Rail Europe

Provence is the perfect region to cycle with its miles of winding roads past fields of lavender and vines, undulating pastures and quaint medieval villages. It can also be challenging with steep ravines and hills to climb but with so much to see and do, especially some of the finest Roman architecture outside Italy, any sore leg muscles will be rewarded with awe inspiring sites.

Avignon makes an idea stepping off point for a day in the Provençal countryside and one the best destinations is the Roman engineering marvel, the 2000 year old Pont du Gard -- a massive bridge that runs over the Gardon River that was part of a 30 mile long aqueduct system designed to bring water from springs near the town of Uzès to the city of Nîmes.

Morning

Pack a picnic lunch, pick up your bicycle at the rental outlet at the Avignon TGV train station and get ready for a day of lots of ups and downs and some long climbs. Veer left along and head westwards toward the Rhône river and then take the bike path along the water (Embarcadere) passing the parks of Allées de L’Oulle until you reach Pont Daladier, Avignon’s northern bridge over the Rhône River and proceed over Île de Piot, the island between the Rhône’s two tributaries. Then follow Rue D’aramon (D2) south along the west back of the Rhône until you reach the charming medieval town of Aramon. After some brief sightseeing, go west on D19 to Théziers, then turn northward circling around Fournes and ride through Remoulins, still on D19 until you reach your destination, the left bank of the impressive Pont-du-Gard.

Afternoon

There are sensational views from the picnic area on the left bank and several hiking and cycling trails leading from here, if you need more time exercising. Alternatively if the weather is warm and you are up for it, you can swim in the river but make sure you wear shoes as it can get rather rocky. On the left bank, there is a visitors' center with a history museum housing archaeological artifacts from the Roman era and a multilingual film on the Pont du Gard. You can take a guided tour or just explore the area on your own before setting out on your return journey to Avignon.


Details

Holiday Bikes Bicycle Rental (www.holiday-bikes.com)
Avignon Gare TGV (train station), 84000 Avignon
24 hour all-terrain bicycle rental: €15 including helmets and locks

Cycling route from Avignon to Pont du Gard: roundtrip 41 miles

Pont du Gard (www.pontdugard.fr)
Visitor Center (Le Portal) film admission: €4, Museum admission: €7 , Guided tour: €6

Journey Time: 2hr40
Frequency: 30
Departure Station: Paris Garde de Lyon
Arrival Station: Avignon TGV
Prices From: 112 (Economy) to 466 (Premier / Comfort Flexi)
(prices subject to change)

Uselful Links:

• www.holiday-bikes.com
• www.pontdugard.fr

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