Cycling Holidays - Bike & Barge: Provence and Camargue (Aigues Mortes to Avignon)

Bike & Barge: Provence and Camargue (Aigues Mortes to Avignon)

France

From £965 P/P

This wonderful bike and barge tour will guide you through the wild Camargue nature with its bulls and horses: from the medieval fortress of Aigues Mortes you’ll cycle gradually towards Arles. Sail aboard the Caprice or L'Estello, depending on route and date, from Aigues Mortes to Avignon.

After that you can explore the classic landscapes of Provence, including the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh’s Provence, and the Roman Pont du Gard.

We strongly recommend that you reserve your cabin early to avoid disappointment.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Aigues Mortes

Boarding will begin after 6 p.m. today. Make your own way to Aigues Mortes. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore this medieval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean.

Day 2: Aigues Mortes Round Tour (55 km)

Your first ride will take you through the small country lanes of the Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages. You will most likely get the chance to see the famous black bulls and white horses typical of this region. You may even pass stunning pink flamingos. In the afternoon you will reach the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip on the beach.

Day 3: Aigues Mortes – Arles (25 km)

You will sail for a couple of hours this morning up to Saint Gilles, before cycling to today’s destination: Arles. A town known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony. This city is sure to fascinate you with its many hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys, you will feel as though you have entered a picture by Van Gogh. In the afternoon you will also have the chance to meet up with a professional guide, who will show you around all the hidden jewels of the town.

Day 4: Arles – Vallabreguès (55 km)

Todays ride, which brings you to the Alpilles, is sure to take your breath away. You will head to 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, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.

Day 5: Vallabrègues – Aramon (35 km)

Today you will ride to Barbentane, on quiet and pleasant and quiet country roads. Here you will find an impressive castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and then continue down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon you sail to Aramon where you will spend the night, and be treated to a beautiful view over Mont Ventoux.

Day 6: Aramon – Avignon (40 km)

Today's stage will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. You will head back to Aramon in the afternoon and then 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, round tour (30 km)

Today we head over to the other side of the river Rhone, which we will access by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse. We’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before heading back we’ll make a stop at Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoonyou will have the chance to discover the historic centre of Avignon.

Day 8: Return Home

You have reached the end of your tour. Departure will be after breakfast.

Route Overview

The tour is totally in the lowlands during the two stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups and downs, which are however easy to overcome. There is just one more demanding slope towards Les Baux de Provence, but you will be fully repaid with an extraordinary landscape. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable. There will also be a couple of navigation stretches to make the stage more enjoyable.

Total distance cycled: 240 km

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.

Starting point of the cycling holiday: Aigues-Mortes

Route Overview (For guidance only):

Brief itinerary:	Route Profile
Day 1: Aigues Mortes	Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Aigues Mortes, mediæval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean.
Day 2: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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, 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: Avignon - Departure	After breakfast, disembarkation and the journey home, or book extra nights in Avignon.

Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Montpellier or Marseille 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.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The Bike & Barge: Camargue to Avignon cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 7 overnights with bike hire
- Full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
- Coffee and tea on board
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily short cleaning + mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
- Travel guide, Maps, Roadbook
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
- Guided visit of Arles
- Harbour charges
- Emergency van in the area (also available for daily excursions)
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (for any hotel stays)
- Bike Rental
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless stated)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the bikes

Tough, stable and reliable, specially designed for you to saddle up for several days on the trot. The standard bikes are citybikes with an aluminium frame and kitted with responsive brakes and gears. Plus: mudguards, trip computers, comfort gel saddles, flat-palmed grips, Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyres.

27-gear Unisex Citybike

A low entry unisex frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position. The number of gears varies by destination. In Italy, for instance, standard bikes have 27 gears, while in northern Europe they are generally fitted with 7 gears and a pedal brake (although bikes with more gears and conventional breaks can sometimes be requested).

27-gear Men's Citybike

Citybike with men's frame. The design and number of gears varies from country to country. As with unisex bikes, for example, bikes for our Italian tours have 21/24 gears, while in northern Europe they are usually fitted with 7 gears and a pedal brake (although bikes with more gears and conventional breaks can sometimes be requested).

Electric Bike Upgrades

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on +44 (0) 800 703 8161.

Bosch Active Line

Low-entry frame
Bosch batteries Power Packs of top safety and long life (36 V - 13,4 Ah Capacity - 500 Wh available power).
Bosch motor Active Line, located centrally (250 Watt, engine torque 50 Nm).
Gears: Shimano Deore 9-speed.
Range: approx 90 km (flat terrain, average speed).

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
Hotels

Hotels

MS Carprice

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.

MS Léstello

The boat L’Estello is equipped with: - 10 double cabins (one with a double bed and nine with twin beds) measuring 7-8 m2. Each cabin has two portholes (one is in the bathroom), is air-conditioned and has en-suite facilities.

Bed sizes: 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m

The living area is an air-conditioned living room and is divided into two areas: the Restaurant, with large windows the Bar area with comfortable sofas and armchairs

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 Details

Boat L'Estello or Caprice (sailing from Aigues Mortes)

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season 1:	27 March - 3 April \| 10 July - 14 August	Saturdays
Season 2:	10 April - 3 July \| 16 October - 23 October	Saturdays
Season 3:	21 August - 9 October	Saturdays

Twin Cabin Information :

Season	Prices per person (DBL/SGL)
Season 1:	£965/£1300
Season 2:	£1300/£1630
Season 3:	£1385/£1720
Bike Rental:	£80
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£210

Date From	Date To
27 March 2021	23 October 2021

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