Bike and Barge: Provence and Camargue (Aigues Mortes to Avignon)

We welcome you to Aigues Mortes, a medieval town, ancient military and
commercial port on the Mediterranean aboard your new home-from-home from
5.00 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing at 6.30 – with
your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo.

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 of Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a
refreshing bath on the beach. Free dinner in Aigues-Mortes.

You will sail for a couple of hours up to Franquevaux and then cycle to today’s
destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony.
The city fascinates 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.

This is a breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched
village of Les-Baux-de-Provence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A
landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the
evening, you will moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of
the Rhône.

Along country roads, you will arrive at Barbentane with its castle at the confluence
of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint
Michel de Frigolet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the
afternoon, navigation to Aramon for the overnight, with a beautiful view over the
Mont Ventoux.

The stage today will bring you to the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe:
Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Back to Aramon in the afternoon, you will
sail to Avignon, the city of the Popes. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne,
next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.

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, there is time to discover the
historic centre of Avignon.

You have reached the end of your tour. Departure from Avignon will be after breakfast.

Embarkation

Embarkation is scheduled for 5:00 PM in Avignon/Aigues-Mortes, where you will meet the tour leader and fellow participants.

If you arrive earlier, you are welcome to leave your luggage on board at any time throughout the day.

Tour Programme Variations

The programme is designed to include navigation along the Rhone River and the Rhone-Sète Canal. However, due to organizational reasons, weather conditions, or directives from local authorities, the itinerary may change before and/or during the holiday.

Factors such as high or low water levels, and logistical issues like unannounced repair work on locks or bridges, may alter some daily routes or overnight stays. In certain cases, a bus transfer may be required. These decisions are made solely by the boat’s captain.

Travel Insurance

It is recommended to purchase insurance that covers expenses related to the cancellation of the package tour, incidents, luggage loss or damage, and repatriation costs. Please note, that insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.

About the L’Estello

L’Estello sails between Avignon and Aigues Mortes, with the Provençal landscape and the protected wilderness of the Camargue providing the backdrop. This riverboat is a classic Dutch barge built in 1937 and then renewed in 2018. It is the ideal accommodation to spend a pleasant bike and boat vacation in nature and relaxation. View more details

CABINS

• 9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
  1 lower deck double cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)

FEATURES

• Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
  En-suite facilities
  Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
  Individually controlled air conditioning
  Safe deposit box
  Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage

COMMON AREAS

A cosy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows and a sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing.

About the MS Caprice

A small and cosy river boat that sails through the heart of Provence and Camargue. Caprice has it all: custom-designed furnishings, freshly varnished wood and bright colours, excellent on-board cuisine, and well-kept cabins and common areas make you feel at home.

CABINS

• 8 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
  2 lower deck double cabins 7-8 sq.m (C)
  1 lower deck single cabin 7-8 sq.m (A)

FEATURES

• Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
  En-suite facilities
  Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
  Individually controlled air conditioning
  Safe deposit box
  Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage

COMMON AREAS

• Cosy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
  Sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing

Arrival: Aigues-Mortes

Departure: Avignon

Nearest arrival airport(s): Montpellier or Marseille

Nearest departure airport(s): Marseille

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Aigues-Mortes by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.