Contact us for more info about Provence & Carmargue by Bike & Barge

We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

    [recaptcha]

    Provence & Carmargue by Bike & Barge

    Guided Lifestyle Cycling Tour from $2138 NZD

    Contact us for more info about Provence & Carmargue by Bike & Barge

    We don't currently have scheduled dates for this tour, however please let us know you're interested and when you'd like to go and we will endeavour to provide you with a tour to meet your needs.

      [recaptcha]

      Embark on a bike and barge journey through Provence and Camargue, tracing the route from Avignon to Arles to Aigues-Mortes (or vice versa). Experience the mesmerising landscapes that shaped Van Gogh’s art.

      This region boasts salt marshes rich in biodiversity, including Camargue’s feral bulls and white horses. Renowned for its distinctive Mediterranean light, this area was Van Gogh’s home from 1888-1889, yielding approximately 300 works including ‘Bedroom in Arles’ and ‘Starry Night’. The trip’s highlights include Aigues-Mortes’ medieval stronghold, Arles’ Gallo-Roman heritage and the celebrated Pont du Gard. You will often be accompanied by the fragrance of lavender as you cycle through quaint towns and esteemed wine estates. Explore picturesque French villages with their distinctive character and uncover the region’s hidden gems.  At night unwind aboard a comfortable riverboat, savouring great food, wine and warm camaraderie.

      Avignon to Aigues Mortes

      Avignon
      • Lifestyle
      • Grade
      • Group size: 12 to 20
      • Tour operates in the reverse direction on alternate weeks
      • River barge has 10 compact cabins (with air conditioning & ensuite)
      • Single cabin: surcharge applies
      • EUR 110 touring bike hire
      • EUR 270 e-bike hire (limited)
      • EUR 50pp to 65pp special dietary requests
      • Tour is invoiced in EURO
      • Specific Terms & Conditions apply to this tour
      This tour offers easy to moderate cycling on quiet country roads where you can either cycle independently (using the RideWithGPS App) or alternatively just follow the Tour Leader. After breakfast each morning, there will be a briefing to ensure everyone is familiar with the day's cycling route and places of interest. You'll meet the boat later in the day at a different location. After dinner, you can take a stroll around the historic town.

      Full Itinerary

      DAY 1

      Arrival Day: Avignon

      No cycling

      Please make your own way to historic Avignon, located on the opposite side of the Rhône river to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, the newer 'sister' city. You will find your boat moored at the pier of Quai de la Ligne which is next to the famous bridge of Pont St. Bénezet. Check in to your cabin from 5pm, although you are welcome to arrive earlier and store your luggage while exploring the town. There will be a pre tour briefing at 6.30pm before dinner on board.

      Meals: Dinner

      DAY 2

      Avignon: loop ride

      Cycling: 45 km / elevation up: 285m

      From Avignon, the city of popes, we’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse. Then we’ll cycle through the typical garrigue landscape between vineyards and orchards. Before heading back to the boat we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon there will be time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch

      DAY 3

      Avignon to Aramon

      Cycling: 45 km / elevation up: 240m

      We start the day with a cruise along the river to the small town of Aramon. Then cycle to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in all of Europe, the Pont du Gard. This bridge, with three levels of stone arches, was part of an aqueduct built in the 1st century for carrying water from near Uzès to Nîmes, a distance of over 50 kilometers. After spending some time here we'll return to our boat at Aramon via a different route. In the distance we can see famous Mont Ventoux.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

      DAY 4

      Aramon to Vallabrègues

      Cycling: 45 km / elevation up: 210m

      Firstly we sail to Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. Then along country roads we'll cycle to Barbentane with its castle, situated where the Rhône and Durance rivers meet. After cycling through picturesque hillside vineyards we'll stop at the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet before continuing to the medieval village of Boulbon. Finally we return to Vallabrègues where we’ll moor for the evening.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

      DAY 5

      Vallabrègues to Arles

      Cycling: approx 65 km / elevation: 390m

      Today's route is more challenging, but the fantastic views along the way are well worth the effort! Cycle past limestone cliffs, flower fields, olive trees and through the plains where Van Gogh painted Starry Night. Pass through St-Rémy-de-Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus, then on to Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence, a picturesque village lodged in the rock, making it a popular tourist destination in France. The day ends in the beautiful town of Arles, with its many Roman monuments and attractions.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

      DAY 6

      Arles to Aigues-Mortes

      Cycling: 30 km / elevation up: 105m

      This morning we explore Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with its fantastic Roman ruins. A professional guide will take you on a tour of the 'jewels' of this town. After lunch we cycle to the loch of Saint-Gilles and then cruise to our destination of Aigues Mortes. This charming and striking 13th century medieval town with 5 massive towers and a walkable wall surrounding it, still looks very much like it did in the Middle Ages. Aigues Mortes was orginally built as a port, with access to the sea via a canal. We will moor here overnight.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

      DAY 7

      Aigues-Mortes: loop ride

      Cycling: 45 km / elevation up: 160m

      Cycling Camargue's idyllic country roads, you'll encounter villages steeped in tradition, such as La Cailar, Marsillargues and Saint-Laurent-d'Aigouze, all famous for their historical taurine heritage. The afternoon's highlight will be a wine tasting at an organic vineyard, allowing you time to immerse yourself in the region's breathaking tapestry of ponds, lagoons, reeds, and dunes before you head back to the boat at Aigues Mortes in this beautiful part of Camargue.

      Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch, Dinner

      DAY 8

      Departure Day: Aigues-Mortes

      No cycling

      After breakfast it is the end of your tour and time to say goodbye to Provence, your fellow travellers and boat crew. The boat is moored close to the train station and we ask you to please check out by 9am.

      Meals: Breakfast

      HI I'M SANDY

      Email me if you have any questions.

      Global Cycling Adventures - Sandy Harper

      Tel:

      Email: [email protected]

      Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

      Tour Includes:

      • Accommodation: 7 nights on a river barge
      • Meals as listed
      • Welcome drink
      • Tea, coffee & hot drinks on board
      • Mid week cabin clean & towel change
      • English speaking Tour leader
      • App. with maps, points of interest, GPS routes
      • Guided walking tour in Arles
      • Harbour charges

      Tour Excludes:

      • Flights & other public transport
      • Travel Visas (where applicable)
      • Travel Insurance
      • Bike hire (touring bike or e-bike)
      • Meals not listed
      • Surcharge for special dietary requests (eg vegan, gluten free, lactose free)
      • Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks on board
      • Tips for your guide & crew
      • Entrance fees to museums and sites not listed