Provence & the Rhône Valley Wine, Roman history, and Southern French charm

Welcome to Provence: 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 on board. The crew and tour leaders introduce the ship, the cycling program and the highlights of the week ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to join a short practice ride and get comfortable with your bike. In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board. Afterward, 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 Provencal character.

Van Gogh’s Provence: Arles – Tarascon 25km or 65km

On your first cycling day, you can choose between a relaxed ride along the Rhône (16-19 mi.) and a more challenging route through the landscapes of the Alpilles (37-40 mi.). The easier route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna from Arles through typical river landscapes toward Tarascon. Passing small villages, open countryside and wide plains, you enjoy a gentle introduction to cycling in Southern France.

The sportier route leads from Arles into the scenic hills of the Alpilles. Quiet countryside roads take you toward Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh stayed and created some of his most famous works. Through olive groves and Provençal landscapes, you continue toward Les Baux-de-Provence, a spectacular hilltop village set high on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views. Selected en route visits may include Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, Château des Baux-de-Provence and Abbaye de Montmajour. Later in the day, you arrive in Tarascon, where the MS Provence awaits. Dinner is served on board.

The Pont du Gard: Tarascon – Pont du Gard – Avignon 55km or 60km

Today, with support from a vehicle, you cycle through the heart of Provence, past vineyards, historic villages and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Europe. From Tarascon, the route follows mostly quiet roads through the Rhône countryside toward Beaucaire and onward through Provençal landscapes. The highlight of the day is the Pont du Gard, the remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore the site and enjoy a relaxed lunch break.

In the afternoon, the route continues toward Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. From there, you cross the Rhône and arrive in Avignon, where the historic skyline of the former papal city creates a memorable first impression.

The Papal City: Avignon 40km or 50km

The morning is dedicated to Avignon, one of the great historic cities of Southern France. During a guided visit with local experts, you discover highlights of the UNESCO-listed old town and visit the imposing Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. After lunch on board, you can either enjoy Avignon at your own pace or join an optional bike ride into the peaceful Provençal countryside. The route first follows the ViaRhôna out of the city, then continues along small country roads through orchards, canals and villages around Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue.

A relaxed café stop along the way adds a classic touch of Provençal life before returning to Avignon in the late afternoon. The evening is free, giving you the perfect chance to discover the city’s restaurants and atmospheric old town.

Vineyards of the Rhône: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Viviers 60km or 65km

Today’s ride leads through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the southern Rhône Valley, with support from a vehicle throughout the day. Leaving Avignon, you cycle through the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where an optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may be arranged. The route continues toward Orange, where there may be time for a brief stop to admire the city’s famous Roman theater. You then continue through the Drôme Provençale, passing vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and truffle country on the way to Suze-la-Rousse, known for its impressive château and renowned wine university. Later, the route leads toward La Garde-Adhémar, one of France’s most beautiful hilltop villages, with rewarding views over the Rhône Valley.

In the afternoon, you descend toward Viviers, a medieval town on the Rhône, where the MS Provence awaits.

Rhône or Ardèche: Viviers – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Tournon-sur-Rhône 40km or 75km

Today offers a choice between a relaxed riverside ride along the Rhône (28-31 mi.) and a more adventurous route through the Ardèche countryside (43-47 mi.). The easier route follows the ViaRhôna north along mostly flat, traffic-free paths by the river. You cycle through quiet Rhône landscapes and small towns, with time for breaks along the way. Highlights may include parts of the historic center of Valence, the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage.

The advanced route follows the beautiful La Dolce Via greenway through the Eyrieux Valley, cycling along a former railway line with gentle gradients, tunnels, viaducts, forests and river scenery. This route also includes the historic Train de l’Ardèche, subject to train availability and confirmation. In the afternoon, both groups continue toward Tournon-sur-Rhône, where the ship awaits.

Northern Rhône Wines: Tournon-sur-Rhône – Chavanay – Lyon 45km

Your final cycling day brings another taste of the northern Rhône Valley, known for its wine, river towns and beautiful vineyard landscapes. The route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna through traditional wine villages and peaceful river scenery. You cycle via Saint-Désirat and Andance, known for one of the oldest suspension bridges across the Rhône, then continue through Serrières and Sablons toward Chavanay.

Along the way, there is time for relaxed waterside breaks and views of the steep vineyard terraces of the northern Rhône wine region. Near the end of the ride, there may be an opportunity for a Côtes du Rhône wine tasting or a similar Rhône Valley wine experience. In the afternoon, the MS Provence continues toward Lyon. The journey ends with a farewell dinner on board in France’s celebrated capital of food and gastronomy.

Farewell in Lyon

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence and your Rhône Valley journey. You leave with memories of Provençal landscapes, Roman monuments, historic cities, celebrated wines, regional flavors and a rewarding week of cycling between the South of France and Lyon.