The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Rémy

There are nearly 200 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy, scenic rides through vineyards to more challenging ascents in the Alpilles.

The region offers a diverse terrain for no-traffic road cycling. You'll find smooth, paved cycle paths ideal for leisurely rides, especially connecting areas like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. For those seeking more challenge, the Alpilles Mountains provide varied routes with climbs and descents, offering stunning views of limestone peaks and the surrounding Provençal landscape.

Yes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has several easy, no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Forêt de Saint-Martin loop from Montracol is an easy option covering about 31 km. Another gentle ride is the Pretty Little Road loop from Bourg-en-Bresse, which is just over 10 km.

Many routes offer picturesque scenery. The area is renowned for its vineyards, olive groves, and fields of wheat and poppies, often lined with cypresses. Routes that ascend towards villages like Les Baux-de-Provence, even if they have some traffic-free sections, often reward cyclists with panoramic views of the Alpilles and the Val d'Enfer. You can also explore routes that follow the landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in the Saint-Rémy area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example of a moderate circular route is the La Bisou Route – Seillon Forest loop from Saint-Rémy, which covers over 62 km.

Beyond the natural beauty of the Alpilles, vineyards, and olive groves, you can discover historical and cultural attractions. Consider visiting the Brou Abbey in Bourg-en-Bresse, the tranquil Moulin des Vernes, or the serene Lake Bouvent. The region also features ancient sites like Glanum and the historic Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, which are often accessible or visible from cycling paths.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for road cycling in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and comfortable weather, while autumn provides cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors. Summers can be very hot, especially in July and August, so early morning rides are recommended if cycling during this period.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence cater to all levels. Approximately 49 routes are rated as easy, 127 as moderate, and 20 as difficult. This variety ensures that both casual riders and experienced cyclists can find suitable routes, from flat greenways to more challenging mountain paths within the Alpilles.

While there isn't one single designated 'Van Gogh' no-traffic road cycling route, many paths in the area traverse the landscapes that inspired him during his time in Saint-Rémy. You can cycle through fields of wheat, poppies, olive trees, and past sturdy cypresses, experiencing the very scenery depicted in his famous works. The Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, where he resided, is also a notable stop.

The no-traffic road cycling experience in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 140 ratings. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning Provençal landscapes, the tranquility of the car-free paths, and the charming villages encountered along the way. The mix of easy, scenic rides and more challenging routes through the Alpilles is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the surrounding picturesque Provençal villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and Le Paradou offer numerous cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. Many cycling routes are designed to pass through or near these charming towns, making it easy to plan stops for refreshments or overnight stays to enhance your cycling trip.

Yes, electric bike rentals are readily available in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This allows a wider range of visitors to explore the area's diverse terrain, including the hills and vineyards of the Alpilles, with greater ease. Self-guided electric bike tours are also a popular way to experience the wine-producing landscapes.