Biking through Provence

Hi Stew. This sounds like a good plan to me, if it's what suits you. You could also add a trip out to Les Baux if you are okay with hills (or add it to your St. Remy trip).

I have heard good things about organized bike tours, but they are pricey.

In many ways day trips are the way to go, as you can travel light and sit out any bad weather in Arles (or visit another city by train that day). However if you want to do some overnight, point-to-point rides for part of your trip, that is very feasible too.

You can leave your bag at your hotel in Arles and bring what you need for the trip in a pannier (which you can bring or rent) I've done this, though not in Provence. Or you can pay to have your bag taken from place to place each day you are on the road. I'll bet the bike-tour company you were considering would do this for you even though you are not traveling with them.

(Its normal to find a "menu" of services at such places, including bike rentals, reservations along your route, bag transport etc.)

If you plan your trip carefully and are up to the terrain, I think day trips (and also longer trips if you like) can be very satisfying.

Unfortunately there are not a lot of touring cyclists on this site. You probably would get a better response at phred.org. You have to join (free) but it is hard core touring cyclist board. I know that someone on that board will have done what you want to do.

Local trains, which allow bicycles, also will let you extend your reach as follows.

First, you can take the train and your bike to another city, such as Nimes, and do a day trip from there.

Second, instead of looping back, you can bike to a remote train station and take the train back to Arles. Nothing wrong with loops, but you can effectively double your range. Think Orange or Isle de la Sourge.

Itinerary planning is key. When I did a trip like this in Burgundy, I relied on the following sources for information and inspiration.

1) Many bicycle itineraries on the internet.

2) Lonely Planet's book about cycling in France. I think this may be out of print but the itineraries are still good. Try a library if you can;t find it.

3) The IGN topo maps for the area

4) Last but not least, the shop that rented me my bicycle, which was an invaluable source of first-hand information about what roads and towns were the most scenic.

Thanks Adam for your ideas.

I like the one about taking the train back after a longer ride instead of doing a loop. That makes a lot of sense and that town you mentioned sounds interesting.

I have to book this hotel soon as there is some kind of photograpy festival going on.
I think this might be the best way to go.

I have friends who bring tents and that kind of stuff and sleep in farmers fields.

But that is not practical for me as I will be traveling by trains for 3 weeks after this.

Thanks again

Stew