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Discover the timeless beauty of southern France as you combine scenic cycling with the comfort of a deluxe river cruise. Following the Rhône between Lyon and Arles, or in reverse, you'll ride sections of the celebrated ViaRhôna cycle route through vineyard-clad hills, riverside landscapes and picturesque Provençal villages, with daily ride options to suit your preferred pace. Along the way, explore Lyon's historic heart and renowned food culture, wander the UNESCO-listed streets of Avignon and visit the magnificent Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, before standing beneath the remarkable Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. The journey also takes you through some of France's most famous wine regions, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Joseph and Condrieu, where opportunities to sample local wines add another layer to the experience. In Arles, discover a city rich in Roman heritage and artistic history, from its ancient amphitheatre to the landscapes that inspired many of Vincent van Gogh's most celebrated works. Between rides, relax aboard the elegant MS Provence, a welcoming river vessel carrying just 46 guests, where comfortable cabins, regional cuisine and ever-changing river views create the perfect setting to experience one of France's most captivating regions.
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Day 1
Join Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, France's celebrated capital of food and gastronomy, and your starting point for the week ahead. After boarding the MS Provence, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow travellers. Your crew and tour leaders introduce the ship, the cycling program and the highlights of the journey. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a short practice ride to get comfortable on your e-bike. Enjoy your first dinner on board as you look forward to a week of vineyard roads, historic cities and Provençal charm.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle along the Northern Rhône between Lyon and Tournon-sur-Rhône (43km/27mi)
While the MS Provence cruises south through the Rhône Valley, enjoy breakfast on board with changing views through the windows. After lunch, your first ride begins in Chavanay, a small wine-growing village on the northern Rhône. The route follows the ViaRhôna south along the river through Sablons, Serrières and on to Andance — home to one of the oldest suspension bridges crossing the Rhône. The route then turns inland through vineyard roads toward Saint-Désirat, where there may be an opportunity for a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting before you rejoin the ship in Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Via Rhôna and Ardèche cycling from Tournon-sur-Rhône to Viviers (39 or 74km/24 or 46mi)
Today brings your first choice of routes. The relaxed option follows the ViaRhôna south along mostly flat, traffic-free river paths through Glun and Beauchastel, with time to explore the historic centre of Valence and stop at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage. The advanced option takes you on a more adventurous ride through the Ardèche countryside, following the beautiful La Dolce Via greenway — a former railway line converted to a cycling trail — through the Eyrieux Valley, with tunnels, viaducts, forests and river scenery throughout. The route also includes a ride on the historic Train de l'Ardèche, subject to availability. Both groups rejoin the ship at La Voulte-sur-Rhône, and the MS Provence continues south to Viviers for the evening.
Day 4
Visit hilltop Villages sample Rhône Wines enroute to Avignon (60-64km/37-40mi - support vehicle provided)
Starting in the medieval town of Viviers, today's ride heads into some of the most beautiful landscapes of the southern Rhône Valley, with a support vehicle accompanying the group throughout the day. An early climb rewards you with sweeping views from La Garde-Adhémar, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages. The route continues through the Drôme Provençale — vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and truffle country — to Suze-la-Rousse, home to an impressive château and a renowned wine university. In the afternoon, there is a brief stop in Orange to admire its famous Roman theatre before you continue into the celebrated vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for an optional wine or wine-and-chocolate tasting. The MS Provence welcomes you back for the evening in Avignon.
Day 5
In Avignon with optional afternoon cycle (39-50km/24-31mi)
The morning is devoted to Avignon, one of the great historic cities of southern France. A guided tour with local experts leads you through the UNESCO-listed old town and into the imposing Palais des Papes — the largest Gothic palace in Europe. After lunch on board, the afternoon is yours: explore Avignon independently, or join an optional ride into the peaceful Provençal countryside through orchards, canals and villages around Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue. A relaxed café stop along the way adds a classic touch of southern French life. Tonight's dinner is on your own — a perfect excuse to explore Avignon's vibrant restaurant scene.
Meals: B,L
Day 6
Avignon to Tarascon via the Pont du Gard (55-60km/34-37mi - support vehicle provided)
Today's route leads through the heart of Provence to one of the most extraordinary Roman monuments anywhere in the world. Leaving Avignon via Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, you follow quiet country roads through Mediterranean landscapes to the Pont du Gard — a remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct standing 160 ft (49 m) high, built nearly 2,000 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to explore the site and enjoy a relaxed lunch break in the surroundings. In the afternoon, the route continues on easy, mostly flat roads through the Rhône countryside toward Beaucaire and Tarascon, where dinner is served on board.
Day 7
Cycle Van Gogh's Provence from Tarascon to Arles (24-64km/15-40mi)
The final cycling day offers one last choice. The relaxed route follows quiet roads and the ViaRhôna from Tarascon through typical river landscapes and wide southern plains to Arles. The sportier route heads into the scenic Alpilles hills via Fontvieille, climbing toward Les Baux-de-Provence — a spectacular hilltop village perched high on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views across Provence — then continues through olive groves to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the monastery where Vincent van Gogh lived and created some of his most celebrated works. In Arles, a guided walking tour introduces you to the city's extraordinary Roman heritage — including the Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre — and the Provençal streets that so captivated Van Gogh. Pass Liberté access is included for additional sites.
Day 8
Trip concludes
After a final breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence. You leave with memories of sunlit Provençal landscapes, Roman monuments, medieval cities, celebrated wines and a rewarding week of cycling through one of the most beautiful regions in France.
Meals: B
Arrive Arles
Welcome to Arles, the gateway to Provence and the starting point of your Rhône Valley journey. After boarding the MS Provence, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow travellers. Your crew and tour leaders introduce the boat, the cycling program and the highlights of the week ahead. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a short practice ride to get comfortable on your e-bike. In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board — and if time allows, a walk through Arles is well worth it. Roman monuments, lively squares and the city's close connection with Vincent van Gogh give Arles its distinctive Provençal character.
Cycle through Van Gogh's Provence between Arles and Tarascon (24 or 64km/15 or 40mi)
Your first cycling day offers a choice between a gentle riverside ride and a more challenging route through the dramatic Alpilles hills. The relaxed route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna from Arles through typical river landscapes, passing small villages, open countryside and wide southern plains toward Tarascon — a gentle and scenic introduction to cycling in the South of France. The sportier route leads from Arles toward Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the monastery where Vincent van Gogh lived and created some of his most celebrated works, before continuing through olive groves and Provençal landscapes to Les Baux-de-Provence — a spectacular hilltop village perched high on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views. Selected en route visits may include the Château des Baux-de-Provence and Abbaye de Montmajour. The MS Provence awaits in Tarascon, where dinner is served on board.
Visit the Pont du Gard enroute to Avignon (55-60km/34-37mi - Support vehicle provided)
Today, with a support vehicle accompanying the group, you cycle through the heart of Provence past vineyards and historic villages to one of the most extraordinary Roman monuments in the world. From Tarascon, quiet roads lead through the Rhône countryside toward Beaucaire and on through Provençal landscapes to the Pont du Gard — a remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct standing 160 ft (49 m) high, built nearly 2,000 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take time to explore the site and enjoy a relaxed lunch break. In the afternoon, the route continues toward Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, where you cross the Rhône and arrive in Avignon, the former papal city, with its memorable historic skyline greeting you from the water.
Discover Avignon, optional afternoon cycle (39-50km/24-31mi)
Cycle to the vineyards of the Rhône between Avignon to Viviers (60-64km/37-40mi - Support vehicle provided)
Leaving Avignon, today's ride heads north through some of the most celebrated wine country in France, with a support vehicle accompanying the group throughout. The route begins in the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where an optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may be arranged. There may also be time for a brief stop in Orange to admire its famous Roman theatre. The route then continues through the Drôme Provençale — passing vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and truffle country — to Suze-la-Rousse, home to an impressive château and a renowned wine university. A rewarding climb brings you to La Garde-Adhémar, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages, with sweeping views over the Rhône Valley. In the afternoon, you descend to Viviers, a medieval town on the river, where the MS Provence is waiting.
A choice of routes along the Rhône or Ardèche from Viviers to Tournon-sur-Rhône (39 or 74km/24 or 46mi)
Today brings another choice of routes through two very different landscapes. The relaxed option follows the ViaRhôna north along mostly flat, traffic-free river paths, cycling through quiet Rhône towns and landscapes with time for breaks along the way. Highlights may include the historic centre of Valence, the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage. The more challenging option follows the beautiful La Dolce Via greenway through the Eyrieux Valley — a former railway line converted to a cycling trail — with gentle gradients, tunnels, viaducts, forests and river scenery throughout, plus a ride on the historic Train de l'Ardèche, subject to availability. Both groups continue to Tournon-sur-Rhône, where the boat is waiting for the evening.
Discover northern Rhône Wines enroute to Lyon (43km/27mi)
Your final cycling day brings one last taste of the northern Rhône Valley — a region celebrated for its wine, river towns and steep vineyard terraces. The route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna through traditional wine villages and peaceful river scenery, passing through Saint-Désirat and Andance — home to one of the oldest suspension bridges crossing the Rhône — then continuing via Serrières and Sablons to Chavanay. Near the end of the ride, there may be an opportunity for a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting to mark a fitting end to a week of exceptional cycling. In the afternoon, the MS Provence makes its way toward Lyon, where a farewell dinner on board celebrates the journey in France's great capital of food and gastronomy.
Trip Concludes
After a final breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence. You leave with memories of Provençal landscapes, Roman monuments, medieval cities, celebrated wines and a rewarding week of cycling through one of the most beautiful regions in France.
What's included
What's not included
Upper Deck Suite
The 8 suites on the upper deck (approximately 210 sq ft / 19.5 m²) offer a queen-size bed and a sitting area in front of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, creating a French balcony.
Each suite also has a private outdoor balcony with two chairs.
All suites feature a private bathroom with a sink, walk-in shower, and hairdryer, as well as a separate toilet, air conditioning, a desk, and a wardrobe.
Lower Deck Suite
On the lower deck, there are 15 Junior Suites (approximately 215 sq ft / 20 m²) featuring two single beds that can be configured as a double bed, a sitting area, and large porthole windows that cannot be opened.
Soleil Suite
There are 4 cabins in this category. They are outside cabins with large portholes which do not open. Cabins are 210 square feet and are located on the bottom passenger deck, two decks below the Sun Deck and one deck below the bar, lounge, and dining room, near the stairs and underneath the bar. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and a separate toilet. 2 twin bed with a flat-screen LCD TV.
Single Suite
There are 3 single cabins. They are outside cabins with a porthole which does not open. Cabins are 170 square feet and are located on the bottom passenger deck, two decks below the Sun Deck and one deck below the bar, lounge, and dining room, near the stairs and underneath the bar. Private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower and toilet. 1 bed and a flat-screen LCD TV.
This is an e-bike only tour. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. The bikes are equipped with a pannier and lock, and helmet rental is included.
GRADE 3 - This is an e-bike trip. If planning to do the easier days, the cycle would be considered introductory to moderate. Daily cycling distances from 24 to 74km (15 to 46mi). The cycling alternates between easy stretches of free-wheeling alongside the river Rhone and more challenging uphill sections that lead to spectacular views. As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. Electric bikes ensure the cycling is comfortable for less physical cyclists - however it is still essential that you are comfortable cycling on roads and in light traffic in variable weather conditions. E-Bikes are heavier than standard bikes and can go faster - a good level of cycling competency is required. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets be worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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