Provence by Bike and Boat
7 nights from €1300
4.4
Pedal the picturesque landscapes of southeastern France and the Rhone river valley
This spectacular bike and boat tour will take you through the wild Camargue nature, where you'll see its bulls and horses; from the medieval fortress of Aigues Mortes you’ll cycle comfortably on towards Arles.
Following this portion of the ride, you’ll visit the most typical Provence landscape- including the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh’s Provence, the Roman Pont du Gard.
For this tour, you will cycle by day and enjoy comfortable accommodations aboard the barge at night.
Loved every minute!
“Our tour leader was fun, knowledgeable and very safety conscious. The route was almost all flat, only one big climb on Wednesday. The ship's crew was helpful and saw to it…” Full Review
“Our tour leader was fun, knowledgeable and very safety conscious. The route was almost all flat, only one big climb on Wednesday. The ship's crew was helpful and saw to it that my husband had potato chips in his lunch. They accommodated my wish for vegetarian meals. The small towns were charming and I loved learning about their history. Highly recommend this trip. (My husband and I are in our 70s and the ebikes were a great help to us.)” Less
—Joanna Havener
Great Trip
“Terrific guide, terrific food, terrific tour. I loved the routes. The views were amazing. The riding was not challenging, except for the one climb which was a nice workout. I…” Full Review
“Terrific guide, terrific food, terrific tour. I loved the routes. The views were amazing. The riding was not challenging, except for the one climb which was a nice workout. I would recommend an ebike for those less than fit. The room on the barge is a bit tight, but you don't spend much time in your room. I had a great time, and will do it again.” Less
—RobtheSlowSwimmer
Best trip ever!
“Couldn’t have asked for a better guide for my first bike tour. Hugo was so much fun, so enthusiastic, shared so much history and knowledge about the area and even made…” Full Review
“Couldn’t have asked for a better guide for my first bike tour. Hugo was so much fun, so enthusiastic, shared so much history and knowledge about the area and even made movies with the video and pics that he took which captured all the different things and places we experienced. The crew and the other bikers were so much fun as well. For my friend and I, who do not bike much, the e-bike was the ticket. Loved my e-bike.” Less
—Lori22
Daily Program
This tour departs from both Avignon and Aigues-Mortes. Please see itineraries for each departure below.
Day 1: Arrival to Avignon
Individual arrival and boarding after 5:00pm in Avignon. Introductory briefing at 6:30. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Benezet.
Overnight in Avignon.
Day 2: Round trip of Avignon
19 miles/30 km
Today we’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon, you'll have time to discover the historic center of Avignon.
Overnight in Avignon.
Day 3: Avignon – Aramon
25 miles/40 km
In the morning you'll cruise to Aramon where you will begin biking. The stage today will bring you to the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.
Overnight in Aramon.
Day 4: Aramon – Vallabrègues
22 miles/35 km
You start your day cruising to Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. Cycling along country roads, you will arrive at Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhône and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and afterward down to the medieval village of Boulbon.
Overnight in Vallabrègues.
Day 5: Vallabrègues – Arles
34 miles/55 km
This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. In the end, you move on to the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.
Overnight in Arles.
Day 6: Arles – Aigues-Mortes
22 miles/35 km
Today the whole morning is dedicated to visiting Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to join a professional guide for a tour around the jewels of the town. After lunch, you reach the lock of Saint Gilles, and from there you will sail to Aigues-Mortes for the overnight stay.
Overnight in Aigues-Mortes.
Day 7: Round trip of Aigues-Mortes
34 miles/55 km
Going through small lanes between canals and lagoons you will reach the charming fishermen's village of Le Grau-du-Roi. You'll have the possibility of a refreshing swim on the beach.
Overnight in Aigues-Mortes.
Day 8: Departure from Aigues-Mortes
After breakfast, end of tour and departure from the boat. You can book extra nights at a hotel in Aigues-Mortes if you would like (inquire for pricing).
Note: The program has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only made by the boat’s captain.
Day 1: Arrival to Aigues-Mortes
Individual arrival and boarding after 5:00 pm in Aigues-Mortes, medieval town, ancient military, and commercial port on the Mediterranean. You may board from 6 pm onwards, and then regroup for the welcome briefing at 6:30.
Overnight in Aigues-Mortes.
Day 2: Round trip of Aigues-Mortes
34 miles/55 km
Going through small country lanes of the Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will have the chance to see the famous black bulls and the white horses typical of this region, as well as the pink flamingos. In the afternoon you will reach the charming fishermen's village Le Grau-du-Roi. You'll have the possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.
Overnight in Aigues-Mortes.
Day 3: Aigues-Mortes – Arles
22 miles/35 km
You will sail for a couple of hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today's destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique Roman patrimony. The city will fascinate you with its hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Van Gogh. In the afternoon you will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town.
Overnight in Arles.
Day 4: Arles – Vallabrègues
34 miles/55 km
This is a breathtaking stage and will bring you to the Alpilles, with the perched village of Le Baux de Provence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender, and olive trees will be your scenes today. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provencal village on the banks of the Rhône.
Overnight in Vallabrègues.
Day 5: Vallabrègues – Aramon
22 miles/35km
Cycling along country roads, you will arrive at Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhône and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and afterward down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon you'll cruise to Aramon for the overnight with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.
Overnight in Aramon.
Day 6: Aramon – Avignon
25 miles/40 km
The stage today will bring you to the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Back in Aramon in the afternoon, you will cruise to Avignon, the city of the Popes. You will be moored in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.
Overnight in Avignon.
Day 7: Round trip of Avignon
19 miles/30 km
Today we'll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon, you'll have time to discover the historic center of Avignon.
Overnight in Avignon.
Day 8: Departure from Avignon
After breakfast, end of tour and departure from the boat. You can book extra nights at a hotel in Avignon if you would like.
Note: The program has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organizational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only made by the boat’s captain.
Boats
L’Estello
10 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour The L’Estello is a Dutch barge originally launched in 1937. The vessel was modernised from head to toe for passenger cruising on the rivers and canals of France. She features an…
Caprice
11 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour Welcome on board the Caprice! On deck, you’ll enjoy relaxing in the sun. The deck also has a canopy in case you prefer to relax in the shade. The public space is divided into a restaurant…
Bikes
27-speed touring bike, unisex
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by the mechanics, the touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
27-speed touring bike, men's
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
27-speed standard bike, men's
A sportier, lighter model with thinner tires than the touring bike. Straight handlebars allow a comfortable stance while pedaling.
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- suitable for individuals with a body height of 165 cm and above
Electrically assisted bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Other details
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Children's bikes, seats, trailers and tag-alongs are also available upon request
Bike Protection:
Protection against theft and irreparable damage is included in the rental bike price. In case of careless or improper behaviour the insurance will not cover the costs. The insurance covers only the rented bikes, while it is not valid for any bike accessories (lock, helmet, panniers, handlebar bag, child seat, child devices etc…) nor personal belongings left on the bike or in the panniers/handlebar bags. Furthermore, the insurance is not valid for e-bikes used by customers under the age of 18. In case of theft the insurance may be activated only if the client presents: - a police report made at the local police office - the lock key in case of e-bike, or the damaged lock in case of standard bike.
Helmets:
Helmets are available to rent head circumferences 54-61 cm (see pricing chart), but for safety and hygiene purposes we recommend you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.
Surface and terrain
Route on bike paths and low traffic roads in rural and city areas. There are short stretches that are on unpaved roads, and on some roads with more traffic (in this case, the road with traffic is only option, but the route follows low traffic roads when possible, and uses the roads with more traffic only to connect you to another low traffic road).
The daily rides average about 30-40 miles (50-60 km). There will be some hills, so it is advisable to be comfortable spending a few hours on the bike each day, and cycling up some rolling hills.
Total length: 240 km
Total vertical up: 620 m
Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
You can choose to cycle with the guide and group, or also use the route maps and descriptions to cycle on your own.
How to get there
Avignon
Nearest airports: Marseille Provence (MRS)
Nearest train station: Avignon Centre
The L’Estello is docked at the pier Avignon Quai De La Ligne.
Aigues Mortes
Nearest airports: Marseille Provence (MRS)
Nearest train station: Aigues Mortes
In Aigues Mortes L’Estello is docked by the Quai des Bateliers in Avenue du Pont de Provence.
Both Avignon and Aigues-Mortes are well served by these other airports: Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL), Nimes Garons (FNI), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS), and Avignon Caumont (AVN).
You will receive more information on location of the boats in your pre-tour documents, which you receive a few weeks before the tour, once you are booked and confirmed on it.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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