An Avignon Sojourn

A town that is fun to explore with its cafes, shops, restaurants, streen vendors and entertainers. One of Alan Tubery’s favourite travel destinations within France.

Alan visited Avignon in 2009, and found that it was still on his all time favourite list of European towns. The city’s old town is a spiderweb of narrow streets, belfries and towers surrounded by magnificent ramparts. The Place de l’Horloge is typical of the squares and streets that make Avignon fun to explore with its cafés, a great selection of shops, restaurants, street vendors and entertainers. Also in the square is a beautiful carousel for young and old alike.

Alan adored spending a few hours walking the streets of Villeneuve les Avignon, just across the Rhone River. This delightful medieval village is full of many extravagant mansions built in the 14th century.

Conveniently, you can stay in Avignon and use it as a base to visit a number of very interesting towns and tiny villages in the surrounding area. Orange for example, is just 25 km north of Avignon. A magnificent Roman theatre is the highlight of this town and a local market is held every Thursday morning, with more than 300 exhibitors.

Delightful hotels and restaurants are another aspect of the town’s appeal. Au Tout Petit was Alan’s favourite. It’s a small and intimate restaurant, chef-owned by a man who is more than passionate about his creative dishes. It was unbelievably good value at €26 for 3 courses. Fortunately the chef’s passion is food and not profit. Alan remarked that he would return for another meal in a heartbeat!

Alan’s choice of accommodation was the delightful, 4 star Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon. This hotel is a five minute walk from the famous Palais Des Papes, and only 3 km away from the new TGV station. Alan found that it was an extremely quiet environment and the staff very welcoming. Rooms are located both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension and the facilities include a roof-top swimming pool, just the thing you need at the end of a hot Provencal day.

Recommended package:
Provence is loved for its natural beauty, towns filled with history, art, gastronomy, wine and traditions. Discover olive groves, vineyards and awe-inspiring landscapes on this scenic cycling adventure.

Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Avignon
Day 2 Ride to Saint Remy de Provence (40km)
Day 3 A day in the Alpilles to enjoy the villages of Les Baux de Provence (45 kms)
Day 4 Ride the Van Gogh trails to Arles (25 kms)
Day 5 Free day in Arles
Day 6 Ride through the Camarge to Sainte Maries de la Mer (50 kms)

Included:
• 6 nights accommodation
• 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
• Bicycles
• Helmet
• Saddle bags & repair kit

Not included:
• International flights,
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Insurance (compulsory)
• Drinks, optional activities and spending of a personal nature.

Contact Alan for more information on (02) 8270 4800 or email him at atubery@conciergetraveller.com.au

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