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

Welcome to Lyon

Welcome to Lyon, France’s famous capital of food and gastronomy, 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. During your first dinner on board, look forward to a varied week of wine regions, historic cities, Rhône landscapes and Provencal charm.

Along the Northern Rhône: Lyon – Chavanay – Tournon-sur-Rhône 45km

While the MS Provence cruises south through the Rhône Valley, enjoy breakfast on board and take in views of vineyards and rolling hillsides from the water. After lunch, your first ride begins in the small wine-growing village of Chavanay. The route follows the Via Rhôna south along the Rhône through riverside villages and peaceful landscapes. You cycle via Sablons and Serrières to Andance, known for one of the oldest suspension bridges across 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 near the end of the ride or at a similar suitable location. In the late afternoon, you arrive in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where your ship is waiting.

ViaRhôna and Ardèche Views: Tournon-sur-Rhône – La Voulte-sur-Rhône | La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Viviers 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 south along mostly flat, traffic-free paths by the river. Passing small places such as Glun and Beauchastel, you enjoy views of the Rhône and the quiet river landscape. Along the way, there is time to explore parts of the historic center of Valence. Other highlights include the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage.

The advanced route begins with a ride on the historic Train de l’Ardèche to Lamastre, subject to train availability and confirmation. From there, you follow 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. Both cycling groups rejoin the ship in La Voulte-sur-Rhône. In the evening, the MS Provence continues south, to Viviers.

Hilltop Villages and Rhône Wines: Viviers – Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon 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. Starting in the medieval town of Viviers, you first climb to La Garde-Adhémar, one of France’s most beautiful hilltop villages. The effort is rewarded with wide views over the Rhône Valley. The route continues through the Drôme Provençale, with vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and truffle country, toward Suze-la-Rousse, known for its impressive château and renowned wine university. In the afternoon, you ride toward Orange, where there is an opportunity for a brief stop to admire the famous Roman theater.

You then continue through the celebrated vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where an optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may provide a fitting finale to the day before you rejoin the ship. The MS Provence welcomes you back on board and continues to Avignon for the evening

Avignon and Provençal Life: 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

Roman past at the Pont du Gard: Avignon – Pont du Gard – Tarascon 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 Avignon, the route first leads via Villeneuve-lès-Avignon onto quiet country roads through Mediterranean landscapes. You continue toward 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 mostly on easy, flat roads through the Rhône countryside toward Beaucaire and Tarascon. Dinner is served on board this evening as the ship remains overnight in Tarascon.

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

On the final cycling day, you can choose between a relaxed ride along the Rhône and a more challenging route through the landscapes of the Alpilles.

The easier route (16-19 mi.) follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna from Tarascon through typical river landscapes to Arles. Passing small villages, open countryside and wide plains, you enjoy one last taste of Southern France at a relaxed pace. After arriving in Arles, you rejoin the ship for lunch on board before discovering the city’s remarkable Roman heritage and Provençal atmosphere.

The sportier route leads (37-40 mi.) via Fontvieille into the scenic hills of the Alpilles. Quiet countryside roads climb toward Les Baux-de-Provence, a spectacular hilltop village set high on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views. Through olive groves, you continue to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh stayed and created some of his most famous works. Selected en route visits may include Abbaye de Montmajour, Château des Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Paul-de-Mausole.

In Arles, a guided walking tour with local guides introduces you to the city’s Roman heritage, including the Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre. Pass Liberté access is also included for additional sites.

Farewell in Arles

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 Lyon and the South of France.