TRIP FINDER
PONT DU GARD & SAINT REMY
Come explore Provence's Roman Ruins, Van Gogh's final home, and beautiful countryside by bike with us!
2020 per person price
| CLASSIC TOUR | 950 € |
| CLASSIC + TOUR | 1160 € |
| DELUXE TOUR | 1650 € |
* Price based on double room occupancy - please contact us for details on single room supplements
| CLASSIC PACKAGE | |
| 1 Night Hotel du Musee in Arles | www.hoteldumusee.com |
| 2 Nights Hotel le Colombier in Remoulins | www.hotel-restaurant-remoulins.fr |
| 1 Nights Hotel du Soleil in St Remy | www.hotelsoleil.com |
| CLASSIC + PACKAGE | |
| 1 Night hotel Calendal in Arles | www.lecalendal.com |
| 2 Nights Hotel la Belle Vie in St Hiliaire | www.labellevie-hotel.com |
| 1 Night Hotel Gounod in St Remy | www.hotel-gounod.com |
| DELUXE PACKAGE | |
| 1 Night Hotel Particulier in Arles | www.hotel-particulier.com |
| 2 Nights Le Vieux Castillon in Castillon du Gard | www.vieuxcastillon.com |
| 2 Nights Hotel le Saint Remy in St Remy | www.le-saint-remy.fr |
Upon your arrival in the wonderful Roman town of Arles, you will have time to settle in to your hotel and then perhaps start on some explorations by foot, helped by the self guided walking tour we provide. Visit the spectacular Roman amphitheatre where Provencal style bull fights are still regularly held (the bull is not killed), or sit in one of the many popular cafes of the Place du Forum, for an end of the day pastis, like a local. Arles is also where Van Gogh lived from 1853 to 1890 and where he painted many of his most well-known works. At the end of the afternoon you will meet with our trip manager, who will check the fitting of your bikes, and go over your trip package with you. Dinner this evening is included, in one of our favourite local restaurants.
You leave Arles after breakfast this morning, heading northwards along the easygoing terrain of the Rhone River plains, pedaling along quiet and tiny roads. You ride into the town of Tarascon (with the castle of Roi-Rene) and cross the Rhone River into the town of Beaucaire on the opposite bank. Stop there for a break to admire the pretty medieval manor houses, and perhaps to find some lunch. The ride continues northwards through the vineyards and small hamlets east of Nimes, passing through Remoulins on the Gard River, before heading into the beautiful countryside surrounding your final destination, in the small village of Saint Hilaire d’Ozilhan. You may decide to visit one of the local wineries for a tasting at the end of your day. (Please note, the Deluxe itinerary stays in the neighbouring village of Castillon-du-Gard, and the Classic itinerary in neighbouring Remoulins).
Today you have a beautiful loop ride through the garrigues and pine forests of the Cevennes region to the west. The loop takes you through St Quentin la Poterie, a charming Provencal village, with a history of pottery making and that has become home to many artists today. Continue on to the town of Uzes, with its picturesque Place aux Herbes, its restored Renaissance facades, and perhaps climb up the steps to enjoy the view from the impressive Ducal Palace. Your return ride takes you past incredible Pont du Gard, an exceptionally well-preserved 2000-year old Roman aqueduct (and UNESCO Heritage site). The three arched tiers of this aqueduct-bridge, above the Gardon River, nestled amongst olive trees and wild rosemary, are quite beautiful, and have become one of the most-photographed sites in Provence
You leave Saint Hilaire, heading to the small Provencal town of Aramon, where at one time the powerful and beautiful Diane de Poitiers (mistress to the King of France) ruled as seigneur. The village had one of the most important ports of the Rhone in history, and its bridge is where you will cross over the Rhone River. Then detour slightly northwards to ride through the village of Barbentane, where you can take a moment to visit the beautiful Italian Renaissance-style chateau (still inhabited by the Marquess of Barbentane), and perhaps stop for some lunch. Your ride takes you around the Montagnette hill, but if you wish, take the option up into the “Montagnette”, with its typical Provencal flora and fauna, to see the Abbey Saint Michel de Frigolet, and perhaps buy a gift in the shop, still run by the monks. Finish along orchard-dotted plains into St Remy de Provence. St Remy is where Van Gogh was incarcerated in the Saint Paul de Mausole hospital for a year (and where he completed an astonishing 150 paintings!), but it is also worthwhile visiting the Roman archeological site of Glanum, and relaxing in the typical cafés and shady squares. Your final dinner is included in a great local restaurant.
After a final breakfast, we will transfer you from your hotel back up to Avignon for your further travels. Bon Voyage!
