The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Spring in Provence

May 10th to May 25th

Ride Director: Randy Glover
Ride Co-Director: Lucy Glover
Ride Driver: Paul Winnicki
Report by: Douglas Webber

As we depart the historic and charming Avignon we are immediately struck by the magnitude of the Rhône and the immensity of the Palais de Papes where nine popes tried to stay warm while ministering to the masses during nearly the entire 14th century. As we passed along some of the former sumptuous maisons of the cardinals we are struck by glorious fields of brilliant red poppies.  

It takes only a handful of kilometers before one feels becalmed and elated by the countryside of Belle France. Vineyards of such lush design stretch in an undulating homage to the horizon. Today’s cerulean sky was gorgeous, but a product or perhaps source of a brisk 30km/hour wind. The Mistral was kicking up and would be with us for the tour.

Light and largely respectful traffic weaved around us until we reached the magnificent Pont de Gard. Here we are reminded of the true impact of Ancient Rome.

As we left Uzes, we were delighted to find a miniature tower of Pisa at the church of the Virgin, immediately followed by a plunge into a verdant valley. We were passed by hordes of antique motorcycles, some replete with sidecars. Once out of town, the ride was beautiful, punctuated by a visit up a small hill around the tiny village of Tresques. a tower from the 12th century, Tour Gaete has been converted into an eclectic but impressive art gallery.

Some twenty miles later we entered Orange, having reached a consensus of our navigational tools.  Outside of our Grand Hotel was a special festival of mid-eighties games including air hockey, fussball, and a Pinball machine at least a score older than the rest. It quieted down after dark. Dinner at the hotel was great as was the service and breakfast.

No need to rush from Orange. The matin is best spent taking in the formidable Roman theater built before Jesus was a corporal. It is worth following the self-guided tour and basking in the sun. Have a cohort utter some prosaic lines while you stand high above the proscenium to hear the amazing acoustics. 

Our ride to Vaison was uneventful, albeit very windy.  A manageable climb offers vistas of Mt. Ventoux and the Dentelles. The village of Vaison and our Hotel were very nice. Epic climb to the 6,200-foot Mt. Ventoux. The best part is when it’s over.

Three nights were spent at Gordes. While certainly a scenic town with dramatic views across the valley from buildings built into the cliffs, the town was packed with tourists celebrating Ascension weekend. It was nice to have a rest day to enjoy the Gordes Senanque loop.

The rainy ride from Gordes to Pertuis was quite busy with traffic. Roque D’Atherton and Beauvieux are gorgeous medieval towns worth exploring enroute to the Abbaye de St. Croix.

The Abbaye de St. Croix was the nicest of all our hotels with a charming and competent staff. The pool area and grounds are sublime.

The route to Arles offered the least travelled roads which were even more enjoyable with sunshine. The stop at the scenic Baux de Provence was overrun with tourists. Arles was the most impressive town on the tour. The well-preserved Roman structures including the arena, theater, gardens and ruins are not to be missed. Excellent hotel and restaurant choice by our ride leaders.

We had a windy return to Avignon on well selected back roads. In summary, this was a great ride with fantastic scenery and manageable rides. The rating is accurate but the consistent wind made us glad to have rented e-bikes, especially for Mont Ventoux.