The ViaRhôna on the UNESCO monuments route

Holidays (5-8 days)

I cycle often

4 days of cycling and heritage from Orange to Arles

This itinerary along the ViaRhôna cycling route combines cultural city tours and bike rides. Pedal along and discover the UNESCO Word Heritage towns and monuments of the Rhône.
The route begins in Orange, at the heart of the Côtes du Rhône region. Its prestigious monuments date back to Roman times. From there, you'll continue to Avignon, the former City of Popes and host of a famous theatre festival that enchants summer nights. Your journey concludes in Arles, a town that inspired the tormented painter Van Gogh. Arles charms visitors with its impressive architectural remains left by successive generations.
The entire route is an easy ride, suitable for all cyclists, although stage 3 can be tiring for less experienced riders (60 km - about 4 hr 30 min).

Highlights of your itinerary

An itinerary combining nature and culture
Cycling distances suitable for all levelsTowns renowned for their UNESCO-listed monumentsDes villes réputées pour leurs monuments classés UNESCO
Cultural activities
Cycling distances suitable for all levels

Day 1 : Orange

1 night in Orange

You'll spend your first day visiting Orange. As a Roman city and a principality until the 18th century, Orange is a Provençal town to explore through its streets and colourful squares. Its ancient theatre is the only one in the Western world with a preserved stage wall. The theatre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the town's Triumphal Arch, both examples of Gallo-Roman architecture. In summer, the grounds of the Roman theatre host concerts, including the world famous Chorégies, the oldest outdoor festival.
Distance

Distance : 2km
Elevation gain : 49m / 103m

Day 2 : Orange - Avignon

1 day in Avignon

From Orange, cycle along the ViaRhôna. You'll first arrive at the small Provencal village of Caderousse, surrounded by dykes protecting it from the hazards of the Rhône. This stage then takes you on a tour of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. The route takes you through hillside vineyards, offering fine views over the Rhône valley. You will then reach the city of the Popes: Avignon. Discover the Palais des Papes and its bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance : 31km
Elevation gain : 19m / 114m

Day 3 : Avignon - Arles

1 night in Arles

You'll need to be ready to pedal on this long stage to Arles! After Avignon, the ViaRhôna enters Gard. The route winds through vineyards and orchards before meeting up with the Pont du Gard greenway for a gentle ride to Beaucaire, a Town of Art and History at the crossroads of Languedoc and Provence. The town's lively river port in the heart of the city deserves a visit before setting out toward Arles. The ViaRhôna then crosses through fields and orchards crisscrossed by small roads leading to the typical farmhouses of the region called mas. Enjoy a well-deserved evening in Arles, a lovely town with Roman vestiges and the gateway to the Camargue.

Distance : 60km
Elevation gain: 52m

Day 4 : Arles

One last day of culture! Leave your bikes behind to explore Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that greatly inspired the famous painter Van Gogh. Its impressive architectural remains left by successive generations of Celts, Romans, and contemporary societies delight visitors. See the amphitheatre, the ancient theatre, the St Trophime cloister, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Fondation Luma. Arles offers a multitude of cultural visits.

Distance : 3,8km
Elevation gain : 2m / 28m

Voir le parcours complet sur la carte

The ViaRhôna on the UNESCO monuments route

4 days of cycling and heritage from Orange to Arles

Highlights of your itinerary

Parcours à la carte

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