Provence & Camargue by Bike and Barge
Welcome to the only Barge and Bike tour in the Provence and Camargue regions of France. This traditional way of exploring by bicycle is available on our 3+ star comfort barges the CAPRICE and the L’ESTELLO.
Our scenic route starts in Aigues Mortes, in the heart of the Camargue, and ends eight days later in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Each alternate week the route travels in reverse. Among the wilderness of Camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Van Gogh you will cycle through delicious Provençal villages, vineyards and lavender.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day 1. Aigues Mortes.
Individual arrival and boarding after 6pm in Aigues Mortes.
Day 2. Aigues Mortes, round tour (55 km)
Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.
Day 3. Aigues Mortes–Arles (25 km).
You will sail for a couple of hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today’s destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique and Roman heritage. 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.
Day 4. Arles – Vallabregues (55 km)
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’ll moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.
Day 5. Vallabreguès – Aramon (35 km)
Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet 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.
Day 6. Aramon – Avignon (40 km)
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.
Day 7. Avignon circle tour (30 km)
You cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf- du-Pape, following low-traffic roads surrounded by vineyards. In Châteauneuf- du-Pape you can enjoy a tasting of the very famous Provençal wine. After that you will cross the Rhône at the height of Roquemaure and back through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon following the course of the river.
Day 8. Avignon.
After breakfast, end of services.
YOUR BARGE – CAPRICE
The boat Caprice is equipped with: – 11 cabins (1 Single, 2 Doubles, 8 Twins) measuring 7-8 m2. Each cabin has three fixed portholes (one is in the bathroom), air conditioning and en-suite facilities with shower area; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror. Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Doubles).
The living area measures 12.50 x 4.10 m, is air-conditioned and it is divided into two areas: the Restaurant (up to 22 seats) the Lounge with an open bar A total of 10 windows give plenty of natural light. Extra features: Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area; Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning. 
RATING Easy to Moderate
Easy to moderate – Mostly flat, some short uphill stretches. You cycle on paved country roads and bike paths. Suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.
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GUIDED or INDEPENDENT OPTION
This tour offers the choice to cycle independently (taking advantage of our very detailed route descriptions) or as an escorted group with your tour leader.
When booking the tour you need to specify which of these options you want.
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AIRPORT / TRANSFERS
The nearest major airport is Marseilles. Regular trains depart from Marseilles St Charles Station to Avignon and Aigues Mortes.
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SCHEDULE & PRICE
Departs every Saturday from mid-April to mid-October.
2020 Departure dates:
From Avignon: SA 11.04, 25.04, 9.05, 23.05, 6.06, 20.06, 4.07, 18.07, 1.08, 15.08, 29.08, 26.09, 10.10, 24.10.2020
From Aigues Mortes: SA 4.04, 18.04, 2.05, 16.05, 30.05, 13.06, 27.06, 11.07, 25.07, 8.08, 22.08, 5.09, 19.09, 17.10.2020
2021 Departure dates:
From Avignon: SA 27.03, 10.04, 24.04, 8.05, 22.05, 5.06, 19.06, 3.07, 17.07, 31.07, 14.08, 28.08, 11.09, 25.09, 9.10, 23.10.2021
From Aigues Mortes: SA 3.04, 17.04, 1.05, 15.05, 29.05, 12.06, 26.06, 10.07, 24.07, 7.08, 21.08, 4.09, 18.09, 2.10, 16.10.2021
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SEASONS: 2020
Value season: 4.04 – 18.04.2020 and 18.07 – 22.08.2020
Standard season: 25.04 – 11.07.2020 and 17.10 – 24.10.2020
High season: 29.08 – 10.10.2020
| Price per person in Value Season | CAD | $1750 | |
| Single cabin surcharge | $500 | ||
| Standard Season surcharge 2020 | $530 | ||
| High Season surcharge 2020 | $675 | ||
| E-bike surcharge | $180 | ||
| Gluten free or vegan diet surcharge: $80 | |||
This tour includes:
- accommodation in a double cabin with private facilities
- bedding and towels
- full board (breakfast, packed lunch, & 3-course dinner), plus tea and coffee onboard
- experienced multi-lingual tour guide
- support van
- modern hybrid bicycle with 27 gears, pannier, lock, map holder, water bottle and repair kit.
- tour information, maps, guide booklets etc.
- local harbour fees and taxes
- wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- guided tour of Avignon and Arles
- entrance to Pont du Gard
