Cycling holiday Camargue - Provence

Camargue to Provence

France through the eyes of Van Gogh

Starting at € 1.090,-
Book now
Summary
  • 8 Days Saturday to Saturday
  • 48 km average per day
  • Arrival Avignon
  • Departure Avignon
Highlights
  • Pont du Gard: highest Roman aqueduct
  • Camargue Park: horses, bulls and wilderness
  • Saucisson de taureau: salami of the Camargue
  • Bandol: rosé wine
Characteristics
  • Guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 2

    On some days you will be cycling through a windy area; with distances to 50 kilometers per day.

Discover the Provence and Camargue

Among the wilderness of camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Van Gogh you will cycle through delicious Provençal villages and vineyards. This stunning region, with its rich history and beautiful light, has attracted travellers for centuries. It is here that Artists such as Van Gogh and Cezanne found their inspiration.

Beautiful bike and barge trip from the famous ‘pont d’Avignon’ to the Mediterranean sea. You will visit Avignon and Arles  with their cultural and architectural highlights and cycle through the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. Along the way you will discover picturesque Provencal villages and vineyards. You will start or end your tour in the stunning nature of the Camargue. Cane fields, salt lakes, horses and flamingos will be the background of the first or second part of your week.

 

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Saturday: Aigues Mortes

    Individual arrival and boarding from 6 p.m. onwards in Aigues Mortes, medieval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean. Then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 p.m. – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo.

  • Day 2 Sunday: Aigues Mortes, round tour 55 km.

    Going through small country lanes of the Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will have the chance to see the famous black bulls and the white horses typical of this region, as well as the pink flamingos. In the afternoon you will reach the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.

  • Day 3 Monday: 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 patrimony. 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 Tuesday: Arles – Vallabreguès 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 will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.

  • Day 5 Wednesday: Vallabrègues – 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 Frigolet 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 Thursday: 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. In 2023: No dinner on board, but you are free to have dinner in one of the many restaurants in Avignon.

  • Day 7 Friday: Avignon, round tour 30 km.

    Today we’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon there is time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.

  • Day 8 Saturday: Avignon

    After breakfast, end of services.

Cycling in France

Cycling from Aigues Mortes to Avignon

Route profile
- Total length: 240 km
- Total vertical up: 620 m
- Terrain: 95% tarmac, 5% unpaved

Activity level
Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only a few short ups and downs. Little effort required, suitable for everyone.

Boarding in Aigues Mortes
small canals
painting Van Gogh
Saint Rémy de Provence
village of Boulbon
aqueduct Pont du Gard
Provence Wine
Avignon

Travel dates

Departure
End
Accommodation
Starting at
Availability
Departure
30 Mar 2024
End
06 Apr 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.120,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
30 Mar 2024
End
06 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.120,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
13 Apr 2024
End
20 Apr 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.120,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
13 Apr 2024
End
20 Apr 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.120,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
27 Apr 2024
End
04 May 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
27 Apr 2024
End
04 May 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
11 May 2024
End
18 May 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
11 May 2024
End
18 May 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
25 May 2024
End
01 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
25 May 2024
End
01 Jun 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
08 Jun 2024
End
15 Jun 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
08 Jun 2024
End
15 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
22 Jun 2024
End
29 Jun 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
22 Jun 2024
End
29 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
06 Jul 2024
End
13 Jul 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
06 Jul 2024
End
13 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
20 Jul 2024
End
27 Jul 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
20 Jul 2024
End
27 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
03 Aug 2024
End
10 Aug 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
03 Aug 2024
End
10 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
17 Aug 2024
End
24 Aug 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
17 Aug 2024
End
24 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.520,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
31 Aug 2024
End
07 Sep 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
31 Aug 2024
End
07 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
14 Sep 2024
End
21 Sep 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
14 Sep 2024
End
21 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
28 Sep 2024
End
05 Oct 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
28 Sep 2024
End
05 Oct 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
12 Oct 2024
End
19 Oct 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
12 Oct 2024
End
19 Oct 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.720,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
26 Oct 2024
End
02 Nov 2024
Accommodation
l'Estello
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
26 Oct 2024
End
02 Nov 2024
Accommodation
Caprice
Starting at
€ 1.620,-
Availability
Fully booked

What else do you need to know?

Prices per person in 2024

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Barges L'Estello and Caprice

March 30 to April 13
Twin cabin € 1.120,-
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 1.470,-
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.100,- 

April 27 & July 6 to August 17
Twin cabin € 1.520,- 
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 1.870,- 
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.500,- 

May 11 to June 22 & October 26
Twin cabin € 1.620,- 
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 1.970,- 
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.600,- 

August 31 to October 12
Twin cabin € 1.720,- 
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 2.070,-
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.700,- 

Extra options:
Rental touring bike per week, bike insurance included € 110,-  
E-bike (limited available) per week, bike insurance included € 270,-  
Special diet (gluten free; lactose free; vegan) € 50,- per diet

Included

  • 7 overnights in booked cabin
  • 7x breakfast on board
  • 6x self-made packed lunch
  • 6x dinner on board
  • 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 reserve in advance)
  • App including maps, road book, 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

Not Included

  • Reservation costs 
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund  (Insolvency Protection)
  • 1 dinner (on day 6)
  • Beverages on board
  • Museums, fees and extras in general
  • Everything not mentioned in the section “Included in the price”

Special details

  • This tour is operated by local partner.
  • Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions.
  • The program is subject to change without notice.
  • If you have special meal requirements (vegetarian meals, or if you are on a diet), we ask you to mention this when booking.
  • In case of gluten-free, lactose free and vegan diets, there is an additional charge of € 50, – per week.
  • Tour programme variations: The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.

Info

Individual arrival and boarding is on Saturday after 6 PM in Aigues-Mortes.
The barge is moored by the Quai des Bateliers in Avenue du Pont de Provence.

Airport

Aigues Mortes is connected with the following airports:
Montpellier: 40 Km, Nimes: 40 Km, Avignon: 90 Km, Marseille: 140 Km, Lyon: 300 Km

Train

There are few train connections between Avignon and Aigues Mortes (it is
necessary to change train in Nimes, transfer: approx. 2 hours, ticket from 16 €). In
summer (July and August) there are more frequent train connections.
We suggest: from train station of Avignon to Lunel: direct train connections (transfer: approx.50 min; ticket from 16 €);
from Lunel to Aigues Mortes you can take a taxi (16 km): transfer about 20-25 min; price about 40 €.

Car

Aigues-Mortes is easily accessible by car. You can reach the barge directly by car to load and unload the luggage. There are several parkings where you can leave your car. Detailed information will be included in your travel documents.

End of the tour

You have to leave the boat after breakfast, no later than 9.00 a.m.
At the check-out you must return the keys of the cabin to the crew and pay the
extra drinks. You can pay only by cash, not with credit cards. Large bills are not
accepted. Please remember also to return the books and/or brochures you used for consultation. At the end of the tour the crew can organise shared taxis to the main airports and stations of the area, according to the participants’ requests. You can ask directly on board for further information

All rented adult bikes are equipped with:

  • 1 cycle computer
  • 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
  • 1 combination bike lock
  • 1 helmet suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61 cm (to reserve in advance)

By this tour you can rent the following bikes:

  • Rental 27-gear unisex City Bike

    A low entry unisex frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position.

  • Rental E-bike

    Unisex low-entry frame. Bosch motor. Range: approx 90 km (flat terrain, average speed). 

Our barge, your hotel

Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.

What are the cabins like?

All cabins are 2-person cabins. On the Caprice there is 1x single cabin. Each cabin has two fixed portholes, air conditioning, en-suite facilities and safety box; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror.  We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.

The team, hospitality comes first

The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual.

The meals

Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a snack will be waiting for you.
If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
In case of Celiac; gluten free diet; vegan meals and lactose free diet, there is an additional charge of € 50, – per week.

You and the group,new friends from around the world!

One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 22 people.

F.A.Q.

  • Do you accommodate for special diets

    Yes, this must be notified when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
    On some trips, in case of a gluten-free diet; lactose-free diet or vegan meals, a surcharge of € 75,- per diet per week applies. This is stated per tour.

  • What happens when it rains?

    Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

  • Which countries do the participants come from

    The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

  • Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage

    No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.