Cycling at the heart of Provence with friends

Your adventure begins from the moment you set off from Arles, a historic town where the locals speak with the wonderful accent of southern France! Your bike ride with friends begins on the D27, which is also known as the Cézanne Route. We absolutely recommend stopping by the village of Fontvieille to see the troglodyte houses carved into the rock. Make sure you pass by the Alphonse Daudet mills where you’ll be whisked back in time to childhood memories of the Letters from My Windmill.

For lunch, stop at the Table de Meunier and choose from the selection of sun-kissed dishes on the menu.

The Alpilles is brimming with winegrowing estates, each one even more beautiful than the last. You’ll enjoy visiting the Château d’Estoublon, a 200 hectare estate, including a 120-hectare olive grove. You can visit the estate, attend a tasting session or simply purchase some olive oil that has been produced right here on the estate.

Continue on your way, via the D17 and D78F to Baux-de-Provence at the top of a rocky outcrop. This medieval town is classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, and the ruins of the caste and Romanesque church are definitely worth a visit. We recommend leaving enough time to go and visit the Carrières de Lumières exhibition centre together, to admire the unique sound and light shows there.

The day will come to a close with a tasting of sophisticated cuisine that showcases local products at the Domaine Baumanière. There are two restaurants to choose from there depending on what everyone fancies eating. Book one of the holiday gites at this typical mas farmhouse of Provence, and enjoy a game of cards by the swimming pool. 

Get up early to admire the spectacular sunrise over the snow-capped mountains, really highlighting the mosaic of scenery before you, thanks to the different crops. Before leaving Baux, stop by the Mas Sainte Berthe and go for a stroll around the vineyard to learn about the different grape varieties and how the vines are grown, followed by a tour of the wine cellars.

Then cycle along the D27 to Maussane, an authentic village known for its olives and olive oil, that has managed to preserve its historic heritage. You'll have a chance to meet the passionate, hard-working producers there.

We absolutely recommend taking a moment to recharge your batteries for an enjoyable meal together tasting the delicious flavours of Provence at Ou Ravi Prouvencau.

A little further on, the Mas Gourgonniers with its green shutters blends perfectly into its natural surroundings! There is an educational trail through the estate, for a gourmet little interlude and a chance to pick up some local products to take with you.

Ride at an easy-going pace to the picturesque village of Mouriès, with impressive ancient arena and the Caisses de Jean-Jean archaeological site that dates back to the 1st century B.C.

You'll end your day riding along cycle paths that are understandably very popular with cyclists, and admire the charming town of Eygalières perched up on a small hill, the ideal place for a game of petanque with friends! The day will come to a close at the Domaine des Pierres Blanches, a heavenly place set in the midst of nature, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. 

For the last day, you’ll be cycling to the chic little town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence! This is the opportunity to just take in everything that makes this region so beautiful. Admire the unique scenery, breathe in the subtle scents of thyme from the garrigue and feel the warm breeze on your face. When you reach the town, go for a leisurely stroll and admire the countless historic sites there. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, go to the local farmer’s market. Stop for a bite to eat at Chapeau de Paille, a top-quality Provençal-style bistro with a great, easy-going atmosphere.

For one last tasting opportunity, we recommend visiting the Château de Romanin and the atypical wine cellar that resembles an underground cathedral carved into the rock.

If you’re looking for some excitement, why not book a flight on a glider and head up into the clouds. This fascinating, environmentally friendly sport is a chance to glide up over the region and take in the views!

Ride to Saint-Etienne-du-Grès along the Chemin Aurélia, and stop for one last time in this village just on the outskirts of the Alpilles. For your last night, let yourself be soothed by the sound of the cicadas one last time as you laze by the pool at the Mas Predon and take in the warm and inviting atmosphere. This is an opportunity to look back over this little getaway and toast to friendship!

__Visit__ la Provence

__Further reading :__ 
Des balades en Provence qui plairont aux petits comme aux grands
Provence : balade gourmande de marché en marché