Cycling, hiking, kayaking... 5 micro-adventures for a nature weekend around Avignon

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

Photo: © Pauline Marbot - Micro-adventure in the Alpilles

Looking for a weekend getaway in the heart of nature? What if we told you that you could experience a memorable micro-adventure just a stone's throw from Avignon, one that's both out of the ordinary and within easy reach by public transport? Whether you prefer cycling, hiking or kayaking, you're sure to find the ideal itinerary for spending two days between sport and nature in the Grand Avignon. Here's a closer look at our selection of favorites.

1. Discovering the Rhône and Barthelasse Island

If you like hiking and canoeing, there's no need to choose: this itinerary lets you do both, as you discover Europe's largest river island: Barthelasse Island. A true haven of peace!

• Accessibility: medium (hiking + canoeing)
• Distance: 37 km (12 km navigation)
• Departure point: Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon (a pretty Provencal village, easily accessible from Avignon's Gare Centre train station)
• Arrival: Avignon
• Difference in altitude: +140m to -160m

Photo: © Julie Vandal - Soothing, guaranteed!

Itenerary:

• Day 1 - Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon to Barthelasse Island, a 700-hectare river island bounded by the 2 arms of the Rhône (ideal for walks, picnics and wildlife watching!): 26 km on foot (120mD+).
• Recommended overnight stay: Camping Sandaya (Clef Verte label) or Villeneuve lez Avignon.
• Day 2 - from Barthelasse Island to Avignon, via the new Himalayan footbridge: 11 km on foot and 12 km by canoe (approx. 2.5 hrs. navigation, from the Ouvèze to the Rhône, with spectacular views of the Palais des Papes and the Pont Bénézet).

For step-by-step details, click here!

2. Discovering the Alpilles by bike

If you prefer cycling and mountains, this is the route for you. Welcome to the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, passing through some of Provence's most charming villages!

• Accessibility: average (by bike)
• Distance: 37 km
• Departure point: Caumont-sur-Durance
• Arrival: Villeneuve lez Avignon
• Difference in altitude: +980m to -1020m

Photo: © Pauline Marbot - Micro-adventure in the Alpilles

Itinerary:

• Day 1 - from Caumont-sur-Durance (famous for its Roman garden, historical trail, nougat store and wine cellar) to Eygalières (a small village nestled in the Durance valley), via Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Frigolet Abbey and the Via Rhôna: 37km (270mD+).
• Recommended overnight stay: Camping des Oliviers.
• Day 2 - Eygalières to Villeneuve lez Avignon (famous for its historic monuments classified as “Remarkable Heritage Sites”): 71km (710D+). An opportunity to combine sport and culture to discover the abbey and its gardens, Fort Saint-André, the Chartreuse, the Pierre de Luxembourg museum and the Tour Philippe le Bel!

Photo: © Pauline Marbot - The road around Frigolet Abbey. Sounds dreamy, doesn't it?

For full details of this micro-adventure, clic here !

3. Discovering the marshes and birds of the Camargue

If you love cycling and birds, you'll love this micro-adventure. It's an opportunity to discover the fascinating wildlife of the Camargue, on your own, with your family or with a guide (naturalist guide and/or mountain bike instructor by reservation: contacts here).

• Accessibility: moderate to sporty (by bike)
• Distance: 140 km
• Departure point: Avignon
• Arrival: Arles or Avignon

Photo : © Julie Vandal - The superb landscapes of the Camargue...

Itinerary:

• Day 1 - Avignon to Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône: 100km on the ViaRhôna greenway
• Recommended overnight stays: Un Un Nid en Camargue B&B in Salin-de-Giraud, Natura Resort Ecological Lodges in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Le Mas d’Alivon B&B on the banks of the Etang de Vaccarès, or Le Mas dou l’Estele B&B at the entrance to the Regional Park.
• Day 2 - Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône to Arles via the Barcarin ferry: 40km to Arles (+/- return by TER to Avignon).

Photo : © Julie Vandal - ...and lovely bike rides!

For full details of this cycling itinerary, click here !

4. Discover the Ventoux, the Luberon... and the stars!

If you're not afraid of effort and you're an astronomy fan, this loop from Avignon via the SIRENE observatory should please you.

• Accessibility: difficult (by bike)
• Distance: 150 to 170 km
• Departure point: Avignon
• Arrival: Avignon (loop)
• Difference in altitude: +1800 to 2000 m

Who can get enough of stargazing?

Itinerary:

• Day 1 - from Avignon to the observatoire SIRÈNE (where you can stargaze all year round, booking required!): 80 to 90 km (1700mD+).
• Recommended overnight stays: Domaine des Lavarines in Morières-Lès-Avignon (bike rental on site), Résidence Sun Hols – les Rives du Lac in Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon, bivouacs on the flat grounds of Chapelle Notre-Dame de Lamaron or Camping Municipal le Seuil in Saint-Christol.
• Day 2 - SIRÈNE observatory to Avignon: 50 to 55 km (100mD+).

For full details of this half-sportive, half-poetic micro-adventure, click here !

5. From Pont d'Avignon to Pont du Gard by bike, between vineyards and villages

And finally, if you want to discover two of Grand Avignon's emblematic bridges while enjoying a highly accessible micro-adventure by bike, zoom in on this perfect blend of nature and heritage. We tell you all about it in this article: “5 bike tours around Avignon for unforgettable getaways”.

• Accessibility: easy (by bike)
• Distance: 79 km
• Departure point: Avignon
• Arrival: Villeneuve lez Avignon
• Difference in altitude: +500 to -500m

Photo : © Alexis Calvignac - The majestic Pont du Gard from above!

Itinerary:

• Day 1 - Avignon to Remoulins: 39km (90mD+). A gentle ride on a 100% cycle path, with a superb view of the Pont d'Avignon along the way! And if you're feeling peckish, you can take a gourmet break in the charming little villages (like the medieval village of Montfrin) along the way.
• Recommended overnight stay: Camping de la Sousta, Remoulins.
• Day 2 - from Remoulins to Villeneuve lez Avignon, passing through typical villages of warm, golden stone: 40km (410mD+). A chance to discover the famous Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct in the world! And if you have the chance, we recommend a third day to discover the cultural gems of Villeneuve lez Avignon, from the Abbey Saint-André to Fort Saint André and the Chartreuse.

Photo: © PAzur - Even more impressive from below!

For full itinerary details, it's here

And if you want to go further, don't hesitate to have a look at our guide of the Grand Avignon area, and in particular our favorite hikes and bike tour around Avignon!