Provence and Camargue Bike and Barge Tour
Cycle through the iconic landscapes of Provence, where vineyards meet historic towns
Dive deep into Arles, a city rich in Roman heritage and artistic treasures
Experience the unique fauna of Camargue, from its iconic black bulls to pink flamingos
Revel in the breathtaking views of the Alpilles and the majestic Mont Ventoux
Visit the Pont du Gard, Europe’s best-preserved Roman aqueduct
Unwind aboard a comfortable barge, your floating hotel, as you sail through serene waters
Itinerary
Join us aboard from 5:00 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m., gather for an introductory briefing with your tour leader, skipper, and crew, complemented by a refreshing aperitivo. We’re moored at Quai de la Ligne, adjacent to the renowned Pont St. Bénezet.
Venture across the river Rhone, traversing the island Île de la Barthelasse. Ride amidst the quintessential garrigue landscape, dotted with vineyards and orchards. Later, explore Villeneuve Les Avignon, historically the town of the cardinals. Spend your afternoon delving into Avignon’s historic center.
30 km/18.6 mi
Morning navigation brings us to Aramon. Today’s journey leads to the impeccably preserved Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard. By evening, enjoy a serene view of Mont Ventoux from Aramon.
40 km/24.8 mi
Sail to Vallabrègues, a picturesque Provençal village. Cycle to Barbentane’s castle, the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet, and the medieval village of Boulbon.
35 km/21.7 mi
Ride to Saint Remy de Provence, Nostradamus’s birthplace, and the village where Van Gogh once resided. Journey through the Alpilles to Les-Baux-de-Provence, a rock-embedded village.
55 km/34.2 mi
Dedicate your morning to exploring Arles, the ancient Gaul capital with its Roman marvels. A professional guide can offer insights into the town’s gems. Post-lunch, cycle to Franquevaux, then sail to Aigues Mortes for the night.
35 km/21.7 mi
Navigate the Camargue’s country lanes, flanked by canals, lagoons, and quaint villages. Spot the region’s iconic black bulls, white horses, and pink flamingos. By afternoon, arrive at the fishermen’s village, Le Grau-du-Roi, with an option for a beachside dip.
55 km/34.2 mi
Services conclude post-breakfast.
Pricing
Included in price
7 overnights
Breakfast
Self-made packed lunch
6 dinners
Welcome drink
Coffee and tea and other hot drinks on board
Sheets and towels
Courtesy kit
Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
Bike helmet (to book in advance)
App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks
Digital tour information
English speaking tour leader within an international group
Guided visit of Arles
Some short walking tours
Harbour charges
1 dinner
Beverages on board
Museums, fees and extras in general
Tips
Everything not mentioned in the section “Included”
Important for the tour
Description
Provence, with its sun-kissed vineyards and ancient towns, offers a tapestry of experiences. Cycle through landscapes that have inspired artists for centuries, from Van Gogh’s beloved Arles to the rock-embedded village of Les-Baux-de-Provence.
As you traverse this land, the scent of lavender might just whisk you away, and the sight of a centuries-old abbey or a medieval castle might beckon you for a closer look.
Then there’s the Camargue, a region like no other. Here, nature takes center stage. Amidst this natural splendor, charming fishermen’s villages like Le Grau-du-Roi offer a taste of the region’s rich traditions.
What truly sets this tour apart is the seamless experience we curate for you. With our expert guides leading the way, every detail, from the route to the historical insights, is taken care of. You won’t have to fret about logistics or miss out on hidden gems. Our team ensures that your journey is not just about traveling, but truly experiencing the essence of the region.
And after a day of exploration, what better way to relax than aboard our comfortable barge? Here, you can recount the day’s adventures with fellow travelers, enjoy a refreshing drink, and simply watch the world go by.
Join us, and let’s make memories that last a lifetime.
Ships
Caprice
The Caprice is a cozy waterborne haven, offering 11 snug cabins that blend functionality with comfort. Each cabin, a private enclave with fixed portholes, invites the gentle river light into its air-conditioned embrace. The living quarters are a bright and airy sanctuary where guests can dine and unwind, with the open bar providing a convivial atmosphere for sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
L’Estello
L’Estello, with its 10 well-appointed cabins, offers a charming escape into the tranquility of river life. The cabins, though compact, are ingeniously designed to provide comfort, from the coolness of air conditioning to the convenience of en-suite facilities. The heart of L’Estello is its spacious living area, where natural light floods through ample windows, highlighting the restaurant and bar as centers of gastronomy and camaraderie.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.