Provence Bike & Boat - Ramage Group

Cyclists in Provence

Palais des Papes, Avignon, France | Rachel Imber

Market treats in Arles, Provence | Ewen Bell

Saint Benezet bridge over the Rhone River in Avignon, France | Rachel Imber

Cyclists in Provence

Palais des Papes, Avignon, France | Rachel Imber

Market treats in Arles, Provence | Ewen Bell

Saint Benezet bridge over the Rhone River in Avignon, France | Rachel Imber

Duration

8 days

Activities

guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights on a comfortable barge

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7514

Trip highlights

Cycling through stunning countryside past olive groves and vineyards, and through the wild Camargue
Exploring the great towns of Arles, Avignon and St Remy de Provence
Experiencing the timelessness of the landscapes made famous by Van Gogh
Seeing the famous Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard

Cycle through a revolving landscape from the wilderness of the Camargue where wild horses roam, to scenes of picturesque Provençal villages and vineyards that inspired Van Gogh and the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. The Camargue is rich in wildlife including flamingos and endemic plants, while its flat plains provide easy cycling, before giving way to the spectacular limestone foothills of the Alpilles. Explore the villages of Provence brimming with tasty treats, art studios and cultural relics. Enjoy the vineyard scenery and marvel at the well preserved Pont du Gard. Relax on board the barge after each day's cycle and enjoy the views on the bank of the Rhone as you soak up the hospitality of the crew.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Primary Itinerary - Avignon to Aigues Mortes
Aigues Mortes to Avignon

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Day 1
Arrive in Avignon, board the boat at Villeneuve-les-Avignon

Individual arrival in Villeneuve-les-Avignon. Boarding begins at 6pm.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cycle to Avignon, wine tasting in Chauteauneuf-du-Pape, return to Villeneuve (40km)

We take the boat up to Avignon, the city of popes, and then cycle in the direction of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Today's cycle follows roads with low levels of traffic, surrounded by vineyards. In Chateauneuf-du-Pape you can enjoy a tasting of their very famous Provençal wine. After that you will cross the Rhone through Roquemaure, then return to Villeneuve by following the course of the river.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle to the Roman aqueduct bridge, Pont du Gard, then to Vallabregues (65km)

Today's stage brings you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard. This UNESCO listed aqueduct bridge is a truly spectacular work of architecture. In the evening you will moor in Vallabregues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhone.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Cycle to St Remy de Provence and onto Les Baux de Provence and Arles (60km)

Today's cycle will bring you to Saint Remy de Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Vincent Van Gogh spent time in St Remy during the days of his mental illness, and painted more than 150 paintings of the surrounding areas. Then you move on to the Alpilles, with a short ascent to Les Baux de Provence. This picturesque village is lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees accompanies your journey.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Visit Arles and cycle to Saint Gilles, then boat to Gallician (20km)

This morning is dedicated to visiting and exploring Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul. This World Heritage listed site has many important and beautiful Roman ruins. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Vincent Van Gogh. You will arrive by bike at the wooden bridge, which was portrayed by the great painter. Continue on to Saint Gilles, where you will meet the boat and sail to Gallician.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Cycle among nature to Saintes Maries de la Mer and then Aigues Mortes (65km)

Today you will cycle among cane fields, rice fields and salt lakes. You will pass by horses, flamingos and bulls as you cycle to Saintes Maries de la Mer and then Aigues Mortes.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Discover the Camargue by bike (45km)

On today's round cycle you will discover the spectacular Camargue, where nature still prevails with defiance over the invasion of civilisation.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes

After breakfast the trip concludes.

Meals: B

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Day 1
Arrive in Aigues Mortes

Individual arrival to Aigues Mortes. Boarding begins at 6pm. Aigues Mortes is a medieval town, ancient military and commercial rampart on the Mediterranean.

Meals: D

Day 2
Discover the Camargue by bike (45km)

The first stage is a circular cycle from Aigues Mortes which is right on the edge of the Camargue salt marshes. Today you will discover the Camargue where nature still prevails over civilization.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle among nature to Saintes Maries de la Mer and to Gallician (65km)

Today you will cycle among cane and rice fields and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, flamingoes and bulls. You will arrive in Saintes Maries de la Mer with its cathedral that is beloved by the gipsies. Continue to the village of Gallician where you will be moored for the night.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Sail to Saint Gilles and then cycle to Arles (20km)

You will sail for a few hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today's destination: Arles. Arles is known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony. The city will fascinate you with its hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Vincent Van Gogh. By bike you will reach the wooden bridge masterfully portrayed by the great painter.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
A breathtaking cycle to Vallabregues via Le Baux de Provence and St Remy (60km)

Today's cycle follows a breathtaking route and brings you to the Alpilles. First to the perched town of Le Beaux de Provence and then to Saint Remy de Provence. This village is one of the "must-sees" in Provence. Vincent Van Gogh spent time in St Remy during the days of his mental illness, and painted more than 150 paintings of the surrounding areas. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees will accompany your trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabregues, a pretty Provencal village on the banks of the Rhone.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Cycle to the Pont du Gard and to Avignon (65km)

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

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Round cycle of Avignon (40km)

This morning we will sail to Avignon and then cycle in the direction of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, following low traffic roads surrounded by vineyards. In Chateauneuf-du-Pape you can enjoy a tasting of the very famous Provencal wine. After that you will cross the Rhone at the height of the Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve following the course of the river.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes

After breakfast the trip concludes.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfast, 6 packed lunches, 7 dinners (6 dinners in 2023) (does not include drinks). Breakfast is buffet style and will usually consist of bread, ham/salami, cheese, butter, marmalade/jams, yoghurt, cereals, milk, tea and coffee. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch which will be sandwiches, juice or 1/2L of water. At dinner you can enjoy typical dishes of the simple traditional Provençal cuisine. Dinner consists of a starter, a main course and dessert. On the table there will always be water and bread.
7 nights accommodation aboard a boat with private facilities on a twin share basis
Bike rental with gel saddles, puncture resistant tyres, pannier, padlock, water bottle and helmet. A repair kit is provided if self guided. Electric bikes are available on request and an additional supplement applies.
Bike insurance for theft or damage
English speaking tour leader
Digital information pack including route notes, maps and navigational App (can be used offline) with GPS Tracks per cabin (smartphone required)
Sheets and towels, courtesy kit, daily cabin tidy & mid-week cabin cleaning service
Harbour charges
Tea and coffee on board
Guided visit of Arles
Welcome drink

What's not included

Travel to/from Avignon and Aigues Mortes
Drinks other than tea & coffee on board
Entry to museums
Items of a personal nature
Tips
Travel insurance
Supplement to provide special dietary on board: gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan diets
Entrance to the Pont du Gard area is free, not included however is entrance to the visitor centre (approx. 10 euro).

Cabins

Estello

The Cabins

There are 10 twin share cabins, 1 has a double bed and the other 9 have twin beds. The cabins are between 7-8 square metres. Each cabin is air conditioned and has ensuite facilities.

Caprice

The Cabins

There are 11 cabins (2 are double, 8 have separate twin beds and 1 has a single bed). 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.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed bike with handbrakes. This will generally be a citybike available in various sizes in unisex models, the bike size will be determined based on your height. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit. Helmets will be provided locally.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. The electric bike provided has a low-entry frame and a battery with an average range of 90km.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘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. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 18 years (or 14 -17 years with waiver signed by parent or guardian) and a minimum height requirement is 147cm / 4ft10in.

Grading

introductory to moderate

GRADE 2 - INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE This trip involves 6 days cycling with daily distances between 25 and 55km/15.5 and 34mi usually along cycle paths and low traffic roads. There are some short stretches on some busier roads. The cycling is the lowlands during the two stages in the Camargue, while the stages north of Arles include some ups and downs, which are however quite easy to overcome. There is just one demanding slope towards Les Baux de Provence. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable, especially when going in and out of towns.*For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.

Departure dates

Notes

Base Price

High Season

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$USD

Options & Supplements*

Electric Bike SupplementUSD$150
Single Cabin SupplementUSD$360
Single use of double/twin Cabin SupplementUSD$990

*Prices listed are per person

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