Our top 5 bike tours around Avignon

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on December 13, 2024, modified on January 9, 2025

Want to get away from it all, enjoy nature and get away from it all by bike to discover the magnificent landscapes of Provence? Here are our five favorite bike routes around Avignon. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just a bike-riding enthusiast, these routes are perfect for exploring Grand Avignon (the community of communes of Avignon, between Vaucluse and Gard), its heritage and its Provencal flavors. Saddle up!

1. Two-day micro-adventure: from Pont d'Avignon to Pont du Gard

We start with a 79 km micro-adventure tested by our reporters Tolt and Alexis: 2 days cycling from the Pont d'Avignon to the Pont du Gard. Departing from Avignon and its famous bridge, we head for Villeneuve lez Avignon and the majestic Pont du Gard, passing through vineyards and charming villages. To rent a bike, we recommend South Spirit Bike or Provence Bike.

The itinerary is scheduled over 2 days to allow time for sightseeing at each stop, but the trip can be completed in just over 4 hours if you want to do it all in one day).

On the first day, start off on a 100% bike path from Avignon Station (Centre). Ride along the ramparts to the Pont Daladier and admire the famous Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint Bénezet for those in the know).

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Avignon et its famous bridge

Then cross the Rhône from Vaucluse to Gard to join the Via Rhôna and discover the pretty medieval village of Montfrin, before joining the Voie Verte du Pont-du-Gard (very safe, even with children).

You can also visit Rochefort-du-Gard, a village not to be missed in the Greater Avignon area, renowned for the heritage nuggets in its old town center, its wines and estates, its festive spirit, but above all its superb natural spaces ideal for outdoor activities!

In the evening, we recommend a well-deserved break at the Villa des Petits Gardons to recharge your batteries. Tested and approved by Tolt and Alexis: the hotel, a twenty-minute bike ride from the Pont du Gard, offers a bicycle reception. The little extra: this hotel is the ideal place to relax after a few kilometers on the road. Carine, the manager, has an association of wellness practitioners (Thai and Californian massage, reflexology, yoga and guided meditation...). As well as massages, you can enjoy a swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and meet many hikers and cyclists over local, seasonal cuisine (with vegetarian and vegan options)!

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Après l’effort, le réconfort : la piscine de la Villa des Petits Gardons !

The next day, visit the highest Roman aqueduct in the world: the famous Pont du Gard, before discovering the charming villages of the Gard region.

You can also discover Les Angles, a charming commune renowned for its cultural heritage - with its ancient city, traditional alleyways, 1912 presbytery and historic old washhouse - and its natural heritage - with its Natura 2000 site. In Les Angles, we also recommend a stroll along Le Sentier des Peintres, a picturesque path lined with 12 reproductions of works by 19th- and 20th-century naturalist painters from the École des Beaux-Arts d'Avignon. And if you fancy a gourmet break with a local producer, we recommend La Ferme du Bourgas, a charming family-run farm selling fresh, hand-picked seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The itinerary ends in Villeneuve lez Avignon, a Grand Avignon must-see that we've written about here!

2. Heritage and aviation: la Véloroute des Chartreux

From Villeneuve lez Avignon to Pujaut airfield, this 18 km route takes you on a journey through vineyards, garrigue, olive groves and small villages steeped in history. The Chartreuse Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Bénédictine is a must-see, as is the spectacular panorama of Mont Ventoux!

On Thursdays, lovers of Provencal markets can also visit the Villeneuve lez Avignon market from Roquemaure. And if you like a bucolic break, we recommend a picnic on Miémart Island (Roquemaure).

Why do we love it?

• Accessible whatever your level (VTC recommended)
• The perfect mix of heritage and bucolic escapade!

Find out moire here.

3. The Véloroute des Chartreux followed by the Via Rhôna

If your heart's in the right place, here's a more challenging variant for a full day's sport. Take the Véloroute des Chartreux as far as Roquemaure before stopping for lunch (we recommend the Auberge Miémart in Roquemaure). You can then continue your journey on a section of the Via Rhôna (an 815 km cycling itinerary that runs along the Rhône from the Alps to the Mediterranean)!

You can combine stages 17 (29 km, from Lapalud to Caderousse) and 18 (26 km from Caderousse to Avignon) of the Via Rhô to discover the village of Lapalud and the Girardes bathing lake, the village of Piolenc and its Li Piboulo lake (where swimming is possible), or admire superb views of the Château de Montfaucon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Tour de l'Hers!

Photo : ©Alexis Calvignac - Le majestueux Rhône devant la tout aussi majestueuse Avignon

Why do we love it?

• Breathtaking views of the Rhône,
• The perfect balance between pleasure and effort!

Find out moire here.

4. The Signargues vineyard

Warning: this 22 km itinerary is for experienced cyclists (elevation gain: 160 D+, VTC recommended). But it's well worth the effort, as it takes you through picturesque villages and vineyards. Perfect for lovers of fine wine and sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes!

Why do we love it?

• Vines as far as the eye can see,
• Wine tasting along the way!

Find out more here.

5. The Côte du Rhône by bike

Again, this 22 km ride is a little more challenging than the first two (elevation gain: 120 D+, minimum VTC recommended). The itinerary takes you along the banks of the Rhône, through garrigue and farmland, past the Île de Miémart, the town centers of Roquemaure and Pujaut, and the hamlet of Four (Sauveterre).

The program for this two-way loop: quiet roads lined with vineyards - some of which are unpaved (hence the need for a VTC) - authentic villages and wine cellars ready to welcome you for tastings. A walk that wakes up both the calves and the taste buds!

Why do we love it?

• Immerse yourself in an exceptional terroir,
• Spectacular river views and sumptuous landscapes!

Find out more here.

Further information :

• The Grand Avignon tourist office suggests 3 other ideas for bike tours in Provence.
• Don't hesitate to take a look at our dedicated guide to discover our recommendations for hikes, accommodation, restaurants and activities in Grand Avignon!