Long weekend exploring the Alpilles by gravel bike
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationBouches-du-Rhône / France
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions80.7 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the Alpilles mountain range on an all-inclusive gravel cycling holiday , designed for small groups and accompanied by a certified guide . In the heart of Provence , let yourself be carried away on three days of cycling between limestone hills and dazzling light, in complete serenity: logistics, supervision and organization are taken care of.
On varied and accessible trails, you'll traverse the iconic landscapes of the Alpilles: white limestone rocks , the ridges of the Opies massif , olive groves , lavender fields, and secluded paths. Each outing is an immersion in unspoiled nature, where the song of cicadas accompanies your pedaling.
This gravel cycling holiday combines the pleasure of riding , the discovery of an authentic region, and a friendly atmosphere. The carefully selected routes offer an ideal balance between sporting challenge and contemplation, allowing you to fully enjoy the Provençal panoramas and soak up the sun.
A sporty and refreshing getaway, perfect for discovering the Alpilles in a different way, combining gentle adventure , natural heritage and the art of living in the South.
The highlights
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An all-inclusive stay. Just bring your best smile, we'll take care of the rest!
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A "Made in Vosges" guide accompanies you to discover the richness of the mountain range.
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Bicycles available for hire (muscular or electric) to discover the sport.
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
The expert's opinion
“We start together, we finish together.” Our trips aren't races, and our routes are meticulously planned so that everyone can push their limits in their own way while fully enjoying the experience. Our certified guides adapt to the group for a 100% rejuvenating and active holiday.
In figures
Gravel
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 75 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 650 m
Management
French
English
Originally from the Alpilles, your guide grew up exploring the mountain range from end to end. Sharing anecdotes, encounters, and experiences, they will ensure you have an unforgettable stay and, above all, that you immerse yourself as much as possible in this fabulous region. A state-certified cycling guide (BPJEPS), they will ensure your safety and share various tips and tricks for riding on gravel trails.
Program
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Reunions & flavours of Provence
- Transportation Car - 00h40 - 37km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You'll be staying in a charming castle, the perfect setting for this stay in the heart of the sun-drenched Alpilles. For those who wish, a transfer is arranged from Avignon train station around 6 pm, provided by your GravelUp Destination Manager.
The evening begins simply, around a dinner featuring local flavors, in an atmosphere already filled with warmth and camaraderie. First laughs, first stories, and the tone is set: authenticity, sharing & conviviality.
Day 1 -
The tour of the opies
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 75 km
- Positive elevation gain 1130 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day's program includes a large loop in the Alpilles massif, between limestone ridges, fragrant forests and perched villages.
The trails hold plenty of surprises: varied terrain, lots of fun, and always that Provençal light as a backdrop. In the evening, we gather around a large table enjoying the flavors of the South – a well-deserved moment after this picture-perfect day.
Day 2 -
Camargue escape
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 108 km
- Positive elevation gain 120 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A change of scenery awaits on this unique ride through the long, straight roads of the Camargue. We skirt shimmering ponds, skirt wild marshes, and finally end up with our wheels in the sand, facing the sea. A true ode to contemplation, on a flat, smooth, and accessible route.
No need to worry about the distance: everyone rides at their own pace, and there's an option to shorten the final leg by van. Savor every moment, every break surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Return to base camp for a final, peaceful evening, with light legs and full hearts.
Day 3 -
Mineral loop & goodbye
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 37km
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 42 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Last ride of the trip, heading west of the Alpilles massif, where the landscape becomes more rugged, almost lunar in places. We cycle between stone walls, shaded undergrowth and striking views of the Alpilles.
Then comes the time to go home, to say goodbye… and perhaps already to dream about the next adventure. For those who wish, a return transfer to Avignon train station is scheduled for around 5 pm.
Day 4
Accommodation
It was in Mouriès, in the heart of the Alpilles, 10 kilometers from Les Baux de Provence, that the Château de Servanes was born at the beginning of the 18th century, a bastide built on the ruins of a Roman villa, surrounded by 200 hectares of olive groves and woods.
The Bastide, now a Hostellerie, has opened its grounds to travelers since 1973… A family home where you can feel the warm atmosphere of old houses, with its restaurant offering refined cuisine combining olive oil from the estate and fresh local produce.
Access
The stay begins at the Chat de Servanes and ends at the same place.
Go to the starting point
You can arrive by train at Avignon station, GravelUp will pick you up and take you to the Chateau de Servanes.
You can easily park your car at the Chateau de Servanes.
Price details
The price includes
- Round-trip transfer from the train station
- All the food for the stay
- Accommodation for 3 nights in a double or triple room
- A great welcome pack
- A mechanic who will share his secrets with you
- A professional and local guide
- Unique tracks developed by our partner
- A support and transport van
- Wellness activities – Yoga, meditation, relaxation
- Visit to various historical and cultural sites
- An evening of celebration
- A community of enthusiasts
The price does not include
- Transportation from your home
- Personal drinks and other souvenir purchases
- Anything not specified in "price includes"
- Gravel bike rental
Options
- Renting an electric gravel bike : CHF192.11 / person
- Renting a gravel bike : CHF192.11 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- 1 repair kit including:
- 1 compatible derailleur hanger
- 2 inner tubes
- 1 multi-tool
- 2 quick-release chain links in case of breakage
- 1 small bicycle bag to carry your belongings
- 1 spare tire
Equipment to bring
- We only accept Gravel bikes on our trips; mountain bikes or road bikes were not suitable for our routes as a whole.
- We require that a complete overhaul of your bicycle (brakes, derailleur, tires) be carried out within 30 days of departure and that it be equipped with at least 40mm wide gravel tires.
- disc brakes
- 1 repair kit including:
- 1 compatible derailleur hanger
- 2 inner tubes
- 1 multi-tool
- 2 quick-release chain links in case of breakage
- 1 small bicycle bag to carry your belongings
- 1 spare tire
Clothing to bring
- 1 helmet (under 5 years old)
- 1 pair of cycling gloves
- the mount for your bike computer (if you are bringing your computer)
- 1 can
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shorts
- 1 cycling jersey or sports t-shirt (short or long sleeves depending on the weather on the day)
- A waterproof jacket in case of rain
- A lightweight windbreaker
- 1 pair of socks
- Sunscreen
- A lightweight neck warmer
The Aurélien team
Specializing in gravel biking, this local agency designs all-inclusive trips in the heart of the highest mountain ranges in France and Europe. Its concept is based on premium service: quality accommodations, local cuisine, expert guides, and comprehensive logistical support. The agency's ethos is summed up as shared adventure: "We leave together, we return together." Here, performance takes a backseat to the pleasure of riding and camaraderie, offering an authentic and wild experience accessible to those who want to discover the mountains in a different way.
