Provence and French Riviera by bike

Cycling trip on the French Riviera

Starting in Avignon, the famous City of Popes, this cycling trip takes you along the sun-drenched roads of Provence, through typical landscapes and iconic panoramas of the Aix region. The route gradually leads you towards the Mediterranean, eventually reaching one of the jewels of the French Riviera: Cassis.

Dominated by a castle steeped in history, this charming village captivates visitors with its small port, colorful facades, and Mediterranean atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Calanques National Park, Cassis is an ideal base for exploring the western part of the massif, as well as the impressive cliffs of Cap Canaille. Between wild calanques, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled coves, the coastline offers a spectacular setting, perfect for relaxation and swimming breaks.

The adventure concludes in Marseille, just a short train ride from Cassis. Founded around 600 BC by Greek navigators from Phocaea, the Phocaean city, the oldest of French cities, welcomes you for an urban conclusion rich in history and character.

Day 1: Avignon

Arrival in Avignon and installation at the hotel. Avignon is the capital of Vaucluse and the Côtes du Rhône, a city of art and culture with department stores and small boutiques to discover. Walk through the medieval streets and admire the Renaissance mansions typical of this city with its unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Avignon.

Day 2: Avignon - Maussane-les-Alpilles, approx. 30 km

Meeting at 9 :30 am at the reception. Your bike tour begins with the discovery of the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence. The view from the top of this hilltop village is exceptional and you can see the Alpilles hills. You can admire the Vaccarès pond on one side and Mont Ventoux on the other. You then return to your hotel in Maussane-les-Alpilles, a pleasant village located in the Baux valley.
Overnight in Maussane-les-Alpilles.

Day 3: Maussane-les-Alpilles - Aix-en-Provence, approx. 65 km

Pass through Provencal villages and famous olive groves to Salon-de-Provence. It is one of the oldest towns in Provence and where the famous Nostradamus wrote for some time. You end your cycling tour in Aix-en-Provence with its historic city center and its famous calissons!
Overnight in Aix-en-Provence.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence - Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume, approx. 40 km

Today you will discover the region which inspired Paul Cézanne and the Sainte-Victoire Mountain up to Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. This city has the largest Gothic basilica building in Provence which houses the relics of Mary Magdalene and a royal convent to discover.
Overnight in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume.

Day 5: Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Beaume - Le Castellet, approx. 55 km

Head for the pine forests of the Mediterranean and the village of Le Castellet, a pretty feudal village in the Var. You can admire a 15th century castle and fortified gates on this village perched on a promontory.

Overnight in Le Castellet.

Day 6: Le Castellet - Cassis - Marseille, approx. 25 km

This is the most exceptional day of this trip on the French Riviera with the discovery of breathtaking landscapes overlooking the Mediterranean. You arrive in Cassis in the afternoon, a very beautiful town on the French Riviera which is absolutely worth a visit. We highly recommend taking a boat trip in the Calanques before reaching Marseille (if you have the time). Then take a train before 4 pm to reach Marseille from Cassis with your bikes (not included).
Overnight in Marseille.

Day 7: End of the cycling trip on the French Riviera

End of the trip after breakfast. You can leave your bike at the hotel before heading to Avignon by train or minibus.

General information :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 and 4* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

2026 dates:

Departures on Saturdays from March 21st to October 2nd

• Low season: March 21st to April 17th and September 19th to October 2nd
• High season: April 18th to September 18th

 
Included :

• 6 nights with breakfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Meeting at the first hotel
• Luggage transport between accommodation
• Travel book
• GPS App
• Telephone support 7 days a week

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Train from Cassis to Marseille on day 6
• Lunches
• Dinners
• Drinks
• Parking
• Personal expenses
• Anything not specified in the "included" section

The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Transfer from Marseille to Avignon (private shuttle, 5 people max) at the beginning or end of the tour
• Additional night (s) in Avignon (on request)
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Multi-risk cancellation insurance

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Ground :
Hilly terrain, the sportiest day is the 2nd day.
 
Weather :
Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.
 
Technicality:
Cycling: 25 to 65 km per day or 2 to 6 hours of cycling.
Partly marked itinerary
 
Bibliography:
Guide on the Via Rhôna
 
Additional nights:
An additional night is offered to you at the start in Avignon (on request)
 
Meal :

• Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
• Lunches : not included
• Dinners : half-board option, dinners in restaurants near the accommodation

 
The bike :

• Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return. 
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your own bicycle.

 
Assistance:
Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene)
 
Luggage:
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person. (max. 20 kg)
 
Roadbook :
A travel book will be send by post before departure. We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel.
 
Transport :

• By Train: SNCF TGV to Avignon in about 2h45 / 3h00 from the Gare de Lyon. For more information on timetables, contact SNCF.
• By road: A6 exit 23. Paris is 700 km from Avignon.
• By plane: Airport in Nîmes and Avignon, and international, Marseille and Montpellier.

 
Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.