Adventourus Active Vacations

8 day Escorted tour

Welcome to the only Barge and Bike tour in the Provence and Camargue regions of France. This traditional way of exploring by bicycle is available on our 4 star comfort barges the L'Estello and Soleo.

Our scenic route starts in Aigues Mortes, in the heart of the Camargue, and ends eight days later in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Each alternate week the route travels in reverse. Among the wilderness of Camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Van Gogh you will cycle through delicious Provençal villages, vineyards and lavender.

Individual arrival and boarding during the afternoon in Aigues Mortes.

First ring stage to discover the Camargue, where nature still prevails over civilization.

Day 3: Aigues Mortes - Gallician (60 km)

You will cycle among cane and rice fields and salt lakes, along with horses, flamingos and bulls, and you will arrive at Saintes Maries de la Mer. You will spend the night moored in the village of Gallician.

Today you will sail to Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will arrive by bike to the wooden bridge, which was masterfully portrayed by the great painter Van Gogh.

This stage will brings you to the Alpilles, with the village of Le Baux de Provence, lodged in the rock itself, then 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.
A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty village on the banks of the Rhone.

The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a spectacular work. In the afternoon you will arrive in Avignon, the city of the Popes. You will be moored in Villeneuve lés Avignons on the opposite bank of the Rhone.

Navigation up to Avignon, and then cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following low-traffic roads surrounded by vineyards. You will cross the Rhone at the height of Roquemaure and you will return to Villeneuve following the course of the river.

After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.

PRICE & DETAILS

DEPARTURE DATES:

Departs every Saturday from April 7th to October 6th

Notes: Each alternate Saturday will be in reverse.

- accommodation in a double cabin with private facilities

- bedding and towels

- full board (breakfast, packed lunch, & 3-course dinner), plus tea and coffee onboard

- experienced multi-lingual tour guide

- modern hybrid bicycle with 27 gears, pannier, lock, map holder, water bottle and repair kit.

- tour information, maps, guide booklets etc.

- local harbour fees of Euro 50.00

- wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Logding:

Estello: We took great pride in preserving and respecting the graceful, traditional lines of our barge L'Estello, which was built in 1937. This classic Dutch passenger barge has been converted to today's standards of comfort. Her inviting atmosphere will make you feel immediately comfortable.

The large lounge area has large picture windows, plenty of natural light and is decorated in a 'boaty' style. French doors give access to the inviting sun deck.

L'Estello has ten bedrooms. Nine bedrooms have twin beds, one bedroom has a double bed, each with their own full bathroom. The average cabin size is 72 sq fr. All cabins have air-condioning. There is ample storage. The barge provides hairdryers.

Soleo: The 4 star barge Soleo was built in 1958, converted into a hotel barge in 1988, and last remodeled in 2009. She has a total of 12 ensuite cabins (4 double bed cabins, 6 twin bed cabins and 2 single cabins), a living room and a sun deck.

EASY TO MODERATE: Mostly flat, some short uphill stretches. You cycle on paved country roads and bike paths. Suitable for novice and experienced cyclists alike.

The nearest major airport is Marseilles. Regular trains depart from Marseilles St Charles Station to Avignon and Aigues Mortes.