The best road cycling routes around Saint-Rémy

There are over 500 road cycling routes available around Saint-Rémy, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy, flat rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.

The terrain around Saint-Rémy is incredibly diverse, ranging from gentle, flat sections through fragrant valleys, vineyards, and ancient olive groves to more challenging climbs through rolling hills and limestone ridges within the Alpilles Regional Natural Park. You can expect picturesque Provençal scenery throughout your ride.

Yes, Saint-Rémy offers several easy and family-friendly options. There are flat, paved greenways, such as the 20km (return) path linking Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. For a relaxed ride with historical interest, consider the Canal du center – Old Church in Ruins loop from Chalon-sur-Saône, which is an easy 39.3 km route with minimal elevation gain.

For more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Alpilles hills provide routes with significant elevation gain. The historic hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence is a popular destination that involves a challenging climb, often through vineyards and olive groves. Routes like the Saint-Mard-de-Vaux Hill – Round Hall loop from Chalon-sur-Saône offer over 500 meters of ascent over 48.6 km.

Road cycling in Saint-Rémy offers stunning views of the Provençal landscape, including extensive vineyards, ancient olive groves, cypress hedges, and pine forests. You can also enjoy views of the rocky Alpilles mountains and tranquil spots like Lac du Peiroou. The 'Val d'Enfer' near Les Baux-de-Provence features impressive rock formations and quarries.

Absolutely. Cyclists can easily reach several historical sites. Just south of Saint-Rémy, you can visit the ancient Roman town of Glanum with its ruins. The Saint Paul de Mausole monastery, where Vincent van Gogh resided, is also a short cycle away and now houses a museum dedicated to the artist. Near Les Baux-de-Provence, the Rue du Chatelet and the Carrières de Lumières multimedia art center are also accessible.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Saint-Rémy, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. While summer is popular, it's important to note that access to the Alpilles Regional Nature Park can be restricted from June 1 to September 30 due to fire risk, so checking danger levels before a ride is advisable.

Yes, bike rentals are readily available in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, including electric bikes, which can be particularly helpful for tackling the slopes around places like Les Baux-de-Provence. This makes it easy to explore the region even if you don't bring your own equipment.

Many of the road cycling routes around Saint-Rémy are designed as scenic loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Tarascon - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Saint-Étienne-du-Grès loop (52.3 km) and the Greenway of the Canal du Centre — loop from Chalon-sur-Saône, a 69.2 km route.

The road cycling routes in Saint-Rémy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from flat sections to challenging climbs, and the stunning Provençal landscapes, including limestone ridges, vineyards, and olive groves.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, as a popular tourist destination, offers various parking options within and around the town center. Many routes start directly from the town, making it convenient to park and begin your ride. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and availability upon arrival, especially during peak season.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is accessible by public transport, primarily bus services connecting it to larger towns and train stations in the region, such as Avignon. While buses can transport you to the area, it's recommended to check specific bus lines for their bicycle carriage policies if you plan to bring your own bike.

Yes, it's important to be aware that access to certain areas within the Alpilles Regional Natural Park can be restricted from June 1 to September 30 due to fire risk. Before heading out, always check the current danger levels, as some paths or roads might be temporarily closed for safety. You can find more information on regional park websites or local tourist offices.

The region around Saint-Rémy is dotted with charming Provençal villages and towns, offering numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments. Many routes pass through or near these villages, where you can find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Saint-Rémy itself has a vibrant culinary scene perfect for pre- or post-ride sustenance.

While many routes are designed for day trips, the extensive network of secondary roads and greenways allows for longer excursions. For example, the Saint-Mard-de-Vaux Hill – Chalon-sur-Saône loop from Chalon-sur-Saône covers 62.1 km, and the Greenway of the Canal du Centre — loop from Chalon-sur-Saône is 69.2 km, providing excellent options for longer rides through varied terrain.