Bicycle Tour Around Avignon & Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Tour Itinerary – Detailed Stops

Departure from Avignon – Where It All Begins

Our adventure starts in Avignon, the city of Popes. You’ll meet your guide near the majestic Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest medieval Gothic buildings. After a short safety briefing and bike adjustments, we’ll roll out through the cobbled streets and along the Rhône River.

As we leave the city walls, you’ll catch glimpses of Avignon’s towers, churches, and the remains of the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, setting the stage for the story of two cities divided by a river – and united by history.

Barthelasse Island – A Green Paradise on the Rhône

Next, we cross to the Île de la Barthelasse, one of Europe’s largest river islands. Here, time seems to slow down. You’ll ride under tall plane trees, past fields of poppies (in season), orchards, and small farms. This peaceful landscape offers a stunning contrast to the grandeur of Avignon.

We’ll pause for a panoramic view of the Pont d’Avignon and the medieval ramparts reflected in the water – a picture-perfect moment. Don’t forget your camera!

Fun fact: The Barthelasse was once home to monasteries and is still prone to seasonal flooding, which has preserved its rural character over centuries.

Crossing to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon – A Step into Another World

We’ll follow the riverside path and cross over to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, entering what was once French royal territory. While Avignon was under Papal rule in the 14th century, Villeneuve was its secular counterpart, fortified and politically strategic.

You’ll feel the atmosphere shift as we leave the rural quiet of the island and enter a town where every stone has a story. This is the perfect time for your guide to reveal how the Avignon Papacy shaped both sides of the Rhône.

Tour Philippe-le-Bel – The Tower of Power

Our first major stop in Villeneuve is the imposing Tour Philippe-le-Bel. Built in the late 1200s by King Philippe IV (Philippe le Bel), this watchtower marked the end of the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, which once connected Avignon to Villeneuve.

We’ll park our bikes and climb the tower (optional – but worth it!). At the top, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of Avignon, the Rhône, and the surrounding countryside.

Historical insight: The tower wasn’t just defensive. It was a political symbol – a reminder that while the Pope ruled Avignon, the French king had his eye on things from across the river.

Plaine de l’Abbaye – A Breath of Fresh Air

From the tower, we descend to the Plaine de l’Abbaye, a broad, open green space that offers a moment of calm. Once the cultivated fields of Saint-André Abbey’s monks, it’s now a public park where locals picnic and children play.

We'll pause here to hydrate and take in the scenery. You’ll see olive trees, Mediterranean flowers, and perhaps even a local game of pétanque underway.

This is a great spot for storytelling: how the abbey’s monks shaped the land, the power struggles between church and crown, and how this once-rural area has remained largely untouched by modern development.

Historic Center of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon – A Town of Cardinals

Back on our bikes, we head into the heart of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. This charming old town feels like a film set, with cobbled streets, stone fountains, and quiet squares.

In the 14th century, many cardinals chose to build residences here, escaping the political intrigue of the Papal court in Avignon. We’ll pass some of these grand homes, now private residences or cultural spaces.

You’ll hear about the town’s nickname, “la cité des cardinaux”, and how Villeneuve became both a retreat and a power hub during the turbulent Papal years.

Jardins de l’Abbaye Saint-André – Beauty Above All

A short uphill ride brings us to the magnificent Gardens of the Abbey Saint-André, perched on Mont Andaon. This Benedictine abbey, founded in the 10th century, became one of the most influential monastic centers in southern France.

Today, the ruins are surrounded by elegant Italian-style gardens, with cypress trees, rose-covered pergolas, lavender paths, and terraced viewpoints.

We’ll stroll through the garden paths, explore the remains of the abbey, and enjoy one of the best panoramic views in the entire region – stretching across to the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux, and of course, Avignon. You will have the chance to visit the inside which it’s remaining close for normal visitors.

Lunch Break – A Taste of Provence

By now, you’ve earned your Provençal lunch! We’ll head to a local gem – a charming bistro or garden restaurant in Villeneuve, where the food is seasonal, regional, and full of flavor.

This break is not just about food – it’s a moment to relax, chat, and soak in the beauty of the village.

La Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction – The Grand Finale

Our final cultural stop is the Chartreuse, a vast former Carthusian monastery founded in 1356 by Pope Innocent VI. Hidden behind high walls, this tranquil space holds three cloisters, medieval chapels, frescoes, and reconstructed monks’ cells.

We’ll explore the monastery at a relaxed pace, reflecting on the silence and simplicity that once filled these halls. The Chartreuse is also a contemporary arts center, hosting artists-in-residence and performances – a fascinating blend of past and present.

You’ll leave with a deep sense of how faith, solitude, and art intertwined in this unique place.

End of the Tour – Return to Avignon

After the visit, we’ll ride back to Avignon via the river path, full of memories, stories, and maybe a few photos to post.
Tour Information:

• Duration: Approx. 7 hours


• Distance: Around 15 km round trip


• Level: Easy to moderate (some uphill near the Abbey)


• Includes: Bike (possibility to electrical bike) + helmet, guide, monument entry, lunch


• Languages: English, French


• Good to Bring: Refillable water bottle, sun hat, camera, comfy clothes

Ready to ride through 1,000 years of history and beauty?

Book your bicycle adventure now and explore Avignon and Villeneuve like never before!