challenging ride to Gordes. Gordes is one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), an honour given to just 176 of the country's 30,000 villages, and in 2024, it was crowned the most beautiful of all. It's affectionately known as the Balcony of the Vaucluse Plateau thanks to its sweeping views over the majestic Luberon barrier.

Ascending through a picturesque canyon, you'll be rewarded with wonderful views upon reaching this quintessential Provencal gem. A maze of intricate lanes leads up to St Firmin's church and to the massive hulk of a Renaissance château perched on the top of the village. On the way back, we'll stop at the Fontaine de Vaucluse and maybe have an ice cream on the way.

For those not wanting to cycle to Gordes, but still wanting to visit this gem, alternative transport can be arranged, at a cost of approximately €80 per vehicle.

Our total cycling distance today is 61 kilometres/37.9 miles with 600 metres/1,969 feet of ascent.

Accommodation:

Hotel L'Hermitage Pernes-les-Fontaine (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Half-day ride to Chateau Pesquie and vineyard visit

Our cycling route today gives us a taste of Provencal life, taking us through the lovely villages and vines at the southern foot of Mont Ventoux before we reach one of the vineyards in Mormoiron.

Here, we'll enjoy a guided visit to learn about the production process and taste some of the local wines. After our tasting, we'll have a picnic lunch on the terrace of the chateau in the shades of the plane trees, before a relaxing walk through the vines - the perfect way to round off our tour.

In the early afternoon, we'll cycle back to our accommodation in Pernes where we'll have the opportunity to enjoy any sites that we've missed so far.

Our total cycling distance today is approximately 41 kilometres/25.5 miles.

Accommodation:

Hotel L'Hermitage Pernes-les-Fontaine (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 - Trip ends Marseilles Airport

Departing Pernes after breakfast, we'll drive to Marseille Airport (MRS), a journey of around one hour and 15 minutes, where our trip ends. We aim to arrive around 9am and the earliest your flight can depart is 11am.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

France

Climate

Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. Winds can be strong all year around, but the prevailing wind is in our favour! The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of. The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juras and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall. Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Catholic

Language

French

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Gordes - approx €60 per minibus, one way
Avignon - Papal palaces combination ticket with the Pont d'Avignon €14.50
St Rémy-de-Provence - Ancient Glanum 6th century B.C to 3rd Century A.D ruins €8.00
St Rémy-de-Provence - Monastry of St-Paul-de-Mausole, Van Gogh Visit €7.00



Clothing

Pack essentially for hot weather. However, you must bring a warm sweater or jacket for cycling on cool days and for wearing during the evenings. In case of rain, waterproofs are essential. Also, a pair of long trousers or tracksuit bottoms are useful for cycling along hedgerow-lined footpaths.

Footwear

If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle.A pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.

It does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company.

Equipment

It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.

Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

France

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£17
Dinner price
£20.00 - 25.00
Beer price
£4
Water price
£1.3
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.
Where To Exchange
Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.
ATM Availability
In cities and most major towns
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bicycle, Taxi

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we stay in comfortable-grade hotels. Our accommodation is chosen based on location, comfort and authenticity to bring us closer to our destination. In general, comfortable-grade hotels are three-star equivalent with good amenities including en-suite rooms, air conditioning and WiFi. Hotels may also have extra amenities such as a swimming pool or bar/restaurant.
In Avignon, we stay at Hotel d'Angleterre - a historic building dating from the start of the 20th century, set on a quiet road just off the town centre. The hotel offers comfortable accommodation, free WiFi and a continental breakfast.
In Pernes-Les-Fontaines, we stay at the Hotel L'Hermitage in the shadow of Mt Ventoux, offering free WiFi and a pool.

Food and drink

Provence is a gastronomic paradise, renowned for its cuisine that reflects the region's sunny climate and rich agricultural heritage. The food here is characterized by the use of fresh, local ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lavender. Signature dishes include ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and salade nicoise. Provence is also famous for its wines, particularly rosés, which are perfect for pairing with the local cuisine. The region's vineyards produce a variety of wines, including robust reds like Chateauneuf du Pape and crisp whites, making Provence a delightful destination for food and wine lovers alike.

France

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

France: Visas are not required by UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

France

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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