advise on the Avignon area, what else to see?

Stew,

Biking around Provence will give you a deeper experience of the region and the land than most travelers get.

Will there be good stuff you don't see? Sure.

What? That depends--what's on your bike itinerary?

Will seeing the stuff you haven't seen be better than going to Rome or something else? Entirely up to you!

The Palace des Papes is worth it to tour inside. The audioguide that was provided was very informative. Not much of sights to see because the town (old town) is the sight in itself.
If you get a chance see Arles as it was very beautiful as well. Splurge on a good restaurant as the food here is great. I found wondering the streets of Avignon and Arles and sitting at the outdoor cafes the highlights of the Provence region.

Thanks for the info.

Van Gough worked around Arles. Sitting at one of the cafes there sound like fun. I do have a few days after the bike tour of Provance so was wondering if seeing the Riverira and idea or head down to Rome?

the pont du gard is not far away, and worth seeing.

Arles is tres magnifique!

Oui to Pont du Gard. There is a bus from Avignon.
In Avignon look for restaurant Wooloomooloo located off the beaten path at 16, rue Teinturier. Off beat and delicious. Rue Teinturier is a wonderful shaded cobblestone street along a stream with old waterwheels. The old dyers district.
In Avignon be sure to dance on the bridge, like in the old children's song!
Have a great time.

Starting in Avignon, ride to Pont du Gard…spend a few hours there (bring your own picnic)…then ride to Arles for an overnight stay…next morning ride to Les Baux de Provence, spend half a day there. It’s a great hill town built of stone (and as I recall, the town where Wolfgang Puck began his career). Then ride to St Remy de Provence and spend the night there…from St Remy it’s a straight shot to Aix en Provence

Stew, we just got back from the Avignon area last week and our trip to the top of Mont Ventoux revealed that it is very popular with bicyclists. It's a little bit of a climb though.