Cycling Holidays - Bike & Barge: Burgundy to Provence (MS Provence)

Bike & Barge: Burgundy to Provence (MS Provence)

France

From £1,400 P/P

Glide down the Rhône valley from Lyon, amidst the viniculture of Burgundy, through the lavender fields of the Provence, arriving at Arles. 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 Lyon, UNESCO World Heritage site 1998, with history from the pre-Christian era; the beauty and serenity of nature reserve Île au Beurre; and the famous wine-producing village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape; before arriving at Arles, ancient home of the Popes.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Lyon
Embarkation 5 p.m., but you can bring your luggage on board around 2 p.m.

Day 2: Lyon - Tournon-sur-Rhone, approx. 35 km
Get ready for incredible scenery, tastes, and fragrances! Leaving Vienne, you immediately bike into the nature reservation Île au Beurre, where you can enjoy the peace and quietness of nature. The landscape slowly changes into that of vineyards as you enter the land of the Côte Rôtie. The vineyards are unique because of the steep slopes facing the river and their stone walls. The landscape changes again, this time into the green landscape of the Ardèche countryside Here you can find the boat moored in Andance. During dinner, the ship will navigate to Tournon sur Rhône.

Day 3: Tournon-sur-Rhone – Le Pouzin, approx. 33-73 km
On the short route this morning the captain and his crew start the day early to bring you to the city of Valence, where the boat will arrive after breakfast. This town with its colorful markets and it’s historic “Quartiers” is the starting point of your cycling day featuring the typical small villages of the Ardèche, historic sites, and the green meadows of a nature reserve towards Le Pouzin in the Drôme area. The long route takes you inland to the Drôme region and the ancient city of Crest with its imposing defense tower that overlooks both the river and the city. The third option is an exceptional one and needs pre-booking. From Tournon an old steam train takes you and your bike up to Lamastre, the starting place of the Dolce Via bike route. The next 73 kilometers you will ride along an old railway line that has been turned into a bike route. You ride through the imposing mountainous landscape of the Ardèche through tunnels and along ravines. The route is partly unpaved. A day for the good cyclists.

Day 4: Le Pouzin – Viviers, approx. 42 km
Today the tour brings you past the medieval abbey of Cruas and further along you will be crossing a memorable rope bridge in Rochemaure. Though built by Marc Seguin in 1858, the architect was inspired by the castle ramparts. This bridge can be seen as a symbolic passing from old to new, from history to the future. At the end of the day you will be parking your bike next to the boat and you can enjoy a stroll through the historic village of Viviers.

Day 5: Viviers – Avignon, approx. 40 km
After a morning sail, the bikes will be put ashore at Roquemaure. From here you will bike straight into the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You might want to purchase a bottle of wine of the same name to take home! Once you pass the hilly landscape around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you are rewarded with an almost completely flat bike path along the river. Soon you will enjoy a panoramic view of Avignon, the home of the Popes in the 14th century. In this city you can wander the old streets, enjoy the French way of life on the squares with their terraces and just breathe the culture. Day 6

Day 6: Avignon – Tarascon/Arles, approx. 50-70 km
Many choices today on the ride from the ancient city of Popes to the South. The longer and easier route takes you on a relaxed ride along the river on the Via Rhôna. The shorter but more strenuous route is a breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched villages of Les-Baux-de-Provence and Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees will accompany the trip. For the very keen cyclists we have the option of a long ride inland (more than 70 km) that brings you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard.

Day 7: Tarascon/Arles – Arles, approx. 21-50 km
For those who want to explore Arles and all the cozy corners Van Gogh once painted we have prepared an nice short route of only 21 kilometers. If you want to spend your last day cycling the longer option, we offer an interesting ride into to Camargue, the river delta of the Rhône. Here you will find salt marches and century old traces of human population. You might even see the famous Camargue wild horses.

Day 8: Arles
Disembarkation at approx. 10 a.m.. Independent homeward travel.

Route Overview

Starting Point: Board the ship in Quai du Dr. Gailleton, Lyon

Route Map (For guidance only):

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.

Total distance cycled: 244 km

Route Lyon to Arles

Route Overview (For guidance only):

Brief itinerary:	Route Profile
Day 1: Embarkation at Lyon	Individual boarding on the MS Provence at Quai du Dr. Gailleton, Lyon. Captain's welcome, dinner, and introduction.
Day 2: Discover Lyon (40km)	Tour of Lyon and surrounding environs. Sail to Vienne during dinner.
Day 3: Vienne – Andance – Tournon sur Rhône (42km)	Cycle from Vienne to Île au Beurre nature reserve, through the vineyards of Côte Rôtie, then on to the region of Ardèche, meeting with the boat in Andance. Sail to Tournon sur Rhône during dinner.
Day 4: Tournon sur Rhône – Valence – Pouzin (35km)	Sail from Tournon sur Rhône to Valence. A cycle tour of Valence, taking in its "Quartiers" and then heading to Pouzin.
Day 5: Pouzin – Viviers (42km)	From Pouzin, pay a visit to the mediæval Abbey of Cruas and cross the rope bridge in Rochemaure from the ancient landscape to the modern. Stroll through the historic village of Viviers.
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: Avignon – Arles (45km)	Ride from Avignon to Beaucaire, and from there to your destination, Arles, home of Vincent van Gogh.
Day 8: Arles – disembarkation & Departure	After breakfast, disembarkation and the journey home, or stay for extra nights in Arles. (Call to book additional nights).

Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Lyon (LYS) airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday. The Rhônexpress service takes 30 minutes to travel from Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport and Lyon's main train station called Part-Dieu. The express train runs every 15 minutes and the journey takes precisely 29 minutes each way. The station is approximately half an hour walk from the Quai du Dr. Gailleton.

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.

Arriving at the departure point

By plane:
Lyon Airport: From here you can take a taxi or the Rhônexpress. The Rhônexpress is a tram shuttle service that goes between Lyon airport and Lyon Part Dieu train station.

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:
We would like to inform you that Lyon is one of the first cities in France that has made it mandatory to have an environmental sticker for your (rental) car, when you want to ride into the city. You can park at the Q-Park Lyon Gare Perrache, from here it is a 20min walk to the mooring spot, the prices are around €21 for 24h.

The address of the car park: 2 Rue Smith, 69002 Lyon
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The Bike & Barge: Lyon to Arles 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:
- Journey and stay on board 7 nights/8 days
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
- Port and lock fees
- Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
- Wake up service
Food and drinks on board:
- 7 x Breakfast, 6 x lunchpacket, 6 x dinner on board - Our meals include regional specialties
- Free coffee and tea on board from 7 a.m. until dinner - So early bird coffee from 7 a.m. and free coffee until dessert in the dining room.
- Boat-made cake or pie between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- House wine, regular beer and soft drinks with dinner
- Captain's greeting and welcome cocktail
- Free drinkable water 24/7 (dispensers on board)
Cultural:
- City walk in Lyon and Avignon
- City tours on GPS for the towns you visit during your bike tours
On the bike:
- Daily information meeting
- Route book in English with extra information about the sides along the way (1 per cabin)
- Water bottle for on the bike
- Cooling bag to transport your drinks and lunch
- Use of GPS device during the bike tours (a warranty will be asked for this device)
Not Included
- Flights/transportation to/from the start and finish
- Local daily taxes (for any hotel stays)
- Helmets
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance
- Transfers
Bike Hire
Bike Hire

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
- Frame sizes: 46/51/55cm (Please state your height when booking)
- Motor: Bosch Active Plus
- 36 Volt,mid motor
- Output power: 250 Watt
- Display: Intuvia
- Battery: Bosch Frame battery semi-integrated
- Energy content: 500 Wh
- Voltage: 36 Volt
- Capacity: 13.8 Ah
Hotels

Hotels

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.

Date & Prices

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 >>

2021 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Dates
Season 1:	27 Mar	10 Apr	17 Jul	31 Jul	14 Aug
Season 2:	24 Apr	8 May	22 May	5 Jun. 19 Jun
Season 3:	28 Aug	11 Sep	25 Sep	9 Oct

Tour Price Information:

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:

Extras	Prices per person
Rental Bike:	£90
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£170
Guided Upgrade:	£145

Date From	Date To
27 March 2021	09 October 2021

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