Hi We are traveling and camping by bike this fall in Provence. We are looking for route suggestions, places to eat, to get the best of Provence but maybe a few different places than the last time. In 2006,we biked, camped and traveled to Aix-en-Provence (2),Maussane-les-Alpilles(1) St.Remy(1), Les Baux, Arles (1), Pont de Gard (1),Avignon(1),...train...Cavaillon to Gordes(1), Roussillon, apt(1), Bonnieux (1)Lacoste , Cavaillon, ...train..bus.. Vaison-la-Romaine (2) and biked in this area for a total of 14 days. Any suggestions on other places ( maybe some the same) by bike. I don't mind a few (little) hills but the hill from Cavillion to Gordes did me in. So no Mt. Ventoux. We prefer shorter rides so we can meander, eat and see the sites. I also love any markets. We have 9-10 days by bike. My husband would love to see Vaison la Romaine again and Orange as we missed it last time. I loved it all. Places to eat? Bike rental? Thanks so much. Taking the long way around the world and taking it real slowww.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Depending on what route you take... (you have already senn a few of my favorites) but I also like Vancluse, Sur de la Sorge (sp) If you head towards the Carmague which might be fun on a bike, there is a little beach town Sainte Maries de la mer. You might see the white horses and the flamingos. My all time favorite village to stay in is St. Remy... best market and although you have been, it might be worth another trip. Did you spend much time at the hospital where Van Gogh was? We used to walk there early in the morning and it was really special. Also, very near there is the little town of Fonteville...not too much there, but its close and I stayed at a little guest house/hotel which was quite nice.
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
111 posts
Ruby - I've biked much of the area that you mention, and you've definitely hit all of the top spots. Gordes and Les Baux were two of my favorites. I too would recommend L'Isle-sur-la Sorgue, which has a wonderful market on Saturdays.
As far as The Camargue, we got eaten alive by mosquitos while biking there in September,so be forewarned. If you like wine, Gigondas and Vacqueyras are nice stops.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
If you are thinking of renting (and no I do not have any recommendations about that, sorry) be sure to tap the shop you rent from for help with your itinerary.
Posted by
OP
Bloomington, mn
2 posts
Thanks everyone. I am checking into Luberon Biking as Aquataine bikes (rental shop we used in the Dordogne) recommended them. Great suggestion to ask the bike shop. I am also trying to piece in as many markets as I can along the way. Any suggestions for great restaurants in this area? I did love St. Remy and hope to plan a route with some new places as well as some old favorites. Isle sur La Sourge has been highly spoke of by a few people and Fountaine de la Velcluse. Has anyone been to Chateneuf de Pape area? Thanks for all the suggestions
Ruby
Posted by
Colorado Springs
334 posts
I'd love to go back to the Luberon - we only really had 1 night there at the end of a trip doing much of what you've done. I was going to suggest St. Remy as a center (we did two weeks with that as a base) - we also rode in the Dordogne - love that area. Our last trip in France was Alsace, which has wonderful little towns - we based our selves in one place for a week - we've done the same thing in the Loire River - going to see the chateaux. We have not camped, however - generally self-catering small cottages (gites). Karen
Colorado