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Bike to the Sea and See Cassis

Ce séjour à vélo se termine à Cassis 6
From Avignon to the Mediterranean on your bike Self-guided bicycle tours in Provence Avignon is the starting point of our bike tour This cycling tour ends in the small coastal town of Cassis by the Mediterranean This cycling tour Provence tour will take you from Avignon to Cassis via the Sainte-Baume mountain Provençal street
Ce séjour à vélo se termine à Cassis

Bike to the Sea and See Cassis

  • Level
  • PriceFrom 1,180 euros
  • DAY7 nights / 8 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

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Description

While larger Mediterranean cities and celebrity hot spots may get lots of hype, the glistening azure coastline and rainbow-hued houses of Cassis are no less eye-popping. This quiet seaside town remains a working fishing port, which makes it all the more appealing to us as the highlight of our tour — we like quiet, character-filled places that haven’t surrendered to time or progress or the pressure of hectic modern lives! 

The route to Cassis is truly as blissful as the destination. Imagine riding by a mountain cloaked in holy legend (Sainte Baume), past the sunny yellow buildings of Aix-en-Provence, through scenes captured so beautifully by Cézanne (Mont Saint-Victoire), and Van Gogh during his most productive years (the Alpilles). 

Consider this our official warning: many unsuspecting cyclists and would-be artists have come to explore this glorious region and wound up quitting their day jobs, packing up their lives, and buying a fixer-upper farmhouse or seaside cottage. After a week of riding here, you may be compelled to follow suit!

 

For travel and cycling tips to Provence, visit our "Travel and cycling tips" section.

Itinerary

D1Arrival in Avignon

 

Arrive in Avignon at the time of your choice. After checking in, take advantage of the central location of your hotel to stroll through this magnificent city and discover some of its treasures. If time allows, visit the Palace of the Popes, which also houses temporary exhibits and events, and Pont Saint-Bénézet, the “Pont d’Avignon” featured in a popular song.

D2Avignon — Maussane 51 km/30 miles; 340 meters/1,115 ft of climbing

 

Set out southwards through orchards and farmlands, before reaching the awe-inspiring Alpilles mountain range. The Alpilles have been enticing people since Roman times, and the many ancient remnants in this part of Provence are a testament to its longstanding draw. Maussane is a typical commune with warm-weather vegetation and architecture that spans the ages. Provençal-style blue shutters and red-tiled roofs are more modern” additions to the scene.

D3 Maussane — Aix-en-Provence 68 km/42 miles; 550 meters/1,800 ft of climbing

 

Olive trees and cicadas?! Yes, no doubt about it, you’re in Provence! Don’t expect to keep to your average speed as you are bound to stop again and again and again for picture taking. Of course, you can spend the day as you wish, and the possibilities are endless! For example, you could choose to visit a Marseille soap-maker today, one whose family business started back in 1900 and hasn’t stopped since. Your ride will then take you to one of Provence’s liveliest and most beautiful cities, Aix-en-Provence. The elegant avenue lined with sunshine-colored homes is straight out of a dream. No need to rush to see ‘everything’ as you’ll be here for two nights

D4Rest day in Aix-en-Provence or optional ride Optional ride: 73 km/45 miles; 960 meters/3,150 ft of climbing

 

Today is yours to organize the way you want. Whatever your interests are, you’ll have a wide choice of things to do, taste, smell, and explore! Just walking around through the winding side streets and beautiful squares of Aix is a treat. You’re bound to run into one of the colorful neighborhood markets — even those who hate shopping can’t resist perusing. Art lovers can visit Cézanne’s workshop or spend time searching for a ‘masterpiece’ of a scene to capture for your photo album.

D5Aix-en-Provence — Saint-Maximin 44 km/27 miles, 590 meters/1,935 ft of climbing

 

Following the “Cézanne road” — so named since the painter could often be found here painting “Sainte-Victoire” mountain — you’ll soon discover the beauty that drew him and many others to this fascinating region. The white of the limestone, the red of the clay, the blue of the sky, and the green of the pines all play off each other, creating a festival of colors for the eyes. Your destination is Saint-Maximin-La-Sainte-Baume, a very special place in Christianity — the impressive gothic basilica was built where Mary Magdalene’s relics were found.

D6Saint-Maximin — Cassis 56 km/35 miles; 550 meters/1,805 ft of climbing

 

If you’ve read Marcel Pagnol’s delectable stories like My Father’s Glory and My Mother's Castle, you’re already familiar with the scenery you’re about to encounter today. Pagnol succeeded in describing what this short description fails to convey — the true spirit of Provence. Stress is a naughty word in this part of France, so let all your worries go as you exhale. A nice downhill ride will bring you at last to Cassis and the Mediterranean Sea.

D7Rest day in Cassis

 

After 5 days of cycling in Provence, you should be totally relaxed (you followed the instructions on Day 6, right?) — in the right state of mind to experience CassisHiking along the coast, canoeing around the calanques, or taking boat rides are some of the activities you can partake in today. Even after an unforgettable cycling itinerary, this day in Cassis is one that will stand out in your memory.

D8Departure

 

After breakfast, depart at the time of your choice.

Booking & Prices

  • Option A
  • 4 nights in 3-star properties, 3 nights in 2-star properties (1 night with a swimming pool, 2 nights by the sea)

  • 1,180 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 455 euros
  • 1,225 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 475 euros
  • 1,270 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 495 euros
  • Option A+
  • 1 night in a 4-star property, 6 nights in 3-star properties (4 nights with a swimming pool, 2 of which are by the sea)

  • 1,490 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 645 euros
  • 1,580 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 665 euros
  • 1,670 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 685 euros

These prices include:

  • 7 nights' accommodation as described above
  • Daily breakfast
  • Luggage transfers
  • Roadbook provided as an app (when used as a GPS, no data plan is necessary)
  • Tourist information (provided as part of the app).
  • Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
  • All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 150 euros. Full-carbon bikes are available at the rate of 235 euros per bike. E-bikes are available at the rate of 270 euros per bike. These prices include the drop-off fee for the bike’s return to Avignon. 

 

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