Voyages Terra Natura: Detail page

Experience your cycling holiday this year amidst fertile, lush plains, karstic heights, the Mediterranean coast, the Rhône delta and the cultural centres of antiquity and the Middle Ages. Let’s discover the sunny land of France on this cycling tour!

We start our cycling vacation in Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, whose historic center will captivate you. It is here, in the "belly" of France, that the pleasures of the senses begin and that our path turns towards the Rhône, the vital artery of the south. With the prevailing Mistral wind at our backs, we pedal towards the colorful countryside of Provence, then towards the unique natural paradise of the Rhone delta, the Camargue. Along the way, we visit remarkable cultural sites such as Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Aix-en-Provence and other little-known treasures.

All of our hosts are committed to offering you the best of the Provençal cuisine, deliciously fresh and fragrant. Let yourself be seduced by the sweetness of the Provencal way of life and the scent of these aromatic herbs!

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Day 1: Arrival in Lyon

You will meet your guide at the hotel in Lyon. The magnificent historic center of Lyon (an UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the Croix-Rousse and Saint Jean districts is a remarkable example of 15th and 16th century architecture. At the crossroads of the Massif Central, the Mediterranean and the vineyards of Burgundy, Lyon is considered the culinary center of the country. In the evening, we will verify this reputation in a traditional Lyonnais restaurant.

Day 2: Antiquity and Pontifical Wine - approx. 35 km

We take the train to Orange, the gateway to Provence. We admire the ancient theatre, among the best preserved in the world, and then get back on our electric bikes. We watch as Mediterranean landscapes and vineyards belonging to the Popes of Avignon glide past us. We then take a break for a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This town, chosen in the 14th century as the summer residence of the popes, has the reputation of producing the best wines of the south. After this we ride back to Orange for dinner and the hotel.

Day 3: Avignon and the Palais des Papes - approx. 35 km

As we head south, the Rhone River accompanies us on our journey. Our goal for this day is Avignon. Before visiting the Palace of the Popes, we enjoy a picnic on the Barthelasse island, facing the mediaeval scenery of Avignon. We cross a bridge to reach the historical center and let ourselves be guided through the Palace of the Popes. Following this remarkable tour, we make our way to our hotel in Avignon and dine in the city.

Day 4 : Pont du Gard - approx. 34 km

In the morning, we cycle on small country roads, first along the Rhone, then following the small Alzon river to the Gardon. The aroma of aromatic herbs fills the air in the Gard department, where this river defines the surrounding landscape. The ancient aqueduct known as the Pont du Gard, which is one of the most renowned monuments in France, will leave us in awe.. After a coffee break, we cycle to our nearby hotel. We will enjoy a delicious dinner in the garden.

Day 5: On the banks of the Rhône - approx. 38 km

We ride through the garrigue and the fertile plain of the Rhone to reach the troglodyte abbey of St. Roman, which stands isolated from the rest of the world. After a short walk we reach this early Christian construction, which is completely carved out of stone. We enjoy the fantastic panorama up to the Alpilles. We then continue our journey through the fortified towns of Beaucaire and Tarascon, which face each other on the Rhone. In the afternoon, we arrive in Arles and let ourselves be guided through the city of Van Gogh.

Day 6: Horses, bulls and flamingos - about 60 km

Today, we will discover the enchanting Camargue - a world between land and sea. We will ride our bicycles on tranquil roads through a water-filled landscape, surrounded by salt meadows where the iconic white horses and black bulls of the Camargue graze. Our route will lead us directly across the lakes via a dike. With a little luck, hundreds of flamingos will be our companions on the way to the coastal town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. We will enjoy the beach and the view of the sea.

Day 7: Aigues Mortes, the maritime fortress - about 60 km

Our last excursion takes us through the Camargue marshes to Aigues Mortes, once the departure port of the French kings for the crusades. Aigues Mortes stands proudly on the plain as we approach it and its picturesque little streets will charm us. We take the same route back to the city.