Bike and Barge: Provence and Camargue (Aigues Mortes to Avignon)
This wonderful bike and barge tour will guide you through the wild Camargue nature with its bulls and horses: from the medieval fortress of Aigues Mortes you’ll cycle gradually towards Arles. Sail aboard the Caprice or L’Estello, depending on route and date, from Aigues Mortes to Avignon.
After that you can explore the classic landscapes of Provence, including the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh’s Provence, and the Roman Pont du Gard.
We strongly recommend that you reserve your cabin early to avoid disappointment.
Itinerary
Boarding will begin after 6 p.m. today. Make your own way to Aigues Mortes. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore this medieval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean.
Your first ride will take you through the small country lanes of the Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages. You will most likely get the chance to see the famous black bulls and white horses typical of this region. You may even pass stunning pink flamingos. In the afternoon you will reach the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip on the beach.
You will sail for a couple of hours this morning up to Saint Gilles, before cycling to today’s destination: Arles. A town known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony. This city is sure to fascinate you with its many hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys, you will feel as though you have entered a picture by Van Gogh. In the afternoon you will also have the chance to meet up with a professional guide, who will show you around all the hidden jewels of the town.
Todays ride, which brings you to the Alpilles, is sure to take your breath away. You will head to 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.
Today you will ride to Barbentane, on quiet and pleasant and quiet country roads. Here you will find an impressive castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and then continue down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon you sail to Aramon where you will spend the night, and be treated to a beautiful view over Mont Ventoux.
Today’s stage will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. You will head back to Aramon in the afternoon and then 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 head over to the other side of the river Rhone, which we will access by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse. We’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before heading back we’ll make a stop at Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoonyou will have the chance to discover the historic centre of Avignon.
You have reached the end of your tour. Departure will be after breakfast.
Route overview
The tour is totally in the lowlands during the two stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups and downs, which are however easy to overcome. There is just one more demanding slope towards Les Baux de Provence, but you will be fully repaid with an extraordinary landscape. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable. There will also be a couple of navigation stretches to make the stage more enjoyable.
Total distance cycled: 240 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
What’s included
The Bike & Barge: Camargue to Avignon cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 7 overnights with bike hire
- Full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
- Coffee and tea on board
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily short cleaning + mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
- Travel guide, Maps, Roadbook
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
- Guided visit of Arles
- Harbour charges
- Emergency van in the area (also available for daily excursions)
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (for any hotel stays)
- Bike Rental
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless stated)
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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