Exploring the Alpilles by gravel bike - our adventure report!

Fancy immersing yourself in the heart of the Alpilles massif on our 3 day gravel trip? Nestled between Avignon and the Mediterranean Sea, the Alpilles hide breathtaking landscapes for you to explore, a raw nature for you to relax and unwind in and great trails for you be active on! All shared with likeminded others in the best GravelUp group trip tradition.

Our adventurers can tell you much better than us, so read on to hear about our recent inaugural adventure, straight from the horse’s mouths.

Arriving at Basecamp

We arrive to a really warm welcome at the Servanes Chateau which is tucked away in the heart of the Alpilles. As we settle into our home from home for the next 3 days, we all relax and prepare ourselves for the treat of a long weekend that awaits. No need for introductions as we know each other already, having ridden together in Ventoux a few months ago. Thats the GravelUp touch - come to a trip alone and leave with a great group of ride buddies!

“The chateau is charming, and from the minute we arrive we love all the thoughtful touches from the GravelUp team and our hosts that make our stay extra special. Our first dinner is a great way to catch up and build the anticipation of the days of riding to come.” Alice.

Day 1 - our first pedal strokes

From the first few minutes of our gravel adventure in the Alpilles our enthusiasm is palpable. Everyone’s super motivated to explore the magnificent trails promised to us in this part of Provence, and we’re soon heading off from our Basecamp having met Louis our local guide. The first few kms set the tone for what’s to come - a route of 90% gravel trails deep in nature and far from any tarmac.

The landscapes are breathtaking. With olive groves, limestone hills and cypress tree lined paths, it’s a real immersion in an authentic Alpilles for us fans of both gravel bikes and the outdoors. Some of our group live in Paris, so this breath of fresh air and being in raw nature does all of us, and especially them, the world of good. It feels like we’re on holiday with friends!

At about 1pm we stop near a chapel that’s typical of the region and feels full of history. A place of calm, it’s a perfect lunch spot. Soon we’re tucking into a delicious spread of local produce - fresh goats cheese, mixed salads, fougasses (loaded and grilled oblong pizza-like breads) and cured meats… a gourmet meal prepared with care by our Destination Manager who is ever present and always ready with encouragement and goodies from the support van when needed.

“This GravelUp trip in the Alpilles was an unforgettable experience for me! Partly because I had the pleasure of sharing it with an incredible group of people and also because Louis our guide had put together an beautiful and varied route for us." Thomas

We return to our chateau after more than 70km of awesome riding. After a welcome shower and even more welcome local beer together to toast day 1, we jump in the van and head to the superb village of Baux-en-Provence for dinner. Perched on a rocky outcrop this historic gem gives us incredible views across the whole local area. We enjoy dinner is in a top local restaurant, and try some of the many delicious provencal flavours in a really warm group atmosphere.

Our first day of gravel exploration in the raw Alpilles landscapes was a perfect start to our getaway, with many unforgettable moments already!

Day 2 - to the Sea!

We couldn’t have had better weather for November, with radiant sunshine and a welcomely warm breeze as we set off on our second day. Today we change decor and leave the Alpilles hills behind to explore the Camargue, a unique land of white horses and flamingos!

The route is a real treat - quiet little backroads and smooth flat pondside and seaside trails. We’re all motivated by a tangible connection to nature here and an ensuing sense of calm, which builds an incredible sense of team in our group. Smiles for miles.

“We traversed the Camargue via the Etang de Vaccares to Sainte-Marie de la Mer and enjoyed a picnic on the beach before diving into the Mediterranean Sea! The GravelUp experience is one thats full of treats, especially a very welcome yoga session to rejuvenate our legs and an in credible dinner in Baux-de-Provence.” - Matthieu

Picnic-ing on the beach is a magical moment. Our loaded lunch table is right on the sand, with a beautiful view out to sea. With the sun shining strong and a relaxed atmosphere, it's a real pinch yourself moment - yes it’s November! An unexpected swim follows and only adds to the group’s high spirits. Our beach party will stay long in the minds of everyone as one of the highlights oft he trip.

Refreshed by our break we ride into the sunset, bathed in the golden light particular to the Camargue. An extraordinary day, a perfect mix of sport, pure pleasure and relaxation.

Day 3 - pedalling onwards

On our last day we enjoy a delicious breakfast at our Chateau before hitting the trails of the Alpilles again, savouring every moment on the exceptional terrain here. It’s another glorious day, with the sun illuminating the limestone hillsides so typical of Provence. Our group is now like a well oiled machine and we make the most of every last km, savouring the physical effort and contemplation time together.

Our route for the day takes us along winding trails bordered by olive trees, vineyards and lavender heathland. Everything you need in Provence! Every climbs gives us another incredible view and the great descents are the finishing touch to the awesome gravel experience we’ve had.

To finish our three days in style we enjoy another memorable lunch, this time in an olive grove. We celebrate our beautiful adventure under the branches of hundred year old trees, enjoying their soft scent as well as some more delicious local beers and delicacies, as we’ve become accustomed to over the last few days!

At GravelUp we have an important tradition of celebrating each UP moment of a trip and to thank everyone for being there. A personalised award for every adventurer, summing up their contribution to the trip in a word. Laughter and smiles linger long after each award, which bring a tear to the eye sometimes too!

“What’s touched me the most from my adventure with GravelUp is the ease with which we all gelled as a group. We were all there to ride gravel and share the same passion.” - Bertrand.

These three days in the Alpilles have been much more than a bike trip - they have been an totally immersive gravel experience, combining welcome physical effort, exploration, and shared passions. We all left with many wonderful memories firmly imprinted inside ourselves, and only talking about joining another adventure as soon as possible.

Book your gravel trip in the Alpilles

Ready to join this unique adventure?

Authentic and pristine landscapes in a unique setting not far from the Mediterranean sea, where raw nature meets warm Provencal culture. The Alpilles make for an ideal place to rejuvenate and recharge. Be serenaded by cicadas on a gravel adventure with us, exploring quiet and varied tracks and trails taking you far from the masses. You’ll find:

• Ever-changing landscapes olive groves, lavender fields, limestone hills and Provencal villages.

• A high end experience super comfy accommodation, gourmet local cuisine with yoga and meditation for the ultimate relaxation.

• A physical challenge that’s manageable for all ideal for anyone, even if you only ride a little. Our trips in the Alpilles are designed for anyone who loves the outdoors and/or gravel riding… you just need to follow our guide!

➡︎ 6 dates available from March to May 2025. Book your trip now!