Provence and Camargue self-guided bike tour

Arrival in Avignon

Arrive early to have time to visit Avignon and especially the famous Palais des Papes! With its imposing ramparts and cobbled streets, Avignon instantly transports you back in time. Theatres, museums and art galleries sit alongside trendy bars and modern restaurants, giving Avignon a unique blend of ancient and modern.

Avignon – Arles | 48 km (elevation gain +360m)

Cross the orchards up to Saint-Rémy de Provence. It takes a little effort to reach the village of Les Baux de Provence, also classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, which overlooks exceptional landscapes. The descent from Les Baux on small country roads will take you to Arles, where the rich cultural heritage and many attractions from Roman times seem to invite you to take an evening stroll.

Arles – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer | 37 km (elevation gain +35m)

Keep heading south and you'll soon find the marshes of the Camargue. Pedal around the Vaccarès lake, make a stop for a nice picnic and observe the rare birds living there before joining Saintes Maries de la Mer and the Mediterrean beaches.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Aigues Mortes | 30 km or 55 km (elevation gain +35m or 55m)

Enjoy an early-morning swim in the Mediterranean Sea or visit the “Sanctuaire Notre Dame de la Mer” with its breathtaking sea views. Leave Sainte Marie and ride west to the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, which rises above the marshes and pink waters of the saltworks. From the top of the ramparts, take the covered walkway: the view over the Camargue is magical!

Option: return to the sea at Grau-du-Roi along a short cycle path (+13 km).

Aigues Mortes – Nîmes | 43 km (+ option 9 km) (elevation gain +220m)

Ride up the Canal du Rhône à Sète to the pretty marina of Gallician. Leave the Camargue behind and head north: pedal through the vineyards of the Costières de Nîmes to reach the “French Rome”: Nîmes! Take time to admire its remarkably well-preserved monuments, such as the amphitheatre, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne.

Nîmes – Uzès (via Pont du Gard) | 45 km (elevation gain +250m)

Another Roman monument takes pride of place on this stage: the Pont du Gard, a famous and spectacular aqueduct listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! After a well-deserved photo stop, continue on to Uzès, one of Provence's most beautiful villages. Visit its beautiful cathedral and stroll through its picturesque streets.

Uzès – Avignon | 55 km (elevation gain +185m or +450m)

This last stage requires a little effort, as you encounter a hilly landscape on the way to Tavel. But even before you reach the town famous for its rosé wines, you're heading downhill. In Tavel, be sure to enjoy a wine tasting ...before heading back to Avignon.

Departure