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Provence & the Rhône Valley Bike and Barge

MS Provence passing by the bridges in Lyon

Vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape appellation with grapes growing on soils with large rounded stones galets roules, lime stones, gravels, sand and clay, famous full body red wines, France | barmalini

Incredible aqueduct Pont du Gard in Provence

MS Provence cruising through Lyon, France

MS Provence passing by the bridges in Lyon

Incredible aqueduct Pont du Gard in Provence

MS Provence cruising through Lyon, France

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Duration

8 days

Activities

guided cycle

Accommodation

Meals

6 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$3650USD

Overview

Trip Code: PRV

Provence & the Rhône Valley by E-Bike Trip highlights

Cycle the celebrated ViaRhôna trail through some of the most beautiful river scenery in southern France, with options each day to suit your pace — from relaxed 15 mi (24 km) rides to more challenging 46 mi (74 km) routes
Visit Avignon's UNESCO-listed old city and the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe, with a guided tour led by local experts
Bike to the Pont du Gard, a remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct standing 160 ft (49 m) high and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ride through the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Saint-Joseph and Condrieu, with optional wine tastings — including a wine and chocolate pairing — along the route
Explore Arles on foot with local guides, discovering the Roman amphitheatre and theatre, and tracing the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh through the landscapes that inspired his greatest works
Travel in comfort aboard the deluxe MS Provence — a fully air-conditioned ship with spacious suites, panoramic lounge, sun deck and a crew of eight — welcoming just 46 guests for an intimate, personal experience on the water

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.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Lyon to Arles Itinerary
Arles to Lyon Itinerary

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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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

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

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Day 1
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.

Meals: D

Day 2
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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Discover Avignon, optional afternoon cycle (39-50km/24-31mi)

Meals: B,L

Day 5
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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
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.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
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.

Meals: B,L,D

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 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

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 three course dinners (does not include drinks)
Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish
7 nights accommodation aboard a Deluxe category barge with ensuite facilities on a twinshare basis in a junior suite on the lower deck. Upgrade to a suite on the upper deck with supplement. A limited number of single cabins are available with supplement.
Experienced multilingual guides for fully guided cycle tours and daily briefings - 2 tour leaders / 2 cycle groups
E-bike rental included plus helmet, waterproof pannier, lock, biodegradable water bottle
Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus GPS tracks
Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
Tea and coffee onboard
Daily cleaning of the cabin, use of bed linen and towels
Guided city tour of Avignon, including entrance to the Palais des Papes
Wine and chocolate pairing in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region
Entrance to Pont du Gard
Fees for ferries
Emergency hotline
Welcome drink
offset of CO2 emissions
On easier rides, also included is the entrance to La Cite du Chocolat Vairhona
On more challenging rides, also included are the train ride to Lamastre (subject to availability), and entrance to Abbaye de Montmajour, Chateau des Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Paul de Mausole

What's not included

Travel to and from Lyon / Arles
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Catering for special diets (excluding Vegetarian): Gluten & Lactose free require payment of a supplement of EUR70 - must be requested in advance and paid on board. Note: vegan diets cannot be catered for on this trip.
Travel insurance - mandatory
Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
A supplement applies if you are travelling solo or require a single cabin. We do not match clients to share cabins so you will need to book a single - limited and on a request basis
Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we suggest EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
Items of a personal nature

Cabins

MS Provence

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.

MS Provence

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.

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.

MS Provence

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.

MS Provence

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.

Bike information

E-bike

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.

Grading

moderate

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.

Departure dates

Notes

DN1

High season is September. Mid season is 30 Apr to 31 Aug and 1 to 14 Oct. Supplement applies for mid and high season departures.

IT1

Trip commences in Lyon

IT2

Trip operates in reverse, commencing in Arles

Note:

All departures on MS Provence. This is an e-bike only trip. Fuel surcharge may apply.

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Priceper person from

$3650USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Provence & the Rhône Valley by E-Bike Trip reviews

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