Tour de provence (cycling tour)

On this back road tour you will explore the contrasts of the provençal landscape from the alpilles to the camargue, and take away some unforgettable souvenirs of the natural sites, customs and life-style of the area.

Graveson  Arrival in Graveson early evening. Settle in your hotel.  Evening meal in a restaurant. Accommodation.

Montagnette - tarascon (30 km)  After breakfast, set off for Tarascon, Roi René's town, via the little villages typical of the Montagnette: Barbentane, the Frigolet Abbey, Boulbon and its 11th century fortress.  The route crosses undulating countryside covered with oak and pine trees and then the market garden plain of Tarascon.  You enter Tarascon along the Rhône flood bank from where there is a wonderful view of Roi René's castle.  Visit of : The castle, the Collegiate Church of St Martha, Tartarin's house.

Tarascon - arles (42 km)  From Tarascon the itinerary takes the little farm routes to Maillane where Frederic Mistral was born, then continues on to Arles via Fontvieille and its famous windmill, and the abbey at Montmajour.

Arles - les saintes maries de la mer (49 km)  As soon as you enter the Camargue you will notice a total contrast with the previous landscape.  Cross the Nature Reserve famous for its flamingos, bulls and wild horses.

Les saintes maries - le sambuc (40 km)  Explore the true heart of the Camargue on this route along the sea wall between the sea and the marshes. This route is ideal for observing flora and fauna.

Le sambuc - saint rémy de provence (58 km)  From Le Sambuc, head towards Arles and then take the little road to Maussane-les-Alpilles via Barbegal and its Roman flour mill.  After Maussane you climb to the village of Les Baux perched on a rocky outcrop. Then you go down to the Val-d'Enfer and on to Saint-Rémy.  Evening meal in a restaurant.

Saint rémy de provence - graveson (18 km)  Return to your hotel and collect your car.