Provence Classic

Pont du Gard Provence

Provence – Where life was perfected!  

On our Classic Provence trip we break the rules a bit in order to bring you a truly unique experience. We pick you up in Avignon, only to make a short transfer to our starting point near the Gardon river and a treasure chest of ancient Roman sites. Here we are in the Languedoc-Roussillon, known for its towering Roman aqueducts, it’s fine wines and the Garrigue, the local word for its limestone cliffs covered in wild thyme, sage and oak. The sun-baked stones welcome you and urge you to move leisurely through this region on our way back to Provence.

Welcome back to the region of Provence. We have now crossed back into Provence and are pedaling towards Les Alpilles and our luxury hotel there. On our way we see and smell that the scenery has changed. We breathe in fresh olive trees, almond and cherry as we pass orchards bursting with enticing aromas. We arrive in Saint Remy, once stopover of Vincent Van Gogh and birthplace of Nostradamus. Here we retrace the steps of great artists and discover the magic that inspired them. We’ll visit Les Baux de Provence, categorized as one of the most beautiful villages of France, see famous fresh markets of the area, sample delicious wines and roam through the most picturesque cycling of the area. You’ll learn the true meaning of “La Belle Vie” in this little paradise.

Next we cycle on towards Arles, the gateway to Le Camargue natural reserve. Arles, abounding in history and culture, has seen many influences; originally settled by the Greeks in the 6th century BC it later became the Roman center of the region, faced Moorish invasions and even Viking raids before transferring to the Counts of Provence. It has been home to personages ranging from Van Gogh to the Gypsy Kings. Our hotel is just around the corner from the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman Arena and the beautiful Rhône river. Famous for its wild white horses, black fighting bulls, picturesque pink flamingoes, rice paddies and sea salt, the dramatically different scenery closes out this trip beautifully.

  
   
Dates June 13th – June 18th, 2010
Start  & Finish Avignon
Trip Price $3,795 pp ● $850 single supplement
Duration 6 Days ● 5 Nights
Level Explore (see details)
Cycling 10-40 miles in the Rolling Hills
Activities Following Van Gogh ● UNESCO World
  Heritage Sites ● Shopping in St. Remy 

Gourmet Picnics ● Exclusive Wine

Tasting ● Private Cooking Class

 
Reserve Now! What's Included
   
Street Cafe Provence
Trip Details

Days 1 & 2 ● The Languedoc-Roussillon & Uzes

Visit the UNESCO classified site Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 60 A.D. (that we can still ride over!) ● Sample local wines from the Costières de Nîmes ● Relax in the sun with a gourmet picnic ● Have a swim in the Gardon river ● Cultural & historical excursions ● Gourmet dinner.  

Days 2- 4 ● Les Alpilles & St. Rémy de Provence  

Visit the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence ● Experience the stunning natural art exhibit of Le Cathedrale d’Images ● Exclusive wine tasting with the winemaker ● Shop the fresh food market of Saint Rémy ● Gourmet cooking class with our chef Jon ● Rediscover the sites painted by Van Gogh ● Sample award winning local olive oils.

Days 4-6 ● La Camargue & Arles  

Stay in your design hotel amidst Roman Ruins ● Dine in a 2 Michelin starred restaurant ● Cycle the Camargue wilderness reserve, a unique cultural and natural experience ● Visit one of 6 Roman sites classified by UNESCO, all in Arles ● Discover the regional specialties of the Camargue ● Have a coffee in the Café Van Gogh, in the shade of the Roman Arena.
Luxury Hotels and Inns

Hostellerie Le Castellas

le castellasThis XVII century country manor is perfectly located to start our journey in Provence, in a tiny village just between the ancient Roman town of Uzes and the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard.

Famed as an artist retreat, the hotel’s style reflects its heritage and setting; from the frescos brightening the rooms, to the courtyard garden paradise, to the pool fashioned after Roman baths. Our first night, dining under the wisteria in their 2 Michelin starred restaurant hints at the pleasures to come!

 

 

Le Mas des Carassins

mas de carrassinsThe Mas des Carassins is set in the vibrant market town of St. Remy de Provence tucked into the Alpilles Mountains and provides for all tastes. Famous as a troubled yet creative stopover for Van Gogh, the birthplace of Nostradamus and setting of ancient Roman ruins,

St. Remy is steeped in culture. Between rides, take time to stroll through the hotels olive groves and aromatic gardens, or enjoy a leisurely dip in the pool. Dinners here are remarkable, true expressions of delicious Provencal simplicity and the local lifestyle shared with friends.

 

 

L’Hotel Particulier Arles

hotel ParticulierStepping through the unassuming doors of this hotel is like walking into a magical world. The pristine courtyard garden, pool, spa/hammam (Turkish bath) and lavish bedrooms invite peace and tranquility. Set in the heart of the ancient Roman city of Arles, the subtle, modern design of the hotel is a beautiful contrast to the antiquity of its surroundings.

The Hotel Particulier is a luxurious treat and a perfect launching point to the many cultural and historic wonders of the region.