Bike Tour Reviews  Provence By Bike And Boat


Provence by Bike and Boat

COUNTRY: France

7 nights
4.4/5 (33)
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Client favorites Bike and boat tours
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Client favorites Bike and boat tours

4.4/5 (33)
7 nights

Guided from EUR € 1120
Self guided from EUR € 1120

Self-guided:
Mar 30; Apr 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024. Mar 29; Apr 5, 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 27; Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, 2025.

Description:
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…

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  • Provence by Bike and Boat
    (5/5) mountainbroad November 7, 2016

    Golden Times

    This bike tour will be revisited frequently in our memories. The countryside of Provence in the autumn, with the black bulls, white horses, and rose-colored flamingos, amidst the golden hills and winding river-ways set the scene for fine pedaling.
    I knew that the food and views of southern France would be amazing, what I had not anticipated was the depth of history and exposure to art that would also surround the ride.
    We had a few days of rain, and some of our riders decided to use the time to stay aboard or wander the towns. At those times, our guide went out of his way to inform the guests of possible itineraries to make the most out of their travels, even though they chose not to ride. Though, there were electric bikes available and experienced routing that allowed the riders of various abilities to be included in each foray. My husband, our three friends, and I chose to never miss out on the up-close experiences of riding to the small villages, visiting the museums and castles, enjoying the wine and olive tastings that were a part of our daily agenda.
    Our guide, Hugo, was a superb asset in informing us about each site, exposing the group to history and foods and art and nature that we would not have discovered on our own.
    In the evenings, after luxuriating over our fine dinners, and previewing the next day's ride, Hugo would take any interested folks out on evening walk-abouts in the small towns where the barge, Soleo, was docked. Again, sharing with us a part of France that made us feel lucky to just be able to take it all in.
    On board, we were treated to the fine cuisine of the area and to a welcoming and genial captain and crew. As much as we enjoyed our ride time, the time aboard the boat, where we would enjoy conversation, music, wine, and food, all added to the delight of our days.
    Though, my husband and I have been on many bike tours, this one will stand as a
    golden time of great beauty and as an unmatched tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 8-15, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    7
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • A calm morning aboard the Soleo (photo by mountainbroad)
    • Riding under the shelter of Provence Plane trees. (photo by mountainbroad)
    • Taking in the beauty of the Carmargue! (photo by mountainbroad)
    • Vincent VanGogh kept watch on us throughout our rides. (photo by mountainbroad)
    • Grape vines and fine times! (photo by mountainbroad)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) tricia November 4, 2019

    Provence bike and boat tour

    This trip was a fabulous way to experience southern France. I loved the mix of biking, touring specific sites, and sit down dinners on the boat; I appreciated our guide's flexibility in accommodating various preferences--she was knowledgeable, attentive and fun. The entire crew was outstanding and aimed to please. The food was beyond my expectations and was plentiful and presented beautifully. There was a reasonable balance of "together" time and "alone" time with opportunity to join in group activities or wander off on your own. Very well done! As a casual biker, the e-bike made it possible for me to not only do the trip, but enjoy every minute.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 11, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Kathy B October 28, 2019

    Something for everyone

    Roman ruins, midieval hilltop castles and walls, vistas and views that will take your breath away. Our crew and guide were outstanding, informative and fun. The food was fabulous: local, interesting, well prepared and well presented. This could have qualified as a food tour alone!!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 12, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Marshall July 6, 2019

    This was our 4th trip with this company and always great

    What was the date of your tour?
    7/22-29/2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) RobtheSlowSwimmer October 27, 2019

    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 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.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Oct 12 - 19, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • View from barge leaving Avignon (other barge under arch) (photo by RobtheSlowSwimmer)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Michigan group October 27, 2019

    Bike trip of a life time

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Provence15 July 5, 2019

    Amazing bike tour through Provence!

    What was the date of your tour?
    22 June 2019
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Smeglegs July 4, 2019

    A very memorable experience with a group of friends who love to bike in Europe

    Provencce by bike and boat was a great time, full of doable challenges and many laughs
    with friends. The staff was extremely helpful and courteous. The food was prepared by Joseph the Chef with delicious surprises every evening. Our guide, Claudia, spoke multiple languages and was a cultural expert regarding the sites along the Rhone River.
    My wife and I experienced our best biking tour in the Provence along the Rhone River.

    What was the date of your tour?
    6/20/2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Shawnmarie October 26, 2019

    Great way to see Provence

    Everything about this trip was wonderful! The Captain, chef, and steward were so warm and gracious. The French dinners onboard the barge were thoughtful, creative and delicious! Our cycling guide, Tamara, went above and beyond to give us a truly amazing experience! Cheers to L’estello!
    Job very well done! Merci Beaucoup!

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 12 - 19, 2020
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Shirley Burche August 29, 2022

    More than I expected

    This was a great way to experience the Provence area of France. Our tour guide, Helmut, was pretty good about instructing us especially in the areas where we needed to merge into traffic for the traffic circles.

    The crew on the barge, Filippo and Sara, were fantastic and took very good care of us. Especially enjoyed the gourmet dinners that Sara prepared.

    I will never forget this trip especially my time on the Bike and Barge portion of it.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was my first one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Richard Butler September 5, 2022

    Great trip

    Our August trip onboard the Caprice was fantastic. Good weather, a little windy at times, but not many hills. No equipment problems and the boat operated without a flaw (no AC problems, thank God). Guides Helmut and Alex were excellent, as was the assistance of the captain, Filippo. But if you want the best, highest quality cuisine aboard any bike/barge trip...just look to see if Chef Sara is listed. She was exceptional at combining the wines and flavors of Provence with her meals.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Scooter June 15, 2019

    Wonderful staff, Great food

    The routes were beautiful with little traffic and the towns we stayed in were interesting and historic. The boat was clean with a lovely dining and socializing area. The cabins were very tiny with just one small porthole window which was challenging. The dinners were very good and the staff went out of their way to make us comfortable. A positive experience! The only complaint we had is that the cue sheets were nearly useless. Luckily we had a person to guide us so using them was not necessary.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 12
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 1/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Jennifer Sutton 12 months ago

    Beyond expectations!

    This slow way of travelling is perfect for savouring Provence on all levels…
    Captain Willy and crew were extremely friendly, attentive and helpful. Our bike tour guide Michela was very safety conscious as well as informative and inclusive, all done with her Italian humour! The schedule was packed but never rushed. It helped that our group was cohesive and respectful of each other…and punctual! The food was excellent and our bow berth beyond expectations.
    I have already recommended this tour to others!

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 22 from Avignon
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) John DesRosier September 28, 2022

    First bike trip was a great success

    We had never been on a bike tour before and absolutely loved the Provence tour. The ebikes made a big difference in making the trip so enjoyable. The food on the boat was excellent night after night and the staff friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Claudia, our tour guide, for making the week wonderful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September, 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Philip August 8, 2017

    Bike and Barge in Provence France

    Excellent tour on the Estello. Great accommodations and bikes and people and tour!! Looking forward to booking our next biking adventure through biketours.com.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    First package tour.
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Old Traveler September 13, 2019

    Great biking adventure

    Loved our bike and barge trip through Provence. Our guide was knowledgable, funny and managed to keep us all together. The food and wine were excellent. The cabins are tiny and cramped but we spent most of our time outdoors or on deck, so we weren't especially bothered by this.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 24-31
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 2/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Megb August 8, 2017

    A Fantstic Experience

    This was the first bike tour we had ever been on and it was better than expected. Our guide was very informative and she really knew the best roads to take to keep the peloton out of traffic. The food on the boat was excellent as
    well as the hand selected wines had. The group of people was diverse and very interesting. We had a lot of fun.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July 1-July 8, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Jill Kaufman 7 months ago

    Amazing experience!

    The small barge experience turned our group of strangers into good friends; the food was excellent; the routes and countryside beautiful; the tour guide was knowledgeable, skilled, and fun! This tour exceeded our expectations.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Late August 23
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) DarTer56 June 26, 2016

    Exceeded many of our expectations

    When we first booked this trip we could not find any actual traveller reviews on the Bike Tours website so we were unsure of what to expect. However, from the very start we were made to feel comfortable and the staff of the tour company were amazing. A special shout out to the Soleo crew. Our tour guide was very familiar with the area and always looked out for the comfort and safety of the cyclists. There was quite a difference in the ages and abilities of the cyclists, but he took care to meet the overall needs of the group.The bikes were in every good condition, well maintained and comfortable to ride. The accommodations were comfortable and we never had a problem going to sleep at the end of the day! This type of travel is a great way to experience the country and to meet new people. This is the type of vacation we would definitely do again.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 4-11/16
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • Pont du Gard (photo by DarTer56)
    • Lounge area on boat (photo by DarTer56)
    • Dining area on boat (photo by DarTer56)
    • Sur la pont D'Avignon! (photo by DarTer56)
    • Relaxing after a long day! (photo by DarTer56)
    • Resting (and learning!) along the way (photo by DarTer56)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Nancy Mackay October 12, 2022

    Great experience

    This trip was a wonderful way to see the areas from Aigues Mortes to Avignon with a very experienced guide. Much information was shared with our group that was beyond our expectations. The pace of the daily ride was comfortable and our skilled and enthusiastic cook always had a great treat waiting for us when we arrived back at the boat. The crew on the Caprice are thoughtful and kind and made us feel at ease.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    12
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)