On this France-Bike tour from Avignon to Montpellier you discover 2000 years of history. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans in Arles and Nimes and discover the Middle Ages in the papal Avignon and the Crusader’s fortress Aigues-Mortes before you get to the young and dynamic metropolis Montpellier. And the variety of landscapes will astonish you. Start in the Rhone Valley and ride through the landscapes of Garrigues and the wild canyon of the Gardon. In the South of Nimes starts the Camargue, immerse yourself in a world dominated by bull herds, white horses and pinks flamingoes and then reach the sunny golden beaches of the Mediterranean on your way to Montpellier.
Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Come to Avignon and settle down in your very nice 3*** hotel. Afterwards take the time for a walk through Avignon and visit the world famous ‘Palais des Papes’.
Day 2: Avignon > Uzès, ~48 km
At 9:30am there is the welcome meeting with someone of the staff. You will pick up your bike - if you have rented one - and all the necessary documents. Then you will leave Avignon and cycle towards Tavel and Uzès.
Day 3: Uzès > Nîmes, ~30 km
Today’s ride leads you along breathtaking landscapes to the Gard River on to Nimes, which has a very rich history, dating back to the Roman Empire. Take the time to discover the Amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée, the Gardens of the Fountain and many other sights. Nimes will astonish you.
Day 4: Nîmes > Arles, ~48 km
Today’s ride from Nimes to Arles is like a trip back to Roman times, as you are cycling from one former Roman colony to another. The stage leads you through vineyards and orchards to the Rhone River and on to Arles, which is not less worth visiting than Nimes. Cultural highlights like the Gallo-Roman theatre, the Arena and the Church of St. Trophime are waiting for you.
Day 5: Arles > Aigues-Mortes, ~53 km
Within some minutes the landscape around you will totally change when you are riding out of Arles southwards. Welcome in the Camargue, the marsh land between the two arms of the Rhone River. Passing by white horses and black bulls you will come to the Rhone-Sète-Canal which will take you to Aigues-Mortes with its impressive medieval city walls.
Day 6: Aigues-Mortes > Montpellier, ~40 km
You'll discover the coast, the sandy beaches and the Rhône-Sète Canal meandering through the lakes. Stop for a drink in the busy little fishing port of Le Grau du Roi before arriving in the seaside resort of La Grande Motte and its architecture, which was certainly futuristic when built in the 1960s. Later in the day you will arrive in Montpellier, where your 3*** hotel welcomes you.
Day 7: End of the tour or extra nights
You can return to Avignon by train or leave from Montpellier after breakfast.
