The Alpilles by gravel bike: the South’s best-kept secret
361 Google reviews
Discover the Alpilles mountain range on an all-inclusive gravel cycling holiday, in a small group and led by a certified guide. Ride with complete peace of mind, we take care of everything.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, this gravel cycling trip takes you through luminous landscapes of white limestone formations. Three days of gravel riding to explore authentic terrain, pedal to the sound of cicadas between lavender fields, olive groves and the wild reliefs of the Opies massif, while soaking up plenty of sunshine.
Whether you are a gravel enthusiast, a fan of active holidays, or simply looking for a nature escape in the open air, this cycling holiday in Provence is an invitation to discover the full richness of the region.
✨ The team’s favourite moment: under centuries-old olive trees, a tasting of fresh goat’s cheese, for a simple and fragrant moment of serenity.
Discover the Alpilles by gravel bike — its landscapes and heritage — in a small group with a certified guide.
Set off on a gravel bike adventure in the heart of the Alpilles, surrounded by olive groves, Provençal sunshine, and secret routes guided by a passionate local.
Discovering Provence also means meeting its iconic animals: the Camargue horses.
Stay at the majestic base camp, the perfect starting point to explore the wild and sunlit landscapes of Provence by bike.
Accompanied by a passionate local guide, discover the most beautiful gravel trails in the region, blending tradition, nature, and conviviality.
Under the golden sun of the Alpilles, ride along trails lined with olive trees and vineyards, and savor the Provençal art of living.
Explore the Alpilles by gravel bike and end your day with a tasting of local wines.
Under the blue skies of the Alpilles, pedal through olive groves and hills around Eygalières—a true journey into the heart of Provence.
Base camp, a haven of tranquility and elegance, welcomes cyclists seeking adventure, comfort, and authenticity.
Amid olive groves and golden hills, discover the wild beauty of the Alpilles by gravel bike.
Riding through the heart of the Alpilles is experiencing Provence differently: golden dust, shared laughter, and the vibrant energy of the South.
Moments of friendship and laughter, shared during a break in the heart of nature or at sunset in the Alpilles.
Cycling together through the Alpilles is sharing simple, precious moments, marked by laughter and the joy of life.
The picturesque villages of the South, like Eygalières, offer charming and friendly stops along your gravel route.
Savor the flavors of Provence in our base camp, with traditional dishes and carefully selected local products.
Gravel biking and authentic nature: ride through the wild olive groves of the Alpilles and let yourself be enchanted by the golden light of Provence.
An exceptional gravel getaway in Provence, combining sport, gastronomy, and relaxation in a naturally stunning setting.
Gravel & Dolce Vita: from wild trails to the panoramas of Les Baux-de-Provence, every moment becomes a living postcard.
Discover the Camargue by gravel bike, through wild marshes, white horses, and pink flamingos, for a truly unique experience in Provence.
Between the Alpilles and the Camargue, enjoy a cycling adventure that combines unspoiled nature, blue skies, and complete freedom.
GravelUp break with local products, perfect for recharging in the heart of the Alpilles during your cycling adventure.
Gravel biking and indulgence: each GravelUp stop lets you discover the local products of the Alpilles.
Discover mountains bathed in light thanks to the sun and their limestone rocks: the Opies Massif.
Ride through pine forests on a gravel bike to the sound of cicadas.
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
361 Google reviewsA wonderful, sporty, warm, and easy-going trip! If you’re looking for a professional and caring organizer, GravelUp is the place to go!!! Kudos to Orlane and Paul for everything!
Romain. M
A fantastic trip, organized to perfection. Thank you Paul and Louis for your availability and great mood! It definitely left us wanting more!
Camille. B
The GravelUp team took great care of our group. A fabulous route, smooth organization, and a friendly, team spirit atmosphere. An adventure to be enjoyed without moderation!
Nathalie. W
Second trip with GravelUp. After the Causses, here I am in the Alpilles. The welcome was in a lovely setting, and the cycling trip was varied and exciting, with a local guide who showed us hidden gems and secret trails in the region. Not to mention Orlane’s legendary “ravitos” — the perfect energy boost! Try it once and you’ll be hooked. Can’t wait for the next adventure (not planned yet)! All the best, Claude
Claude. D
My first gravel trip with the GravelUp team, and it was like stepping out of time. The atmosphere was super friendly, with no competitive spirit, just stunning and varied routes. Some were challenging, but always manageable, and the support was outstanding. No one was left behind, we all rode together as a group.
Jean-Yves
Great organization, pure enjoyment! Go for it!
Thibault. D
My first gravel trip with the GravelUp team, and it was like stepping out of time. The atmosphere was super friendly, with no competitive spirit, just stunning and varied routes. Some were challenging, but always manageable, and the support was outstanding. No one was left behind, we all rode together as a group.
Jean-Yves
An amazing experience, with great people and flawless organization! Honestly, I’ve rarely had such a fantastic time. I want to give a special shout-out to Colin for the incredible organization, and to our guide for the routes, his patience, and for sharing his passion for cycling.
André B.
Stages, landscapes, highlights: discover the program that awaits you. This itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or logistics, to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1 – Reunion and flavours of Provence
Day 2 – The Opies loop ∼ 75 km | 1,130 m D+
Day 3 – Camargue escape ∼ 108 km | 120 m D+ (shorter option available)
Day 4 – Mineral loop and farewell ∼ 42 km | 700 m D+ (shorter option available)
You settle into a charming château, the perfect setting for this adventure in the heart of the sun-drenched Alpilles. For those arriving by train, a transfer from Avignon station is arranged around 6 PM, hosted by your GravelUp Destination Manager.
The evening begins gently with a local-flavoured dinner, served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. First laughs, first stories, and just like that, the tone is set: authenticity, connection & good vibes.
On the agenda for the day is a long loop through the Alpilles massif, between limestone ridges, fragrant forests and hilltop villages.
The trails bring their share of surprises: varied terrain, plenty of flow, and always that golden Provençal light as a backdrop. In the evening, we gather around a generous Southern-style dinner - a well-deserved moment after a day straight out of a postcard.
Change of scenery for a unique ride across the vast open stretches of the Camargue. We ride alongside shimmering lagoons, skim past wild marshes, and finish with our wheels in the sand, facing the sea. A true ode to stillness and wide-open spaces, on a route that’s flat, smooth and accessible.
No need to worry about the distance: everyone rides at their own pace, and there’s a van option to shorten the final stretch if needed. We take our time, soaking up every pause, every view, every moment in this stunning natural setting. Back to basecamp for one last quiet evening, light legs and full hearts.
Our final ride of the trip takes us to the western side of the Alpilles massif, where the scenery becomes more rugged, almost lunar in places. We ride through stone-lined trails, shady woodlands, and past stunning viewpoints over the Alpilles.
Then it’s time to roll back, say our goodbyes… and maybe already start dreaming of the next adventure. For those who need it, a transfer to Avignon train station is planned around 5 PM.
Practicalities
How to get there?
There are two ways to reach your trip:
• Arrive by your own means and go directly to the meeting point indicated. • Arrive by train or plane. In this case, we organise a shuttle between the arrival train station or airport and your accommodation.
Detailed information (locations, timings, transfer organisation) can be found in the Adventure Book – Day 1 section of your trip.
Level
With us, there’s no stopwatch. We start together and we finish together. To help every rider find the adventure that suits them best, we offer 5 difficulty levels, from 1/5 to 5/5, detailed below. The level of each trip is shown at the top of its page, on the header photo. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth — we’ll be happy to help you assess the right level for you.
Please note: all our trips are open to e-gravel bikes (available for rental in all our destinations). Our groups include both traditional and electric bikes to ensure a smooth balance of pace.
Booking
Not at all! Our expeditions do not require previous gravel riding experience. Our itineraries are designed to be accessible to all, as long as you have a spirit of adventure. You may have to carry or push your bike on some short sections, but that's part of the Gravel Up adventure!
Please note: Our hire bikes are the latest spec models and are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety. They are the ideal bikes in terms of comfort and safety for all our adventures
Equipment
Yes, we ride on routes where neither road bikes nor mountain bikes are perfectly suited — that’s what makes gravel so special! You can bring your own gravel bike or rent one directly when booking your trip.
Across all our destinations, we offer two models from Origine: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg). Both combine performance, versatility and comfort - perfect companions for your adventure. Learn more about our rental bikes.
Good to know: Thinking about buying a gravel bike after your trip? Our partner Origine will refund your first day of rental if you decide to purchase a Graxx or Help afterwards - the perfect opportunity to test them out before making your choice.
Safety
Our guides are carefully chosen based on their experience and local knowledge of each region to guarantee you an unforgettable adventure. All our guides have French State validated bike qualifications. They are also French levels 1 and 2 first aid trained as you would expect.
Booking
We prioritize small groups of 8 to 12 participants to encourage meaningful interactions and maintain the friendly spirit of the trip.
Traveling in a small group also allows us to minimize our impact on the trails we use and to respect the territories we pass through.
Practicalities
You will be accommodated in charming hotels, chalets, or renovated former shepherds’ cottages, carefully chosen for their comfort, history, and the authenticity of their hosts!
Booking
You can change the date of your trip free of charge up to 30 days before departure. You can also cancel at any time before the start of the trip subject to payment of a cancellation fee. If the cancellation occurs:
More than 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 75% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 100%
Between 61 and 90 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 50% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
Between 31 and 60 days prior to Departure => Receive a Refund of 25% of all payments already made (including deposits) OR a Trip Credit of 75%
30 days or less prior to Departure => No Refund OR Trip Credit of 50%
Please note that a Trip Credit cannot be converted to a refund at a later date.
To protect yourself against last minute cancellation, we advise you to subscribe to our cancellation insurance through our partner Chapka insurance, with a guarantee which also covers you in case of contracting the Covid-19. Please note that such insurance can only be subscribed within 48 hours following the order of your trip. Subscription link available here.
Important: the realisation of the trip is conditional on the registration of a minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure. We commit ourselves to confirm a trip at the latest 30 days before the departure date. In the event that the trip cannot take place because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be reimbursed for any sums paid but will not be entitled to any compensation. You will be informed by email whether or not a trip is confirmed.
Join us for 3 days of gravel riding as we explore the stunning Alpilles Massif in Provence and its enchanting landscapes. During your bike trip, GravelUp takes care of everything to ensure an unforgettable experience: comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, support van, local guide, yoga sessions, and cultural visits.
All you need to do is pick your departure date and pack your gear for this memorable journey under the Provençal sun!
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