Date September 1st, 2010 Itinerary Day 1 - Arpaillargues. We begin our week in Provence by picking you up at either the TGV train station or the airport in Avignon. Then, we'll transport you to our first night's hotel in the charming village of Arpaillargues, west of Avignon. Our hotel for the evening is a wonderful XVth century chateau complete with pool and charming courtyard and gardens. Dinner tonight will be served outside in the courtyard Provencal style! Day 2 -Arpaillargues to St. Remy, our first day of riding takes us through the beautiful Provencal countryside and past the UNESCO World Heritage sight of the Pont du Gard, and ancient Roman aqueduct. We'll stop for photos and even for a quick drip in the river if you want. Then it's off to St. Remy, made world famous ever since Van Gogh depicted it in many of his paintings. Our hotel, situated in the heart of the village, is the perfect location to explore the twisty little lanes and the town's many fountains. Dinner tonight will be at an incredible bistro near the hotel.

Start Dates: September 1st, 2010   Price: $3698 per person*   Duration: 7 days / 7 nights   Level of Difficulty: Moderate   Mileage: 177 miles    *Prices based on double occupancy Single supplement $400

Day 3 - St. Remy to Les Baux. Our ride today takes us past lanes lined with plane trees on our way to Les Baux. This fortress village, perched on a rocky hilltop has earned the title of one of France's most beautiful villages, 'l'un des plus beaux village des France'. Its medieval appearance makes it a unique experience, and is best appreciated around sunset. Tonight we stay in another 'mas', however this one is built into the side of a cliff. Some of the rooms are actually cave rooms. Maybe you'll be the lucky one and spend the night there. The panorama from the hotel is awesome, as it overlooks the village of Les Baux. Excellent for those sunset photos.

Day 4 - Les Baux to Lourmarin.We journey past the Alpilles, a small mountain range to the north. Our ride today is again mostly flat as we approach the 'Abbaye de Silvacane', a Benedictine abbey built between 1175 and 1230. It's worth a quick stop before crossing the Durance River and heading into Lourmarin. Lourmarin has also earned the title of a 'plus beaux village'. It's very quaint and charming. Get ready to be treated like kings and queens as we spend the night at a fully restored XVIIth century mill. This four star accommodation is incredible, and has a view of the Chateau du Lourmarin.

Day 5 - Lourmarin to Gordes. Our ride today starts out with a short climb through the 'Combe de Lourmarin' a beautiful gorge, that takes us up to some of the most spectacular lavender fields in all of Provence. We will also visit the villages of Bonnieux, LaCoste, and Menerbes, made famous by Peter Mayles book 'A Year In Provence'. They are also "plus beaux" villages. You'll see why. Then it's a fast downhill from the Luberon Mountains to the unique village of Rousillon. This ocher colored town is a real gem. We'll stop here for lunch before heading off to our hotel near Gordes. Tonight's accommodations are unique because everyone gets their own individual 'mas'. These small farmhouses are beautiful inside and out, and our restaurant tonight overlooks the Luberon Valley. In the distance you can see the lights of Cavaillon. Quite a day!

Day 6 - Gordes to Chateauneuf du Pape, after breakfast, another beautiful day of bike riding as we pass by the Abbey at Senanque, spin through the gorge of Venasque, then on to Chateauneuf du Pape. For you wine lovers, this will be a real feather in your cap!! France's most famous wine village!! Upon arrival, we'll enjoy several wine tastings in the local 'caves', then be treated to a wonderful dinner at our hotel situated directly in the heart of the village.

Day 7 - Chateauneuf du Pape to Avignon. After breakfast, on our last day of riding, we'll head out towards Avignon, following the Rhone River much of the way. Avignon, the cultural capitol of Provence will charm you with it's open air markets, street performers and many street cafes. Tonight will stay and dine in elegance at the Hotel Europe, Avignon's premier hotel. Our farewell dinner will be absolutely world class as we reminisce about the past week in Provence.


Day 8 - After our 'petit dejeuner', we say 'au revoir et a bientot' and take you wherever you need to go: back to the train station, maybe the airport, or what the heck, call home and say you're never coming home!