Arrival in Orange and check-in at your hotel. Orange has wonderful architectural monuments from Roman times: The Roman Theatre and Triumphal Arch are historical witnesses from this epoch. Enjoy exploring the old town, with its Provençal charm and small pretty shops and cafés.

Your first cycling day takes you into the world-famous wine town Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where a stroll through the town should not be missed. Continue to the city of Avignon along the Rhône Cycle path, a relaxed way to cycle into the city. On arrival in Avignon we recommend a stroll through the old town and a visit to the Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace).

Challenge: 35.7km, 286m ascent, 306m descent

Taking a quiet cycle route, you leave Avignon and pedal directly to St Rémy, possibly the most beautiful and certainly the most typical town in Provence. Take a break in the shaded square or wander the old centre with its shops and cafes. A visit to the monastery Saint Paul de Mausole, where van Gogh spent a year, is highly recommended. Leaving St Remy, you can admire the Roman Arch as you head to the Alpilles. Enjoy great views of Les Baux, the “city in rock” with its stunning location and fortress ruins. Continue to Arles, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Today, Roman culture and Romanesque heritage characterize the historic centre of Arles. It is also the city of Vincent van Gogh. Make your way to your hotel, where you stay for two nights. 

Challenge: 55.8km, 340m ascent, 343m descent

Today you cycle a loop through the Camargue. It's a unique natural landscape - half sea and half land, with brackish water lakes, vast salt steppes, wild horses and if you are lucky pink flamingos. Cycle along small paths exploring the nature reserve. In Mejanes you can take a small train through unspoilt nature, with the chance to see flamingos and wild bulls. The route today is almost always on cycleways. Return to Arles and your hotel. 

Challenge: 45.7km, 175m ascent, 180m descent

In the morning the route takes you to the towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire, located on the banks of the Rhône River. There are many lovely viewpoints and a castle dating from the 12 century en route. You can visit a café and enjoy a break besides the river, or visit the castle of King Remy in Tarascon. Nîmes has numerous well-preserved Roman buildings: The Amphitheatre, the Maison Carrée and the Tour Magne are impressive, or you can enjoy the modern part of the city and the “Carré d'Art” designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster. Overnight in Nimes.

Challenge: 47.1km, 271m ascent, 226m descent

The fortress of Tarascon accompanies you for a while as you cycle through the vineyards of Costières de Nimes, the area's southern-most wine growing area. After a few hours you'll see and visit the Pont du Gard, the famous World Heritage listed Roman aqueduct. Aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary accompany you into the pretty Provençal town of Uzès, with its magical, medieval charm. Uzès is a maze of small streets and shady squares, along with a bell tower and 17th and 18th century mansions. Saturday is market day, and this is one of the best in the south of France. 

Challenge: 45.3km, 320m ascent, 230m descent

The last cycling day takes you initially through the hilly landscape of the Garrigue, with its low growing holm oaks, juniper and wild Mediterranean herbs. Then the vineyards and lovely orchards of Provence take over once again, and you cycle through the Rhone valley's famous wine regions of Lirac and Laudun on the other side of the river, before returning to Orange. 

Challenge: 48.9km, 321m ascent, 414m descent

After breakfast your self-guided cycling trip comes to the end. You can easily reach the train station of Orange.