Provence & Carmargue

Introduction
Burgundy France

Provence is in the southeast of France. Its identity as a geographical region is a hold over from the days of the Roman Empire. Even the cattle and flamingos wallowing in the salty coastal marshes of the Camargue enjoy the sun-drenched good life that Provence provides so generously. In this smiling landscape and in soft-hue, elegant cities, where life still proceeds at an old-fashioned pace, you'll find no end of pleasures.

The region works its charms most potently in rural places, aided in no small part by cypress trees, vineyards, and a cooling glass of pastis. And let's not forget the heavenly lavender fields or Provence's ocher-color villages, few more enticing than pretty St-Rémy-de-Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus and retreat of Van Gogh, where sunlight really does dapple lanes of plane trees. Other delights include the magnificent Romanesque abbey of Montmajour, the craggy towns of Les-Baux-de-Provence (home to the famed L'Oustau de la Baumanière hotel) and Le Barroux, and the scenic hill-town splendors of Roussillon and Gordes.

On this exciting cycling tour your will visit some of the most famous towns and regions all the way down to the coast - the Carmargue.

Orange: Lying at the foot of the Saint Eutrope hill, Orange the provençal city welcomes the tourists coming here to admire the world famous Roman Theater and Triomphal Arch, both listed as World Heritage by the UNESCO.

Uzès…a town with a skyline that marks the region from afar…and from within holds treasures for the eyes, ears, and tastebuds. Self-proclaimed first duchy of France; site of the source for the water that flowed through the Pont du Gard on its way to Nîmes in Roman times; a cathedral boasting a beautiful organ on the inside and an Italianate fenestrelle tower on the outside
Saitn Remy - Situated in the heart of the Alpilles, Saint Rémy is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Surrounded by lush green perfumed valleys, its ancient streets are lined with beautifully restored old houses... you will soon be seduced by Saint Rémy's charm!

Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arles sits on a low hill where the Rhône river branches in two parts to the sea. The town dates back to the 7th century BC, and was a major Gallo-Roman city. The major Roman sites, such as the Arena and the Theater, are unique in that they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town. The Camargue is like its own little country. Once you're a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands.

Ste-Maries-de-la-Mer was a fishing village, built on an island in the heart of the Camargue, where the Petit Rhône joins the sea.

Accomodation

Accommodation in 2** and 3 *** -very comfortable Hotels with Telephone, TV
Breakfast Buffet and 4-course-evening meals

Riding

Itinerary


Day 1: Arrival to your Hotel in Orange.
Time to visit the Roman monuments as the theatre, one of the best preserved of all Roman theatres.
Welcome-Drink and general information in the evening + Road book.

Day 2: Orange – Uzès 56 km
Beautiful landscapes. Orchards, vineyards from the famous Cote du Rhone (Lirac, Laudan) until St Laurent. Arriving at the charming medieval village overlooking the Alzon Valley, Uzes. This is a typical provencial village with a wonderful market place.

Day 3: Uzès – Pont du Gard – Avignon 48 km
Small peacful roads will take you to the spectacular site of Pont du Gard, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. The Roman aqueduct was built to carry water across the River Gardon to the City of Nimes. On the way you are passing by fields of lavender. The end of the day trip will be in Avignon.

Day 4: Avignon – St. Rémy 37 km
Arriving in Avignon you have time to visit the Roman monuments and the Palace of the Popes. You leave Avignon by small quiet roads and cycle towards one of the most beautiful villages in the region and very typical: St Remy. Known for the aromas of wild herbs, St Remy was once the home of Van Gogh, and is also the town where Nostradamus was born. The wines from Les Baux were granted their own appelation status in the late eighties. You can enjoy the end of the day in the romantic small streets and places of St Remy.

Day 5: St. Rémy – Les Baux – St. Rémy 27 oder 51 km
Today you’re cycling from St Remy to Les Baux. The remarkable pilgrimage site was built at 200 m high outcrop and is dominated by a ruined fortress.
It’s Van Gogh's area and here he got the inspiration for a lot of his paintings. Wonderful landscape in the shadow of the Alpilles mountains.

Day 6: St Remy – Arles 47 km
This day you leave St Remy and cycle south, towards to the Mediterranean sea, to the town of Arles, perched on the side of the Rhone with its well-preserved amphitheatre, countless medieval and Roman monuments.

Day 7: Arles – Ste-Maries-de-la-Mer 50 km
Passing Mejanes you will cycle towards the Mediterranean see by the protected region of Camargue. Here you well see the white horses and exotic wildlife that roam the countryside.
Transfer back to Arles by bus

Day 8: Arles – Orange
Return by train to Orange and departure.

Rates and Dates for Provence & Carmargue

Dates Note: Weekly departures in season.from Saturday to Saturday
Guided trips: June 16, July 13, Sept 12, Oct 3 2009

Other Info
Meeting: Orange hotel in Avignon
Airport: Marseille
Transfer: by train to Avignon (not included)

Climate: