8-day Bike & Barge Tour Avignon to Aigues Mortes

Avignon

We welcome you aboard your new home-from-home from 5.00 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 p.m. – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS dinner

Avignon round tour

Today we’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS breakfast and packed lunch / BIKE 30 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 205 - 205

Avignon – Aramon

In the morning navigation till the town of Aramon, where you will start pedalling. The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS full board (packed lunch) / BIKE 40 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 200 - 200

Aramon – Vallabrègues

You start your day sailing to Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. Overnight in Vallabrègues.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS full board (packed lunch) / BIKE 35 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 175 - 175

Vallabrègues – Arles

This stage brings you 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. In the end you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS full board (packed lunch) / BIKE 55 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 335 - 340

Arles – Aigues-Mortes

Today the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. After lunch you reach Franquevaux and from there you will sail to Aigues Mortes for the overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS full board (packed lunch) / BIKE 35 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 105 - 110 / GUIDED VISIT 1 hour

Aigues Mortes round tour

Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.

ACCOMMODATION barge / MEALS full board (packed lunch) / BIKE 55 km / ELEVATION GAIN + 185 - 185

Aigues Mortes

After breakfast, end of services.

MEALS breakfast

The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain