Van Gogh’s Secrets Bike Tour
Trace the footsteps of Van Gogh in Saint-Rémy and its surrounding landscapes
Pedal through the enchanting landscapes of Provence, from the Alpilles to the Rhône
Conquer the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence with its stunning views
Savor Provencal charm in Eygalières and Mollégès with delightful bistro stops
Explore Glanum Archaeological Park, a window into ancient Roman life
End your journey with a reflective visit to Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery
Follow the footsteps of Van Gogh's life
Visit the hilltop village of Les Beaux de Provence
Learn about Van Gogh's life at San-Paul-de-Mausole
Visit the roman archeological site of Glanum
Stop by the Wednesday Market
Learn where Van Gogh found his inspiration
Enjoy the freedom of cycling
Itinerary
Welcome to the heart of Provence, settling into the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The day will be yours to explore at leisure, wandering its historic streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. For a taste of the surrounding countryside, a short ride to the Glanum Archaeological Park will offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Gaulish and Roman past.
Optional ride to Glanum Archaeological Park: 10 km and 86 m of elevation gain
Today, you’ll follow a scenic EuroVelo cycle path, passing through the peaceful Fontvieille village to Maussane-les-Alpilles, where you can take a break to enjoy the local atmosphere. A climb to the iconic hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence will reward you with breathtaking views and an opportunity to explore its medieval streets. After savoring lunch and taking in the vistas, you will enjoy a leisurely descent back to Saint-Rémy for a restful evening.
Longer: 40 km and 340 m of elevation gain
Shorter: 20 km and 370 m of elevation
You’re in for a slightly shorter day. The route will guide you to Eygalières, a quintessential Provencal village where time seems to stand still. From there, you will cycle north to Mollégès, stopping for a casual lunch. Today offers the perfect opportunity to take in the French cafe culture and enjoy rural landscapes before returning to your hotel in Saint-Rémy.
31 km and 130 m of elevation gain
You will set off on a captivating ride along the Rhône River, cycling to the sister towns of Beaucaire and Tarascon. The smooth EuroVelo path will provide an easy route, and you will have time to savor a riverside lunch at a charming cafe. In Tarascon, you will explore the impressive 15th-century castle that stands as a testament to the region’s history. For those eager to extend their adventure, an optional ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arles will offer a deeper dive into Van Gogh’s artistic legacy and the area’s Roman heritage.
39 km and 174 m of elevation gain
On your final day of cycling, your Van Gogh adventure will reach its highlight. Today, you will visit Saint Paul de Mausole, a peaceful monastery surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. This historic site, where Vincent Van Gogh once stayed and created some of his most famous works, will provide a serene and reflective close to your journey.
13 km and 105 m of elevation gain
Your time in Provence will come to a close as you prepare for departure. After a delicious breakfast, you will leave with cherished memories of scenic rides, historic towns, and the captivating landscapes that inspired Van Gogh’s masterpieces.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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Self guided
Included in price
Description
Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Provence with Van Gogh’s Secrets Bike Tour. Over six unforgettable days, discover a landscape that inspired one of history’s greatest artists.
This region of Provence is inseparably linked to the legacy of Vincent Van Gogh. As you cycle through the same countryside that filled his canvases, you will encounter the fields, olive groves, and limestone peaks that shaped his art.
Whether you are standing atop the hilltop village of Les Baux or following the Rhône River to Arles, where Van Gogh created many masterpieces, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the interplay between his genius and the region’s timeless allure.
Your journey will culminate with a visit to the Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery, a place where Van Gogh painted some of his most iconic works, including the legendary The Starry Night.
To ensure your journey is seamless and enjoyable, we provide an array of services tailored to your needs. Our carefully curated GPS routes guide you through scenic paths, while we handle all accommodation bookings for a worry-free experience.
A comprehensive digital guidebook offers insights into the history, culture, and landmarks you’ll encounter, enriching your adventure at every turn. For peace of mind, our round-the-clock support ensures you have assistance whenever you need it.
Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Provence that inspired Van Gogh’s masterpieces?
Map
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Things to know
Self-led bike adventures provide a tailor-made and flexible approach to cycling holidays, allowing you to discover at your leisure and modify your schedule or route whenever necessary. Our crew takes care of every detail, from accommodations and detailed plans to GPS guidance and ongoing assistance, ensuring a serene and immersive trip that offers independence, individuality, and authentic cultural encounters.
Our tours are grouped into three difficulty tiers: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging. The categorization is based on the typical day of the tour, even though there might be fluctuations in difficulty over the course of the trip.
Leisurely tours cater to those seeking a laid-back journey through breathtaking scenery, without the demand of traversing great distances or navigating tough terrains. These excursions usually span 30-50 km daily, with an altitude climb of up to 500m. This ensures ample opportunities to pause and soak in panoramas, savor regional dishes, and wander through picturesque towns and hamlets en route.
Moderate bike tours suit those seeking a harmonious blend of picturesque routes and a touch of challenge. Usually spanning 50-80 km daily with an altitude ascent of up to 1000m, these tours take you across captivating landscapes and delightful hamlets, offering a combination of level and undulating terrains. While providing ample opportunities to halt and delve deeper, they also ensure a rewarding cycling exercise.
Challenging bike tours cater to seasoned cyclists keen on testing their boundaries. Ranging from 80-120 km daily with an altitude rise of up to 2000m, these journeys involve navigating rigorous inclines and demanding terrains. However, the breathtaking vistas make the effort worthwhile. While these tours demand top-notch fitness and stamina, the euphoria of achievement felt at day’s end is unparalleled.
We’re committed to finding the perfect fit for you. We partner with several accommodation providers that align with our standards, though their availability can vary, particularly in high-demand periods. Additionally, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and financial plan, ensuring we pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements.
We recommend securing your tour at the earliest convenience, particularly for sought-after tourist spots with limited accommodation availability. Top options frequently get reserved for the summer before the onset of spring.
Catering to dietary needs can fluctuate based on their complexity. In France, vegetarian choices are generally accessible, but sourcing vegan meals might be a challenge in countryside locales or smaller towns. Notably, lunch halts are often at conventional eateries that might not accommodate special dietary preferences beyond their regular offerings. Bear this in mind as you map out your journey.
The prime cycling season spans from mid-April to mid-October. In higher regions like the Alps, it’s best from mid-May to September to avoid snow.
Tours can proceed in light rain with suitable attire. Summer often brings afternoon thunderstorms, so starting tours early is advisable. If adverse weather is anticipated, we’ll aim to modify the tour in advance.
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