Cycle Provence with International Veterinary Seminars!

This exciting IVS conference takes place in fabulous Provence!

Provence is synonymous with colorful landscapes, the French Riviera, wonderful wines, and aromatic plants and perfumes. This is a land that boasts thousands of years of history: ancient chapels, walled villages, hidden ruins and lively towns.

Cycling is a wonderful way to explore the small villages, towns, and countryside of this fabulous part of France. Van support allows us light panniers and a customized cycling itinerary.

Our colorful, bilingual, knowledgeable guides will take us to hidden gems and treat us to a truly “authentic” Provence experience.

We’ll enjoy fabulous French cuisine and charming accommodations. We’ll also do some wine tasting in this mecca’ of French wine areas.

2024: As you explore Provence, Dr. Stan Marks will present 12 CE hours on practical management of common gastro-intestinal problems.

$825 for 12 CE hours.

Your Bicycle:
Standard bike: SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) – Helmet Included

The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty “trekking” geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.

Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.

Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request

Note: Any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee.

Useful Links > your bike – HYBRID (this is not an Electric Assisted Bike)

Electric or Road Bike upgrades are available for $155. Please reserve these prior to your trip to ensure that we are able to accommodate this request. Below are descriptions of these two choices.

Electric Assisted Bike: SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 or CANNONDALE MAVARO HS City (or equivalent) – Helmet Included

The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 or the CANNONDALE MAVARO HS City (or equivalent) make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.

Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.

Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request

Useful Links > ELECTRIC ASSISTED BIKE

Road Bike: SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 20 (Standard) (or equivalent)

This bike features an ultra light carbon frame with comfort carbon fork, compact geometry, as a result, these bikes are very responsive and comfortable. These series will fit riders from 1m50 to 1m93 (5’1”ft to 6’4”ft).

We have all sizes for you : XXS (47), XS(49), S(52), M(54), L(56), XL(58), 2XL(61)

Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.

Useful Links > ROAD BIKE – STANDARD

TRIP ITINERARY*

The South of France is a Mecca for wonderful cycling. Whether it is in the hills and limestone escarpments, the fields of lavender and vineyards or the rocky paths and pebbly beaches of the South Coast, you will fall in love with this colorful region.

Day 1: Arrival Day – Avignon
Arrival in Avignon: Make your way to the first hotel on your own. After checking in at your hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the many sites of Avignon.

Orientation & bike set-up: Our local guide will meet you in person in the hotel lobby.

Our local guide (French native & English speaking) will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. He will bring your bicycles, road-books and touristic information. An expert of the region, you can ask him all the questions you have about your trip. Then he will adjust your bike so you feel comfortable riding.

Optional loop ride: if you would like to try your bike out on Day 1, please arrive to Avignon by 11am local time for a loop ride through the area of Avignon!

Hotel: Night at Hotel La Magnaneraie**** (B+picnic lunch)

Day 2: Avignon – Rochefort-du-Gard – Collias – Castillon du Gard – Uzès
From Avignon to Uzes: The route will move out of Avignon through the Gard forests and vineyards and to visit the famous roman aqueduct Pont du Gard which dominates the river at over 165 feet high. Swimming is possible in the river. You will cycle on to Uzes, a beautiful Provencal village with tree-lined streets.

Distance : 54 Km (34 mi)
Elevation : 522 m.

Hotel: Night at Hotel Entraigues**** – Uzes (B+picnic lunch)

Day 3: Uzès – Collias – Tarascon – Arles
From Uzes to Arles: Travel to the town of Arles, passing through mostly flat countryside except in the gorges around the Gardon River. You first ride to Collias at the confluence of the Gardon and Alson rivers. From there to Ledenon, famous for wine production, and then Meynes and its old fortified village. At Tarascon you can visit the Chateau and Souleiado Museum before going on to Arles. In Arles there is the extraordinarily well-preserved Roman arena, antique theater, and many museums, among which is one devoted to Vincent van Gogh. The ride is mostly flat but starts out rolling.

Distance : 59 Km (36 mi)
Elevation : 293 m.

Hotel: Night at Hotel Spa le Calendal*** with access to the spa. (B+picnic lunch)

Day 4: Arles – Montmajour Abbey – Les Baux de Provence – Saint Remy de Provence
From Arles to St Remy: You may want to spend some time in the morning visiting Arles and the many sites to see in this old Roman town. Your ride goes to St Remy de Provence. The ride is not too long today, so in function of weather you can leave as wish. You will pass the Abbey of Montmajour and up to les Baux de Provence. Take some time to visit the site of Les Baux, walk the old stone streets, and imagine what it must have been like 2000 years ago. After you will descend to St Remy where you can visit the town and see where Van Gogh made over 150 paintings. Ride with hills at Les Baux.

Distance : 29 Km (18 mi)
Elevation : 460 m.

Hotel: Night at Le Vallon de Valrugues & Spa***** – Saint-Remy de Provence (B+picnic lunch)

Day 5: Saint Remy de Provence – Graveson – Saint Michel de Frigolet Abbey – Barbentane – Avignon
From St Remy to Avignon: On to Avignon via Graveson and Barbentane where you can have lunch and visit the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet from the 10th century. Arriving in the afternoon, this 42 km ride leaves time to visit some of the many sites in Avignon.

Distance : 44 Km (27mi)
Elevation : 250 m.

Hotel: Night at Cloitre Saint Louis**** (B+picnic lunch)

Day 6: Avignon
Departure from Avignon: Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Avignon by train for Paris or other destination. (Depart on your own). Additional nights can be arranged, please inquire.

Optional loop ride: if you haven’t had enough riding by now and would like to do one more loop before departing, please make travel plans out of Avignon for after 1pm local time.(B)

Changes of the proposed itinerary may become necessary for reasons beyond our control.

Departure Dates:	2024 October 2-7 2025 October 2-7
Trip Length:	6 Days
Trip Price:	2024 $4,950 per person, based on double occupancy 2025 $5,100 per person, based on double occupancy Additional CE cost: $845 (12 CE hours) 2024: Dr. Stan Marks will present 12 CE hours on practical management of common gastro-intestinal problems. Single Supplement: $900, based on availability
Deposit:	$1,000