Cycling holiday Provence - Camargue

Provence to Camargue

Avignon, Van Gogh and Pont du Gard

Starting at € 1.090,-
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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
  • Birthplace of Nostradamus
  • 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, Avignon 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 Cézanne 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: Avignon

    Individual arrival and boarding from 6 p.m. onwards in Avignon. Then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 p.m.– with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo.
    Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet

  • Day 2 Sunday: 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 time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.

  • Day 3 Monday: Avignon- Aramon 40 km.

    In the morning navigation till the town of Aramon, where you will start pedalling. The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.

  • Day 4 Tuesday: Aramon – Vallabrègues 35 km.

    You start your day sailing to Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. 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. Overnight in Vallabrègues.

  • Day 5 Wednesday: Vallabrègues – Arles 55 km.

    This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. In the end you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.

  • Day 6 Thursday: Arles – Aigues-Mortes 25 km.

    Today the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. After lunch you reach the lock of Saint Gilles and from there you will sail to Aigues Mortes for the overnight stay. In 2023: No dinner on board, but you are free to have dinner in Aigues Mortes.

  • Day 7 Friday: 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 8 Saturday: Aigues Mortes

    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.

Day 1: Boarding in Avignon
Day 2: Provence Wine
Day 3: aqueduct Pont du Gard
Day 4: village of Boulbon
Day 5: Saint Rémy de Provence
Day 6: painting Van Gogh
Day 7: small canals
Day 8: back in Aigues Mortes

Travel dates

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

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

06 April
Twin cabin € 1.120,- 
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 1.470,- 
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.100,-

20 April & 29 June to 10 August
Twin cabin € 1.520,-
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) € 1.870,- 
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.500,- 

04 May to 15 June & 19 October
Twin cabin € 1.620,- 
Single cabin (only Caprice, limited) €1.970,- 
Double/Twin cabin single use € 2.600,- 

24 August to 05 October
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 on board 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
  • Personal insurance
  • 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 fee 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 Avignon.
Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.

Airport

he nearest international airport is Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL). The airport is located 80 km/ 50 miles from Avignon.
There are several ways of transportation to get to the mooring place of the barge:
– Connection by shuttle bus+tramway+train: total travel time is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Total costs are about € 25,- per person.
– Connection by taxi + train: total travel time between 1.5 and 2 hours. Taxi costs are about € 30,-  and the train ticket is € 20,-.

Train

In Avignon there are 2 train stations: Avignon-Centre (distance to the barge is 2.5 km/ 1.5 miles) and Avignon TGV (distance to the barge is 6 km/ 3.75 miles). From Avignon Centre you can take a taxi, costs about € 30,-. Or you can take the bus, travel time about 15 minutes and a ticket costs about € 2,-.From Avignon TGV you can take a taxi, costs about  € 30,-. Or you can take the bus, travel time about 1 hour. You need to change buses once. Tickets cost about € 4,-.

Car

Avignon is easily accessible from the highway A7 Lyon-Marseille. There are several parkings where you can leave your car.
Detailed information will be included in your travel documents.

End of the tour

The tour ends one week later, on Saturday morning after breakfast before 9 AM in Aigues-Mortes. You will spend the night from Friday to Saturday on board.At the end of the tour, if you need to return to Avignon, you can take a train or book a private transfer.By train it takes approx. 2 hours (you need to change trains in Nimes). A one-way train ticket (2nd class) costs about € 16,-. It also is possible to book a private transfer between Aigues Mortes and Avignon. Travel time is about 1.5 hours and the price is € 35,- per person. You need to reserve in advance. Detailed information will be included in your travel documents.

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.