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

From 5 pm, you can embark on your floating accommodation! At 6:30 pm, there will be an introductory meeting with your tour guide and group, followed by an aperitivo. The barge will be moored in Quai de la Ligne.

Today will start and end in Avignon, as you have a chance to visit this incredible city. We will cross to the other side of the river Rhone via the île de la Barthelasse, where we will then enter some typical garrigue landscape, characterised by vineyards and orchards. Another highlight of the day of the Villeneuve Les Avignon, previously known as the town of the Cardinals. After your day of cycling, you’ll be back in Avignon for an afternoon of discovery.

You will set off in the morning to the town of Aramon, the route bringing you some interesting sights. To note today is the “Pont du Gard”, this is an incredible piece of work and the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe. Your stop for the night in Aramon is accompanied by a gorgeous view of Mont Ventoux.

The day will begin by sailing to Vallabrègues, a gorgeous, typical Provencal village sitting next to the Rhone. From here, you will cycle along country roads to Barbentane, sitting on the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers and home to a castle. You will also visit the majestic Saint Michel de Frigolet Abbey and then on to the medieval village of Boulbon. You will end your day in Vallabrègues and stay there for the night.

An interesting point for today is Nostradamus’ birthplace of Saint Remy de Provence, which was also the home to Van Gogh when he was living with mental illness. Another point today is Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village locked into a rock in the Alpilles. Today’s journey is an amazing mix of limestone cliffs and olive trees.

Before leaving Arles, you will have the morning to explore this ancient city, which is the old capital of Gaul and home to wonderful Roman ruins. You will get to know the history of this town as a professional guide shows you around the sights of the town. As you start your cycling, you will reach the lock of Saint Gilles after lunch, from where you will sail to Aigues Mortes to stay for the night; dinner is included here.

Today will start and end in Aigues-Mortes, giving you an exciting opportunity to explore the surrounding areas. Head through the narrow country lanes of the Camargue via canals, lagoons, and small villages. You will spend the afternoon in the small fishing village of Le Grau-du-Roi and can even take some time to sit on the beach.

Departure from Aigues Mortes or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

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 organisational 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: Avignon

Departure: Aigues-Mortes

Nearest arrival airport(s): Marseille

Nearest departure airport(s): Montpellier or 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 Avignon 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.