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Postcards of Provence

From Papal Avignon to Roman Arles
 
Your self-guided cycling holiday explores the heart of Provence, steeped in history: take in the papal palace of Avignon, Van Gogh's St-Rémy-de-Provence, and the Roman city of Arles. Your luggage is transferred ahead as you cycle through vines, orchards, and the rice paddies of the Camargue.
Price from
£1140pp
Postcards of Provence. 6 nights
Price from
£1140pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Price from
£1140pp
Postcards of Provence. 6 nights
Price from
£1140pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A cycling holiday in Provence

Roman monuments such as Arles’ amphitheatre, scenery that inspired Van Gogh, Avignon’s papal palace, olive-oil mills, medieval villages ... you’ll find all these and more on the east side of the mighty Rhône as it nears the Mediterranean at the end of its long journey across Switzerland and south-east France.

In fact, few of our cycling itineraries can promise such a wide variety of cultural interest as this holiday. It takes you on a journey southward – with the warm prevailing winds to your back – to reveal quintessential Provençal landscapes of olive groves and sunflower fields framed by the dramatic hills of the Alpilles, ending in the Rhône’s luxuriant delta, a unique area known as the Camargue.
You begin in Avignon, home of the 14th-century popes, with its famous bridge and Gothic palace, from where you cycle through farmland and sleepy villages to the town of St Rémy-de-Provence. Van Gogh spent the last chapter of his life here, furiously capturing on canvas the olive groves and vines that nestle beneath the jagged Alpilles; you can visit the monastery-turned-asylum where he painted masterpieces such as Starry Night.

Quiet country roads continue southbound, past ancient farmhouses, to vibrant Arles, a wonderful juxtaposition of the ancient and the modern, where you stay right by the imposing 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.

From Arles, a final bike ride into the Camargue Regional Park reveals a very different landscape, where flamingos and egrets fly lazily overhead while gardians (cowboys) ride the region’s famed white horses to herd their black bulls across the patchwork of grassy waterways, reed beds, rice paddies and lagoons.
 
Image courtesy of Paul Kirkwood (© PK)
 
Gallery

 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The lavender blooms in late June/early July.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 10 12 15 18 22 26 30 29 25 20 14 11
    mm 60 64 55 53 52 38 22 47 71 114 67 62
  • Arrival in Avignon
    Night 1: at Cloître St Louis or Hotel de l'Horloge (the first of 2 nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of cycling.
  • Circular route from Avignon: 13.5km, ascent/descent 60m
    Cross the mighty Rhône to Île de la Barthelasse, an island in the river that is a similar size to Avignon itself. A trail set right beside the banks of the Rhône offers the best views of the city and its famed bridge, today spanning only partway across the water. The island’s quiet lanes pass between fruit orchards and vineyards, while a casual riverside restaurant makes a good place to stop for refreshments.
    Avignon's St Bénezet bridge
    Circular route from Avignon: 13.5km
  • Avignon to St-Rémy: 27km, ascent 100m/descent 70m
    Leaving Avignon, you cross the River Durance and head southwards, passing myriad fruit orchards, and old farmhouses with long rows of cypress trees. You cycle through a couple of sleepy villages before reaching St-Rémy and Hotel le Gounod, your base for two nights. 
    En route to St-Rémy
    Avignon to St-Rémy: 27km
  • Circular route from St-Rémy: 29km, ascent/descent 130m
    We suggest that you cycle eastwards, at the foot of the jagged Alpilles range, amid scenery that inspired Van Gogh during the time he spent here towards the end of his life. Olive mills and wineries dot the landscape, and there’s the chance for a wine-tasting if you wish. Your target is the medieval village of Eygalières, which perches on a hilltop; it’s worth parking your bike and climbing to the crest for 360-degree views over the plain and the Alpilles. There is a handful of restaurants for lunch, or if you are visiting on a Friday, you could buy a picnic from the market. When you are ready to leave, you return to St-Rémy along a different route, passing farms and apple orchards.
    Countryside surrounding St-Rémy
    Circular route from St-Rémy: 29km
  • St-Rémy to Arles: 27km, ascent 70m/descent 100m
    Today you follow the Alpilles range westwards, perhaps pausing to learn about (and taste!) the region's coveted olive oils at the Moulin du Calanquet (pay locally; closed Sunday). At the westernmost point of the Alpilles you can visit a 12th-century chapel with an ornate façade, before turning due south, on forgotten lanes lined with vines and the first of the rice paddies. In Arles, you circumnavigate the impressive Roman amphitheatre on your bike to reach Hotel le Calendal or Hotel du Musée, where you spend your final two nights.
    Autumnal vineyards
    St-Rémy to Arles: 27km
  • Circular route from Arles: 50.5km, ascent/descent 100m
    South of Arles, between two branches of the Rhône, the Camargue Delta begins. Thousands of flamingos, herons and egrets inhabit this vast, sun-drenched but often windy marshland with its salt-rich soils and small ranches on which white horses and black bulls are reared. We recommend that you follow the network of tiny roads as far as the shores of the extensive Vaccarès marsh, a great spot for birdwatching, before making your way back to Arles.
    The wetlands of the Camargue
    Circular route from Arles: 50.5km
 

Accommodation

Your three hotels have been hand-picked for their superb locations and friendly service.

In some places, we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation.

Whichever hotel you stay at in Avignon and Arles, we recommend an extra night so that you can explore on foot (we provide notes for a self-guided walking trail in both cases) and visit the various places of interest without the need to rush.
 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 6 nights: 15 April 2025 - 30 June 2025 & 01 September 2025 - 31 October 2025

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    15 - 30 Apr 2025 £1175 £430
    1 May - 24 Jun 2025 £1245 £455
    1 - 30 Sep 2025 £1245 £455
    1 - 25 Oct 2025 £1140 £430
    3rd & 4th person discount -£73
    Single traveller supplement £73

    Includes accommodation, meals, bike hire, luggage transfers and any other services integral to the holiday as described, plus cycling notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Electric bikes available: add £84pp in 2023 or £92pp in 2024

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    6 nights: 15 April 2025 - 30 June 2025 & 01 September 2025 - 31 October 2025

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    15 - 30 Apr 2025 £1440 £430
    1 May - 24 Jun 2025 £1570 £455
    1 - 30 Sep 2025 £1520 £455
    1 - 25 Oct 2025 £1405 £430
    3rd & 4th person discount -£73
    Single traveller supplement £73

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Lille, with onward travel as described below.

    Electric bikes available: add £84pp in 2023 or £92pp in 2024

    Included travel: out UK–Paris (Eurostar), Paris–Avignon TGV–Avignon Centre (TGV/regional rail), approx duration 7h20 & walk to hotel (0h04); home walk or own taxi to station (1km), Arles–Avignon TGV–Paris (regional rail/TGV), Paris–UK (Eurostar), approx duration 10h.
    > More about 'by rail' prices
    > The 'rail experience': what to expect

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

    6 nights: 15 April 2025 - 30 June 2025 & 01 September 2025 - 31 October 2025

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    15 - 30 Apr 2025 £1305 £430
    1 May - 24 Jun 2025 £1375 £455
    1 - 30 Sep 2025 £1375 £455
    1 - 25 Oct 2025 £1270 £430
    3rd & 4th person discount -£155
    Single traveller supplement £160

    Includes all elements in the 'cycle price', plus a return Channel crossing between Folkestone and Calais with LeShuttle for your party and one car.

    > More information about travelling self-drive

    Electric bikes available: add £84pp in 2023 or £92pp in 2024

    A supplement of approximately £65 per car per single journey applies for travel at key dates over Easter, while from May onwards a supplement of approximately £42 per car per single journey applies for travel over public holidays and at weekends during school holidays. See the self-drive page or contact us for more details.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel le Gounod, St-Rémy
    'Charme': 15 Apr - 30 Jun 2025 £46
    'Charme': 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £46
    'Comfort': 15 Apr - 30 Jun 2025 £25
    'Comfort': 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £25
    Le Calendal, Arles
    Larger: 15 Apr - 30 Jun 2025 £32
    Larger: 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £32

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Except in Arles, prices include an extra day’s hire of a standard bike. If you are upgrading to an e-bike, add a further £16pp per day.
    Cloître Saint-Louis, Avignon (B&B) Double room Single room
    15 Apr - 30 Apr 2025 £112 £188
    01 May - 30 Jun 2025 £130 £226
    01 Sep - 24 Sep 2025 £130 £226
    25 Sep - 15 Oct 2025 £112 £188
    16 Oct - 31 Oct 2025 £92 £149
    Hotel le Gounod, St-Rémy (B&B) Double room Single room
    15 Apr - 30 Jun 2025 £135 £249
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £135 £249
    Le Calendal, Arles (B&B) Double room Single room
    15 Apr - 30 Jun 2025 £105 £192
    01 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 £105 £192
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Nîmes, Montpellier or Marseille

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Paris CDG. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Marseille (via Paris) Air France 
    Birmingham - Montpellier (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Birmingham - Montpellier (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Marseille easyJet,  Ryanair 
    Bristol - Montpellier easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Marseille Ryanair 
    Edinburgh - Marseille (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Edinburgh - Marseille (via Amsterdam) Air France 
    Edinburgh - Marseille (via Paris) Air France 
    Edinburgh - Montpellier (via Amsterdam) Air France 
    Edinburgh - Montpellier (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Marseille easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Humberside - Marseille (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Marseille easyJet 
    Gatwick - Montpellier easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Marseille British Airways 
    Heathrow - Montpellier (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Montpellier easyJet 
    Luton - Nîmes Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    London Southend - Marseille Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Marseille Ryanair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Marseille Ryanair 
    Manchester - Marseille (via Amsterdam) Air France 
    Manchester - Marseille (via Paris) Air France 
    Manchester - Montpellier (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Manchester - Montpellier(via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Marseille (via Paris) Air France 
    Newcastle - Montpellier (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Southampton - Marseille (via Paris) Air France 
    Southampton - Montpellier (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Teesside International - Montpellier (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Paris CDG. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Nîmes

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Nîmes Centre to Avignon Centre (0h35), taxi (0h05, pay locally) or walk (0h05) to hotel £15-£16 1830
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    walk (0h15) or taxi (0h10, pay locally) to Arles SNCF, rail Arles SNCF to Nîmes Centre (0h25) £13-£14 1200

    Connecting travel options - flying via Montpellier

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Montpellier St Roch to Avignon Centre (1h15), taxi (0h05, pay locally) or walk (0h05) to hotel £24-£25 1800
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    walk (0h15) or taxi (0h10, pay locally) to Arles SNCF, rail Arles SNCF to Montpellier St Roch (1h05) £22-£23 1100

    Connecting travel options - flying via Marseille

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Marseille Vitrolles to Avignon Centre (1h), taxi (0h05, pay locally) or walk (0h05) to hotel £24-£25 2000
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    walk (0h15) or taxi (0h10, pay locally) to Arles SNCF, rail Arles SNCF to Marseille Vitrolles (0h40) £18-£19 1030
What is included
  • 6 nights
  • 6 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • high-quality bicycle
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 19 reviews
  • Mr M Fox
    Canada
    13 September 2023

    We had cancelled, delayed and rerouted transatlantic flights and Inntravel staff came through every time within an hour or two to rebook rail and taxi journeys. They supported us every step of the way. They were amazing!

    We will highly recommend Inntravel holidays, because of your ability to organise a complete itinerary through beautiful areas and at special, interesting hotels.

    Thank you!

  • Anon
    11 September 2023

    Highlights are L'Essential restaurant in Avignon, and also our side trip, by local bus, to the Pont du Gard. In Saint Remy we side tripped by bike to Glanom (more Roman ruins). In Arles we enjoyed the Van Gogh history, and the local market.  

  • Mr M Dittner
    Ely
    06 September 2023

    HIGHLIGHT: The time around Hotel Gounod. The cycling was good and there was a nice pool to come back to, plus a shady garden.

  • Dr Nals
    05 September 2023

    This is a great holiday - add on days helps relax before and after and I highly recommend the add on options. We tried the L'Essential hotel in Avignon and loved it. We also tried Chez Fon Fon at Marseille - it is a lovely walk from Vieux Port - though personally I wouldnt try the bouillabaisse as its too crude and boiled fish (quantity was too much) and veg don't go well together!

  • Jed and Amanda
    02 September 2023

    Fantastic trip from start to finish! Would 100% recommend travelling via train - we boarded the Eurostar 10:30am in London and were in the hotel in Avignon by 18:00 local time - not much longer than flying, a way more comfortable and enjoyable travelling experience, and not to mention better for the environment! Great quality bikes and luggage transfer service. Trip notes were 100% accurate and easy to follow - didn't use our phones once! Pool and gardens at Hotel Gounod were a highlight. We loved St Remy village and glad we stayed an extra night - we did a short hike in the Alpilles to Le Rocher des Trous which was beautiful scenery and straightforward, easy-moderate hike - highly recommend! Cycling is all on the flat and very much Easy (as advertised). We chose to make the cycle from St-Remy to Arles more difficult by going via Les Baux (D27) which we recommend if you have an e-bike (and used to cycling up hills) where we stopping at Carrieres des Lumieres art exhibit - another highlight! Arles was really cool city and exceeded expectations - good atmosphere in the squares and impressive roman buildings. Our first Inntravel holiday and will definitely be booking another!

  • Adrian and Sharon, Herts
    18 June 2023

    The cycling in the Camargue was exceptional and memorable. We saw flamingoes, white horses and bulls. We were lucky enough to be in St Remy for the summer solstice festival, with various live bands and dancing in the streets, which was fantastic. 

  • Mrs A Fraser
    Brechin
    11 June 2023

    We really enjoyed the holiday - easy cycling with lots of interesting places to see. We were pleased that we added an extra day in St Remy as the hotel was lovely and it gave us time to visit the excellent market, Roman remains and the clinic where Van Gogh was held. Likewise, the days we added in Arles at the end allowed more time to explore and visit the Luma tower. Food was exceptional - we would recommend Le Goustarou in St Remy for lighter meals and Le Criquet near the hotel in Arles.

  • Mr J McFaull
    Windsor
    09 June 2023

    Very pleasant holiday overall. Cycling grade as advertised. The hotels were in good locations but we were disappointed with the rooms in the Hotel Cloitre in Avignon and the Hotel Gounod in St Remy, which was particularly small. The Hotel Calendal in Arles was very good. The luggage didn't arrive in Arles until 6.15pm, which was far too late.

    Bikes (non electric in our case) were fine and no issues

  • Ann form Warrington
    05 June 2023

    I enjoyed the ride from St Remy to Arles the best.

    We added Carcassonne onto the trip and enjoyed it.

     

  • Rachel
    31 May 2023

    The whole holiday worked very well. We enjoyed the two night at each place arrangement. The hotels were good, staff friendly, bicycles ideal (and good support when we needed it for a malfunctioning brake- my fault) and the daily cycles interesting and varied. I am not a cyclist but managed the routes easily. We still had plenty of time to explore the interesting towns.

  • Sarah, Worcester
    16 May 2023

    This was a great holiday and although the weather was cool and cloudy for much of the time this made the cycling more manageable. We found lots to do in all three locations. In Avignon we would certainply recommend crossing the river to Villeneuve-les-Avignon, which felt quieter and more relaxed than the city itself, and having the bikes makes this easily accessible. Our favourite location was Arles, we really liked the Hotel le Calendal and enjoyed wandering round the narrow streets. In terms of the cycling itself the highlight for us was adding the optional climb up to the pass on the crest of the Alpilles Mountains. This was a bit of a slog on a standard bike, but would be straightforward on an e-bike and well worth the effort.

  • Mr G Robinson
    Reading
    14 May 2023

    We had surprisingly cold weather, but still managed most of the recommended routes. The bird life on the last day was very enjoyable, you see so much more from a bike.

  • Mrs K Morgan
    Northampton
    09 May 2023

    A great trip with bikes that were of a very high standard. The route was carefully planned and easy to follow and the accommodation was excellent.

  • Ms T Rodenburg
    Egham
    22 April 2023

    Fantastic holiday, great service and gorgeous routes going through beautiful countryside. The Mistral is deceptive so remember your factor 50! I only wish we'd booked an extra night in each of the excellent hotels to explore the towns more.

  • Ms P Vincent-Sweet
    Manchester
    06 October 2022

    A magical holiday, wandering gently through Van Gogh country and the Camargue, plus the impressive towns of Avignon and Arles. Bicycles are ideal for the short distances between towns, and it's possible to extend the circuits for the more energetic. All is beautifully organised by Inntravel who chooses original and comfortable hotels.

  • Ms J Sweet
    Manchester
    05 October 2022

    Each hotel was intereating as well as being luxurious, and very well located.  The routes chosen were good and mainly on very quiet roads.  We loved the plentiful history of the area, and the Van Gogh trail in St Rémy.  We suggest cycling a few kilometres further south in the Camargue to see more birds.  

  • Mr W Helin
    USA
    10 September 2022

    My wife and I, along with three dear friends, completed the Postcards of Provence bike ride the second week of September 2022.  It was our first experience with Inntravel and we absolutely loved the trip. Inntravel customer service was exceptional throughout. I highly recommend anyone planning a trip to communicate early and regularly with Inntravel staff; they are ever so responsive. The bike ride trip notes were, simply, great. There were, for example, recommendations for wine domaines and we loved the two places we visited. The hotels were fabulous and the bike rental company prompt and super helpful. We so enjoyed each and every day of our ride and, though we were not able to complete the final day due to high mistral winds, loved having the day to further explore Arles. We also took the advantage of the Nimes add-on and highly recommend it.  

  • KP & NP, Australia
    30 August 2022

    Trip 1 - Flavour of Tuscany

    Tuscany is beautiful and we enjoyed exploring the region. The Inntravel routes can take you to off-the-beaten-track towns and villages you might not otherwise think of visiting, but are glad you did because it was so rewarding.  (We've now done four Inntravel walking or cycling trips in four European countries.) The hotels were great and the staff friendly. This trip (Flavours of Tuscany) is graded level 2, and even with an electric mountain bike, one of us found the rolling hills of Tuscany and a couple of busy roads a bit challenging at times. Colle di Val d'Elsa was a delight - a town with a walled old city and a vibrant new town with lots of restaurant options. The end-of-summer festival we encountered during our stay (in September 2022) was great fun. Toiano amongst the sunflower fields was a peaceful place to stay (lovely hotel and pool), and the Siena hotel a pleasure to arrive at, with its relaxing garden and view back over the countryside we had cycled through. 

    Trip 2 - Postcards of Provence

    We thoroughly enjoyed our Postcards of Provence trip in September 2022. The cycling routes were mostly flat and on quiet roads or lanes. Our bikes (electric) were great, and we were very pleased on day one to receive a friendly explanatory handover from a rep of the cycle rental agency. The recommendations for restaurants, lunch stops and places to visit were excellent (for example the goat farm, where we bought some cheese and enjoyed it with a drink that evening). The hotels were wonderful. We had some unexpected delights: on a quiet Sunday cycling on country lanes we came across an end-of-harvest celebration being held in the village church courtyard, and our stay in the town of Saint Remy de Provence coincided with an annual festival which had the streets buzzing with activity.  In Arles we can recommend visiting the new (in 2021) Frank Gehry designed Luma Arles Tower, which as well as having interesting exhibition spaces affords a wonderful view over Arles and the region from the top floor. 

     

  • Mr M Ayre
    Winchester
    21 May 2022

    In Provence during late May the roadside poppies and wild flowers are beautiful. French cycle paths were excellent and car drivers were courteous... never felt unsafe. This was our first cycling holiday and a good introduction. A tip for travelers - carry your swimming costumes on the bikes on transfer days so you can take advantage of the hotel pools on arrival as your cases are likely to be delivered later. 
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. On mornings when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation so that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.

    For more detailed information, see our cycling holidays in Europe page.
  • Our chosen bike rental shop will provide you with a hybrid bike with 27 gears; a waterproof map case on handlebars; panniers/saddlebags; pump; puncture repair kit; and a lock.
  • While we would always recommend that you take your own well-fitting helmet, they can be provided free of charge by the supplier. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to hire a helmet.
  • Yes, we will provide GPX tracks for this holiday prior to departure so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. (We also provide maps and our tried-and-tested route notes, which remain the principal means of navigation).
  • You are responsible for damage to or loss of the rental bike while it is hired to you. Always be careful to lock it up, ideally to an immovable object, and remove all easy-to-steal accessories whenever you leave it unattended.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to France, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official language is French. The currency is the Euro. French time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
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