On arrival in Avignon make your way to your hotel. After check-in you are free to relax or explore this charming and rather dramatic ‘city of the Popes’. Time permitting we suggest a visit to the fabulous Papal Palace and the famous bridge, immortalised in the well-known song.

Your first day’s cycling leads you south along quiet country lanes, through a rural landscape of orchards, fertile fields and tiny villages. The terrain slowly changes as you enter the Alpilles – a range of forested, limestone hills – which afford fantastic views and great cycling. Stop to explore the picturesque hill-top village of Les Baux-de-Provence before riding on to the charming village of Maussane Les Alpilles where you will spend the night.

Leave the Alpilles and continue your journey, riding through a typical Provencal landscape of gently rolling hills and a patchwork of olive groves. Much of the local olive oil is used to make the famous local ‘Savon de Marseille’ soap – break your ride to stop and learn more before continuing through the glorious countryside. Today’s destination is the magnificent old city of Aix en Provence, once home to the painter, Paul Cézanne.

Today is a free day as you will spend a second night in Aix. Take a wander through the medieval city, exploring its charming squares and avenues. Stop for a leisurely drink in a pavement café or a bite to eat in one of its cosy restaurants. You may also wish to visit the cathedral or Cézanne’s former studios. If you prefer to get out on the bike, then there’s an option to head out on a challenging hilly ride, about 75km, around Mount Sainte Victoire, via Chateau de Vauvernargues where Picasso lived and is now buried.

Leaving Aix behind you’ll follow the ‘Route Cézanne’ into the foothills of Mt. St. Victoire. The artist often painted here as he loved the light and colours of the surrounding countryside. Riding past the bleached white cliffs and green pines growing from a red soil on a blue sky day its easy to see the appeal. You then cross a wide fertile valley to the town of Maximin la Sainte Baume, where you’ll stop for the night. The charming town is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in south east France and is a major pilgrimage site.

You’ve the option of two routes today, depending on how energetic you feel, both involve approximately 20 km of roads with more traffic. Either cruise through gentle, rolling hills, including two long, freewheeling descents, or take the slightly longer, and considerably hillier route to Montagne Sainte Baume. If you do take the longer route the downhills are even more spectacular and enjoyable. Either way, you’ll be afforded splendid views and countryside, before arriving in the pretty port of Cassis on the Mediterranean coast.

Today is yours to spend as you please in and around Cassis. You could simply relax on the beach or if you’re feeling energetic you could rent sea kayaks and go for a paddle along the coast. Or you can choose to cycle the challenging round trip up the Cap Canaille for the breathtaking views. Another popular option is to cycle out along the Calanques coast to admire and swim in the turquoise waters of the fjord-like inlets. If you want a more challenging route then take the 30km Route de Cretes loop that leads you south along the the stunning cliff-top road to the nearby town of La Ciotat.

After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.