Traverse up the Rhône valley from Arles, among the lavender fields of the Provence, towards Burgundy, arriving at Lyon. Cruise in style on the MS Provence, equipped with a bar and lounge, dining room, open sundeck with two Jacuzzis, and games room, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, viewing the scenery as you pass, and take a trip each day to visit one of the many interesting and historic sites en route.
See fascinating places such as the city of Arles, ancient home of the Popes; the famous wine-producing village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape; and the beauty and serenity of nature reserve Île au Beurre; before arriving at Lyon, UNESCO World Heritage site 1998, with history from the pre-Christian era.
Day 1 (Sat): Embarkation at Arles:
You can check into your cabin around 6 p.m. (18:00), at Rue Jean Gorodiche, but you can bring your luggage on board starting from 2 p.m. In the meantime why not take a stroll through the centre of Arles?
Around 7 p.m. the guide and crew welcome you for dinner with an aperitif to commence the tour. After dinner we will explain some things about the tour and the captain will tell you more about life on board.
Day 2 (Sun): Arles - Avignon 45km
Today you bike from Arles, the home of Van Gogh, to the ancient city of Popes, Avignon. Halfway through the cycling tour today you will arrive in Beaucaire, where the Languedoc and Provence regions meet.
After lunch you will have a first glance of the panoramic view of Avignon, the location of the Papacy in the 14th century, when Avignon was part of the “Kingdom of Arles”. In this city you can wander through the old streets, enjoy the French way of life on the squares with their terraces and just breathe the culture.
Day 3 (Mon): Avignon - Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts – Viviers (40km)
Today we start off with an almost complete flat first part of the bike path along the river, while we bike away from the old streets, squares and terraces of Avignon towards the famous wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The closer we come to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the palace residence of the Popes in the 14th century, the less flat the route will become. But with a rewarding view over the river and an ice wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is more than a treat. Not long after passing Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you arrive in the small village of Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, where the boat is moored and we will start sailing around 6 p.m. towards Viviers, where we will spend the night.
Day 4 (Tue): Viviers - Pouzin (42km)
In the morning, before you hit the route, you can take some time to enjoy the scenery of Viviers. Today's biking tour will bring you to an unusual, but memorable bridge: the rope bridge in Rochemaure. This bridge can be seen as a symbolic passing from old to new, from historic past to the future. Further along the tour brings you to the mediaeval Abbey of Cruas, before culminating in today's destination of Pouzin.
Day 5 (Wed): Pouzin – Valence - Tournon sur Rhône (35km)
This morning we will leave the Drôme area and ride into the Ardèche, with its typical small villages and historic sites to wander off with your bike.
After a day riding through the beautiful natural landscape, you can enjoy the city of Valence.
This city with its colourful markets and its historic “Quartiers” is the end of today's bike tour and the beginning of our cruise towards Tournon sur Rhône.
Day 6 (Thu): Tournon sur Rhône - Andance – Vienne (42km)
Today we offer you a big variety of views, tastes and fragrances. But first the captain and his crew bring you to Andance, whilst you enjoy your breakfast.
When you get on your bike in Andance, you start a tour enjoying the nice green landscape of the Ardèche, but very soon this landscape will be changing into one big vineyard.
These grapes are the main ingredient of the famous Côte Rôtie wines. Once you have left the vineyards behind you, you head towards Île au Beurre, a nature reservation, where you can enjoy the peace and quietness of nature, just before reaching the town of Vienne.
At dinner time we will be cruising into Lyon so you can have an early start tomorrow exploring this city.
Day 7 (Fri): Exploring Lyon (40km)
To start off your bike and barge tour, you will explore the green belt of Lyon today. This city that received in 1998 the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site is an homage to the fact that this is a city with a cultural heritage that dates back over 2000 years. This city, once the capital of the Roman province of Gallia and later the capital of Burgundy, brings you her story, not only in word, but also in appearance.
The second part of your bike trip today takes you to the land between the rivers Saône and Rhône, where you can find a nice balance between enjoying the parks and the history of this great city.
To discover the oldest (cobbled) streets we recommend you to take a stroll into the oldest part of town and park your bike near the riverside. Alternatively, you can choose not the ride the bike today and enjoy a day in this marvellous city visiting all kinds of cultural highlights.
Day 8 (Sat): Disembarkation
Today we have to end the tour, the crew and staff will wish you “Bon Voyage”, wherever you may go. Check out after breakfast, no later than 9 a.m. Either travel home, or why not stay a day or two more in Lyon.
Starting Point:
Board the ship at Rue Jean Gorodiche, Arles
Total distance cycled: 244 km
Route Overview (For guidance only):
Brief itinerary: | Route Profile |
Day 1: Embarkation at ARLES | Individual boarding on the MS Provence at Rue Jean Gorodiche, Arles. Captain's welcome, dinner, and introduction. |
Day 2: Arles to Avignon (45 km) |
Ride from Arles to Beaucaire, and from there to your destination, Avignon, home to the 14th Century Popes. |
Day 3: Avignon – Saint-Etienne-des-sorts - viviers (40 km) |
Cycle from Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then on to Viviers. |
Day 4: viviers – pouzin (42 KM) |
Take a stroll through the historic village of Viviers, then cycle to the rope bridge of Rochemaure, on to the mediaeval Abbey of Cruas, then to Pouzin. |
Day 5: Pouzin – valence – Tournon sur Rhône (35km) | Cycle from Pouzin to Valence through the landscape of the Ardèche, then cruise to Tournon sur Rhône. |
Day 6: Viviers – Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts – Avignon (40km) |
Sail from Viviers to Saint-Etienne des Sorts. Cycle to the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, then on to Avignon, ancient home of the Popes. |
Day 7: Explore Lyon (40km) | Ride through the environs of Lyon, exploring the city by bike, or alternatively, leave the bike and explore the city on foot. |
Day 8: lyon – disembarkation & Departure |
After breakfast, disembarkation and the journey home, or stay for extra nights in Lyon. (Call to book additional nights). |
We recommend flying to Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
By plane:
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS). Marseille airport is 1hour 10 minutes from Arles by train (runs hourly).
By train:
From almost all major cities in France you can reach Lyon as well as Arles with a TGV. For example you go from Paris to Lyon by TGV in less than 2 hours. The trip from Paris to Arles by TGV is less than 4 hours.
By car:
In Arles you can find a free parking spot near the central station, from here it is a 5-minute walk to the boat. The address of the Car Park: Gare d'Arles, 13200 Arles
The Bike & Barge: Arles to Lyon cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
General on board:
Food and drinks on board:
Cultural:
On the bike:
Not Included
About the bikes
After arrival on board you will be allocated a bike suitable to your height. This hybrid bike is at your disposal during your trip.
Your bike has 24 speeds, hand brakes, pannier bags and a lock. Before you make your first tour, the guide will give you instructions about the bike.
We draw your attention to the fact that you will be held responsible for damage to or theft of the bike, as long as the bike is not on board. Never leave it unattended and unlocked. Please note that helmets are obligated on this tour, we recommend you to bring your own, or buy one on board, helmets are not available as rental object, because of hygiene issues.
E-bikes are also available on board, and are handy to help you onward on the longer routes, but be aware that these are in demand! So if you want an E-bike for the tour, book early!
Your E-bike has 8 speeds, hand brakes, a pannier bag and a lock.
Vitality Eco 6 Comfort
Shimano Nexus 8-Speed coaster brake / Bosch Active Plus / 500Wh / HS11
The MS Provence was designed specifically for the Rhône river. This custom-built ship has all outside cabins and provides an especially intimate cruising experience —carrying just one group of 49 travellers per trip. Take time to relax after your biking day, in the bar and lounge, library, and Sun Deck.
Your cabin features a flat-screen TV with CNN, radio, direct-dial telephone, individual heating and air-conditioning controls, twin beds, and private bathroom with shower and hair dryer. Plus, complimentary wireless internet access is available in all cabins, and in all common areas.
General ship features:
Dining room with single open seating bar & lounge, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary wireless internet access, open sun deck with two Jacuzzis, and fitness equipment. The complete boat is air-conditioned.
There are four separate cabin types:
Imperial Suites on the Main Deck
Outside cabins with sliding doors to a balcony and full river views. Cabins are 210 square feet (19.5m²) with balcony. Located on the highest deck with passenger cabins, one deck below the sun deck and on the same deck as the restaurant and lounge. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and separate toilet, 1 double bed, flat-screen LCD TV, sofa and balcony chairs.
Lavender Suites on the Lower Deck
Outside cabins with large portholes that do not open. Cabins are 215 square feet (20m²). Located on the lower passenger deck, one deck below the restaurant and lounge. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and separate toilet, 2 twin beds, flat-screen LCD TV.
Soleil Suites on the Lower Deck
Outside cabins with large portholes that do not open. Cabins are 210 square feet (19m²). Located on the lower passenger deck, towards the stern, one deck below the restaurant and lounge, near the stairs and underneath the bar. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and separate toilet, 2 twin beds, flat-screen LCD TV.
Single Suites on the Lower Deck
Outside cabins with large portholes that do not open. Cabins are 170 square feet (16m²). Located on the lower passenger deck, astern, one deck below the restaurant and lounge, near the stairs and underneath the dining room. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and toilet, 1 single bed, flat-screen LCD TV.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>
Season | Dates | |||||
Season 1: | 3 Aprl | 10 July | 24 Jul | 7 Aug | 16 Oct | |
Season 2: | 17 Apr | 1 May | 15 May | 29 May | 12 Jun | 26 Jun |
Season 3: | 21 Aug | 4 Sep | 18 Sep | 2 Oct |
Season | Room | Prices per person |
Season 1 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Soleil Suite | £1400 |
Season 1 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Lavender Suite | £1450 |
Season 1 | 2 Bed Cabin Main Deck Imperial Suite | £1880 |
Season 1 | 1 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Suite | £1880 |
Season 2 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Soleil Suite | £1785 |
Season 2 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Lavender Suite | £1830 |
Season 2 | 2 Bed Cabin Main Deck Imperial Suite | £2260 |
Season 2 | 1 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Suite | £2260 |
Season 3 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Soleil Suite | £1880 |
Season 3 | 2 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Lavender Suite | £1925 |
Season 3 | 2 Bed Cabin Main Deck Imperial Suite | £2355 |
Season 3 | 1 Bed Cabin Lower Deck Suite | £2355 |
Extras | Prices per person |
Rental Bike: | £90 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £170 |
Guided Upgrade: | £145 |
Date From | Date To |
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