ViaRhôna: Lyon to Arles by E-Bike and Boat

Day 1: Arrival in Lyon

Board the MS Provence in Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and tour leaders during a welcome drink and tour briefing covering the week's cycling program, daily schedule, and practical information. If time permits, join an optional test ride to become familiar with your e-bike before dinner on board. Spend the evening exploring Lyon's UNESCO-listed Old Town or relaxing aboard the ship.

Day 2: Lyon – Chavanay – Tournon-sur-Rhône
27 mi. / 43 km

Enjoy breakfast as the MS Provence cruises south through the northern Rhône Valley. After lunch, begin cycling in the wine village of Chavanay. Follow the ViaRhôna through Sablons, Serrières, and Andance, home to one of the Rhône's oldest suspension bridges, before turning inland onto quiet vineyard roads toward Saint-Désirat. A Côtes du Rhône wine tasting may be offered before rejoining the ship in Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Day 3: Tournon-sur-Rhône – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Viviers
24 or 46 mi. / 39 or 74 km

Choose between two routes today. The leisure route follows the ViaRhôna on mostly flat bike paths beside the Rhône, passing Glun and Beauchastel with time to visit Valence. Highlights may include the Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage. The advanced route begins aboard the historic Train de l'Ardèche (subject to availability) to Lamastre before following the scenic La Dolce Via through the Eyrieux Valley. Ride along a converted railway through forests, tunnels, stone viaducts, and river landscapes before rejoining the MS Provence in La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Cruise to Viviers this evening.

Day 4: Viviers – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon
37 or 40 mi. / 60 or 64 km

Today's ride explores the Drôme Provençale with support from the tour vehicle available throughout the day. Climb to La Garde-Adhémar, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, then continue through vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, and truffle country to Suze-la-Rousse, home to a Renaissance château and France's wine university. There may be time to stop at Orange to view its UNESCO-listed Roman Theatre before continuing into the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. An optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may be available before rejoining the MS Provence for the evening cruise to Avignon.

Day 5: Avignon
24 or 31 mi. / 39 or 50 km

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Avignon's UNESCO-listed historic center, including entrance to the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). After lunch aboard the ship, spend the afternoon exploring Avignon independently or join an optional ride through the Provençal countryside. The route follows sections of the ViaRhôna before winding through orchards, canals, and the villages of Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue. A café stop offers the chance to experience local village life before returning to Avignon. The evening is free to enjoy the city's restaurants and lively squares.

Day 6: Avignon – Pont du Gard – Tarascon
34 or 37 mi. / 55 or 60 km

Ride through Provence with support from the tour vehicle as you leave Avignon via Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Quiet country roads lead to the Pont du Gard, the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore the monument and enjoy lunch before continuing through vineyards and farmland toward Beaucaire and Tarascon. Dinner is served aboard the MS Provence, which remains overnight in Tarascon.

Day 7: Tarascon – Arles
15 or 40 mi. / 24 or 64 km

Choose between the shorter ride along the Rhône or a longer route through the Alpilles. The leisure route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna to Arles. The advanced route climbs to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages, before continuing to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh stayed and painted many of his famous works. Depending on the day's schedule, visits may also include Abbaye de Montmajour and Château des Baux-de-Provence. After lunch aboard the ship, join a guided walking tour of Arles, including its Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre. Your Pass Liberté provides access to additional historic sites.

Day 8: Departure from Arles

After breakfast, disembark and conclude your tour.