Of all the cycling routes in Europe, Provence in Southern France is one of the most scenic, yet most accessible. Nestled in the Rhone Valley, Provence offers a rural charm along with the creature comforts found in cities. The area is dotted with Roman Ruins, providing a sharp contrast to the "Provencal" style of the towns.
Although this area is known for its hills (Mt. Ventaux is just a few Kilometers from Aix-en-Provence), we've discovered some routes that aren't quite so taxing, yet give a chance to sample some of the beautiful hillside villages. Follow the map as you read the following description of a round trip from Marignane Airport.
This 40 Km (25 mile) ride starts at Marignane, the site of the Marseilles Airport. Rather than going east toward Marseilles or Aix, we found a route with much less traffic and more gradual hills that goes to Salon-de-Provence. Go north from the airport and follow the signs toward Berre d'etang. This takes you alongside a large lake of the same name. After going through Berre, follow the signs to St. Chimas and Miramas. Along the D10 highway, approaching St. Chimas, are some magnificent views of the water and villages. Turn right in Miramas to Salon by way of the N569 through the west side of Salon.
The next 41 Km ride goes from Salon to St. Remy de Provence, and includes a stop at Les Baux an ancient fortress that stands at an elevation of 218 m, a climb that's worth the view. From there, continue to a second crest of the ride at 240 m and then ride 3 Km (-2 miles) downhill into Ste. Remy.
From St. Remy to Avignon is a 33 Km ride that leaves St. Remy by way of the D5 through Maillane, skirting around Graveson to join the N570. After 3.5 Km, cross over the highway to the Montagne de Frigolet, site of the Abbey of St. Michel de Frigolet, a good place for a picnic lunch. From there follow the D35e into Barbentane and follow the signs to the Pont Araneau, a bridge across the Rhone River that connects to the D2 which runs all the way into Avignon.
The 35 Km between Avignon and Orange are a wine lovers dream. This is the home of the famous Chaeauneuf du Pape wines. The ride goes east from Avignon on the N100 to St. Saturnin les Avignon. From there the D6 goes to Sorgues where you cross the Sorgue River and take the D17 toward Chateauneuf du Pape. There are vineyards and Chateaus scattered throughout the rolling hills and valleys of the next 15 Km into Orange. At Chateauneuf, follow the D68 and the signs to Orange.
This 30 Km ride begins in front of the Roman Theatre in Orange, and ends at the Roman Aqueduct in Pont du Gard. In between are the villages of Roquemaure, Rocheforte du Gard and Remoulins, as well as olive groves, vineyards and wildflowers on the moderate rolling hills.
Those among us who appreciate "unchallenging" routes will appreciate this 33 Km ramble from Remoulins to Arles. Virtually flat from start to finish, take the 986l to Beaucaire where you turn to the D15 to Forques. This is a popular road among French cyclists probably because of the light traffic and the pleasant riding through the countryside.
Arles is a good place to give your self some extra time to take day trips. Stes. Maries de la Mer on the Mediterranean Coast has a 16 Km beach for riding, sunbathing or an overnight stop. From Arles to Stes. Maries is 35 Km of completely flat Marshland going through the Camargue National Park, home of pink flamingos and white horses. A one day round trip on this road is quite easy.
Other interesting rides are to the Pont Van Gogh, named after Vincent Van Gogh who made the bridge famous in his paintings; to the Montmajour Abbeye, survivor of nearly a thousand years of turmoil; to the Moulin de Daudet, a windmill named for the famous French writer.
The next ride in this loop is 43 Km of rolling hills back to Salon de Provence along the D17 and through Mousanne les Alpilles and Eguyeres. From Salon, there is a possible ride to Aix en Provence, which includes some of the more challenging Alpilles and more traffic. Then, it's the downhill ride back to the Marignane Airport for the return.
 

If you'd like to know more details about this ride, check out our DVD.