Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France Bike + Boat Tours
A bike & boat tour through Provence, the region of Van Gogh
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1255 Rates
Overview
Amid the wilderness of Camargue and the landscapes that were so dear to Van Gogh, this bike and boat tour in France features delightful Provençal villages, vineyards, and fields of sunflowers.
You can begin in Aigues-Mortes - a completely walled town that has changed little in appearance since its glory during the Middle Ages - and end in Avignon - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or you can begin in Avignon, though once here, you will not want to leave. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music, and activity. You could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them.
By day, pedal the most typical Provence landscape, including the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh’s Provence, and the Roman Pont du Gard, and, by night, enjoy your floating accommodations!
Highlights
- UNESCO designated biosphere reserve of Camargue Natural Park
- Medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes
- Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet
- Van Gogh's "Starry Night" village of St. Remy
- Aramon with its beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux
- Landscapes of limestone cliffs, fields of lavender, vineyards, and olive groves
- Wine and cuisine of FRANCE!
A full list of bike & barge tours in France can be found here.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
Day 1: Arrival in Aigues-Mortes, boarding at 6 PM.
Day 2: Aigues-Mortes, round trip, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Aigues-Mortes - Arles, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 4: Arles - Vallabreguès, 37 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Vallabreguèse - Aramon, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Aramon - Avignon, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Avignon, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Individual arrival in Aigues-Mortes
Individual arrival and boarding at 6 pm in medieval Aigues-Mortes. An introductory briefing will be held at 6.30 with your tour leader, skipper, and crew, as you enjoy your first refreshing aperitivo.Day 2: Aigues-Mortes, round trip, 34 mi. (55 km)
The name of this town literally translated means "dead waters" probably referring to its location in the heart of the marshy Camargue region on France's Mediterranean coast. Do not be deceived, however, by this description. Cycling along small country roads between canals, lagoons, and small villages, you will have the chance to see the famous black bulls and the white horses typical of this region, as well as the pink flamingos. In the afternoon, you'll reach the charming fishing village of Le Grau-du-Roi in the afternoon. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim along the beach.Elevation gain: 20 m
Day 3: Aigues-Mortes - Arles, 15 mi. (25 km)
The barge will take you to Saint Gilles this morning, where your bike tour will begin. Today's destination is Arles. Getting lost in its small alleys will feel like you've entered a painting by Van Gogh. Enjoy a guided tour around Arles in the afternoon.Day 4: Arles - Vallabreguès, 34 mi. (55 km)
This stage will bring you to the Alpilles, with the village of Le Baux de Provence, lodged in the rock itself, to Saint Remy de Provence. The village of St. Rémy is enchanting. Its ancient Gallo-Roman interior is encircled by the remnants of a 14th-century wall and a protective circle of buildings. Located on the plains at the northern edge of the Alpilles and 20 km south of Avignon, this is where Van Gogh painted Starry Night, Nostradamus was born, and Dr. Albert Schweitzer was a prisoner. A landscape of limestone cliffs, fields of lavender, and olive trees will surround you as you cycle. In the evening the barge will be moored in Vallabrègues, a village on the banks of the Rhone.Elevation gain: 300 m
Day 5: Vallabreguèse - Aramon, 22 mi. (35 km)
Quiet country roads will bring you 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 Frigulet and afterward down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon, make your way to Aramon where you'll stay overnight with a beautiful view of the Mont Ventoux.Elevation gain: 90 m
Day 6: Aramon - Avignon, 25 mi. (40 km)
Your tour today will lead to the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in all of Europe, the Pont du Gard. It is located 25 kilometers from Nîmes, in the direction of Avignon. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. The bridge is part of the aqueduct built around the year 50 to transport water from the Eure spring near Uzès to Nîmes, a distance of over 50 kilometers. Cycle back to Aramon where the barge will be waiting to take you to Avignon, the city of the popes. The barge will be moored in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet. Dinner is on your own this evening.Elevation gain: 110 m
Day 7: Avignon, round tour, 28 mi. (30 km)
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 there is time to discover the historic center of Avignon.Elevation gain: 100 m
Day 8: Departure
Individual departure after breakfast.Day 1: Arrival in Avignon, boarding at 6 pm.
Day 2: Avignon, round tour, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Avignon - Aramon, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Aramon - Vallabrègues, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Vallabrègues - Arles, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Arles - Aigues-Mortes, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 7: Aigues-Mortes, round tour, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Aigues-Mortes* Itinerary details are the same as the Aigues-Mortes to Avignon tour direction.
You can view all of our bike & boat tours or look at our featured active trips & tours including hiking & multi-adventure.
Map
Boats & Bikes
- L’Estello
Comfort Class Barge
This classic Dutch barge, built-in 1937, was converted to a comfortable passenger vessel and now sails the French waterways. The inviting atmosphere on board will make you feel immediately at home! The large lounge area has large picture windows with plenty of natural light. French doors give access to the inviting sun deck. The dining area has large windows and comfortable seating and the living room and bar area are spacious and air-conditioned with comfortable sofas and chairs. Read More
- Caprice
Comfort Class Boat
The Caprice is a beautiful Dutch boat that has been in operation since 2009. Its freshly varnished wood and bright colors will welcome you. The large sun deck is inviting from where there can be nothing better than to sit comfortably while cruising the canals of France. Read More
Bicycles
Unisex electric bike
A low entry unisex frame
- Upright handlebar
- 9-speed (Shimano Deore)
- Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
- Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
- Ergonomic grip
- Selle Royal saddle
- Flat pedals
- Mechanical V-brakes
- Rear rack
- Mudguards
- 28-inch wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
Accessories
Included accessories
- Mudguards
- Trip computer
- Helmet
- Brand: Limar
- Size: one size (55 - 61)
- Adjustable size system and cool pads
- Weight: 260 g
- 10 vents with bug net
- Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
- Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
Self-guided tours only:
- Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
- Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts, self-packed lunches, & 6 dinners
- Tea, coffee, & other hot drinks
- Courtesy kit
- 27-speed unisex touring bicycle with accessories
- Bike Protection
- Helmet (advanced request required)
- Available App including maps, roadbook, points of interest, & GPS tracks
- Digital tour information
- English-speaking tour guide
- Guided visit of Arles
- Some short walking tours
- Cabin cleaning & towel change only on request
- Harbor charges
What’s Not Included
- Beverages on board
- 1 dinner in Avignon
- Museums, fees & extras in general
- Electric bike (available with a supplement, see pricing)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Limited availability for the 2024 season. Please contact us for availability.
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
Season 1: April 6, 2024
Season 2: April 20, June 29, July 13, July 27, & August 10, 2024
Season 3: May 4, May 18, June 1, June 15, & October 19, 2024
Season 4: August 24, September 7, September 21, & October 5, 2024
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 12 participants.Aigues Mortes to Avignon
Season 1: March 30 & April 13, 2024
Season 2: April 27, July 6, July 20, August 3, & August 17, 2024
Season 3: May 11, May 25, June 8, & June 22, & October 26, 2024
Season 4: August 31, September 14, September 28, & October 12, 2024Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 12 participants.
Comfort Class boats
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 2078 £ 1096 $ 1,897 € 1255 kr 192596 ₪ 5159 ¥ 216767 Mex$ 23131 NZ$ 2271 NOK 14959 zł 5460 S$ 1874 kr 14926 $ 1,393 $ 2740 £ 1446 $ 2,501 € 1655 kr 253982 ₪ 6804 ¥ 285856 Mex$ 30503 NZ$ 2994 NOK 19726 zł 7200 S$ 2472 kr 19683 $ 1,837 $ 2906 £ 1533 $ 2,652 € 1755 kr 269328 ₪ 7215 ¥ 303128 Mex$ 32346 NZ$ 3175 NOK 20918 zł 7635 S$ 2621 kr 20872 $ 1,948 $ 3072 £ 1620 $ 2,803 € 1855 kr 284674 ₪ 7626 ¥ 320400 Mex$ 34189 NZ$ 3356 NOK 22110 zł 8071 S$ 2771 kr 22061 $ 2,059 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2658 £ 1402 $ 2,425 € 1605 kr 246309 ₪ 6598 ¥ 277220 Mex$ 29582 NZ$ 2904 NOK 19130 zł 6983 S$ 2397 kr 19088 $ 1,781 $ 3320 £ 1751 $ 3,030 € 2005 kr 307694 ₪ 8243 ¥ 346308 Mex$ 36954 NZ$ 3628 NOK 23898 zł 8723 S$ 2995 kr 23845 $ 2,225 $ 3485 £ 1839 $ 3,181 € 2105 kr 323040 ₪ 8654 ¥ 363581 Mex$ 38797 NZ$ 3809 NOK 25090 zł 9158 S$ 3144 kr 25034 $ 2,336 $ 3651 £ 1926 $ 3,332 € 2205 kr 338387 ₪ 9065 ¥ 380853 Mex$ 40640 NZ$ 3989 NOK 26282 zł 9593 S$ 3293 kr 26224 $ 2,447 Double/twin for single-use $ 3701 £ 1952 $ 3,377 € 2235 kr 342990 ₪ 9188 ¥ 386035 Mex$ 41193 NZ$ 4044 NOK 26639 zł 9724 S$ 3338 kr 26581 $ 2,480 $ 4363 £ 2302 $ 3,982 € 2635 kr 404376 ₪ 10833 ¥ 455124 Mex$ 48565 NZ$ 4767 NOK 31407 zł 11464 S$ 3936 kr 31338 $ 2,924 $ 4529 £ 2389 $ 4,133 € 2735 kr 419722 ₪ 11244 ¥ 472396 Mex$ 50409 NZ$ 4948 NOK 32599 zł 11899 S$ 4085 kr 32527 $ 3,035 $ 4694 £ 2476 $ 4,284 € 2835 kr 435068 ₪ 11655 ¥ 489668 Mex$ 52252 NZ$ 5129 NOK 33791 zł 12334 S$ 4234 kr 33716 $ 3,146 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
Season 1: April 5, 2025
Season 2: April 19, June 28, July 12, July 26 & August 9, 2025
Season 3: May 3, May 17, May 31, June 14 & October 18, 2025
Season 4: August 23, September 6, September 20 & October 4, 2025
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 12 participants.Comfort Class boats
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 2194 £ 1157 $ 2,002 € 1325 kr 203339 ₪ 5447 ¥ 228857 Mex$ 24421 NZ$ 2397 NOK 15793 zł 5765 S$ 1979 kr 15758 $ 1,470 $ 2856 £ 1507 $ 2,607 € 1725 kr 264724 ₪ 7092 ¥ 297946 Mex$ 31793 NZ$ 3121 NOK 20560 zł 7505 S$ 2576 kr 20515 $ 1,914 $ 3022 £ 1594 $ 2,758 € 1825 kr 280071 ₪ 7503 ¥ 315218 Mex$ 33636 NZ$ 3302 NOK 21752 zł 7940 S$ 2726 kr 21704 $ 2,025 $ 3204 £ 1690 $ 2,924 € 1935 kr 296952 ₪ 7955 ¥ 334218 Mex$ 35664 NZ$ 3501 NOK 23064 zł 8419 S$ 2890 kr 23013 $ 2,147 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2856 £ 1507 $ 2,607 € 1725 kr 264724 ₪ 7092 ¥ 297946 Mex$ 31793 NZ$ 3121 NOK 20560 zł 7505 S$ 2576 kr 20515 $ 1,914 $ 3519 £ 1856 $ 3,211 € 2125 kr 326110 ₪ 8736 ¥ 367035 Mex$ 39166 NZ$ 3845 NOK 25328 zł 9245 S$ 3174 kr 25272 $ 2,358 $ 3684 £ 1943 $ 3,362 € 2225 kr 341456 ₪ 9147 ¥ 384307 Mex$ 41009 NZ$ 4026 NOK 26520 zł 9680 S$ 3323 kr 26462 $ 2,469 $ 3866 £ 2040 $ 3,529 € 2335 kr 358337 ₪ 9599 ¥ 403307 Mex$ 43036 NZ$ 4225 NOK 27831 zł 10159 S$ 3487 kr 27770 $ 2,591 Double/twin for single-use $ 3916 £ 2066 $ 3,574 € 2365 kr 362941 ₪ 9723 ¥ 408489 Mex$ 43589 NZ$ 4279 NOK 28189 zł 10289 S$ 3532 kr 28127 $ 2,624 $ 4578 £ 2415 $ 4,178 € 2765 kr 424326 ₪ 11367 ¥ 477578 Mex$ 50961 NZ$ 5003 NOK 32956 zł 12030 S$ 4130 kr 32884 $ 3,068 $ 4744 £ 2502 $ 4,329 € 2865 kr 439672 ₪ 11778 ¥ 494850 Mex$ 52805 NZ$ 5184 NOK 34148 zł 12465 S$ 4279 kr 34073 $ 3,179 $ 4926 £ 2599 $ 4,496 € 2975 kr 456553 ₪ 12230 ¥ 513849 Mex$ 54832 NZ$ 5383 NOK 35459 zł 12943 S$ 4443 kr 35381 $ 3,301 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
Aigues Mortes to Avignon
Season 1: March 29 & April 12, 2025
Season 2: April 26, July 5, July 19, August 2, & August 16, 2025
Season 3: May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21 & October 25, 2025
Season 4: August 30, September 13, September 27 & October 11, 2025Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 12 participants.
Comfort Class boats
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 2194 £ 1157 $ 2,002 € 1325 kr 203339 ₪ 5447 ¥ 228857 Mex$ 24421 NZ$ 2397 NOK 15793 zł 5765 S$ 1979 kr 15758 $ 1,470 $ 2856 £ 1507 $ 2,607 € 1725 kr 264724 ₪ 7092 ¥ 297946 Mex$ 31793 NZ$ 3121 NOK 20560 zł 7505 S$ 2576 kr 20515 $ 1,914 $ 3022 £ 1594 $ 2,758 € 1825 kr 280071 ₪ 7503 ¥ 315218 Mex$ 33636 NZ$ 3302 NOK 21752 zł 7940 S$ 2726 kr 21704 $ 2,025 $ 3204 £ 1690 $ 2,924 € 1935 kr 296952 ₪ 7955 ¥ 334218 Mex$ 35664 NZ$ 3501 NOK 23064 zł 8419 S$ 2890 kr 23013 $ 2,147 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2856 £ 1507 $ 2,607 € 1725 kr 264724 ₪ 7092 ¥ 297946 Mex$ 31793 NZ$ 3121 NOK 20560 zł 7505 S$ 2576 kr 20515 $ 1,914 $ 3519 £ 1856 $ 3,211 € 2125 kr 326110 ₪ 8736 ¥ 367035 Mex$ 39166 NZ$ 3845 NOK 25328 zł 9245 S$ 3174 kr 25272 $ 2,358 $ 3684 £ 1943 $ 3,362 € 2225 kr 341456 ₪ 9147 ¥ 384307 Mex$ 41009 NZ$ 4026 NOK 26520 zł 9680 S$ 3323 kr 26462 $ 2,469 $ 3866 £ 2040 $ 3,529 € 2335 kr 358337 ₪ 9599 ¥ 403307 Mex$ 43036 NZ$ 4225 NOK 27831 zł 10159 S$ 3487 kr 27770 $ 2,591 Double/twin for single-use $ 3916 £ 2066 $ 3,574 € 2365 kr 362941 ₪ 9723 ¥ 408489 Mex$ 43589 NZ$ 4279 NOK 28189 zł 10289 S$ 3532 kr 28127 $ 2,624 $ 4578 £ 2415 $ 4,178 € 2765 kr 424326 ₪ 11367 ¥ 477578 Mex$ 50961 NZ$ 5003 NOK 32956 zł 12030 S$ 4130 kr 32884 $ 3,068 $ 4744 £ 2502 $ 4,329 € 2865 kr 439672 ₪ 11778 ¥ 494850 Mex$ 52805 NZ$ 5184 NOK 34148 zł 12465 S$ 4279 kr 34073 $ 3,179 $ 4926 £ 2599 $ 4,496 € 2975 kr 456553 ₪ 12230 ¥ 513849 Mex$ 54832 NZ$ 5383 NOK 35459 zł 12943 S$ 4443 kr 35381 $ 3,301 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
Extra Options
2024
Electric bike rental (advanced reservation required, limited availability) $ 265 £ 140 $ 242 € 160 kr 24554 ₪ 658 ¥ 27636 Mex$ 2949 NZ$ 289 NOK 1907 zł 696 S$ 239 kr 1903 $ 178 Gluten-free, vegan & lactose-free diets $ 83 £ 44 $ 76 € 50 kr 7673 ₪ 206 ¥ 8636 Mex$ 922 NZ$ 90 NOK 596 zł 218 S$ 75 kr 595 $ 55 Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
The route is mainly on country roads with little traffic and traverses the lowlands during the two stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups and downs, which are however easy to undertake. There is just one more demanding slope of approximately 4 km towards Les Baux de Provence, but your reward is the extraordinary landscapes. The northern wind in Camargue, the legendary “Mistral” the master of the winds, can factor into the difficulty level. Terrain is 95% tarmac and 5% unpaved. More traffic is encountered when entering or exiting towns and cities. Routes average 28 to 34 miles (45 to 55 km). This tour offers you the opportunity to choose each day if you would like to cycle on your own utilizing the detailed route descriptions provided or to cycle with the tour guide and the group.
Airport Info
Fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
Local Travel
Tours beginning in Aigues-Mortes:
We highly recommend taking the TGV (fast) train to Nimes. The TGV station in the CDG Paris airport is located below Terminal 2. Travel time is approx. 3½ hours. Advanced reservations for the TGV train are recommended. See Rail Europe or the France rail website, SNCF. From Nimes train station, there is a regional train to Aigues-Mortes. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes and costs approximately €10. A direct taxi to Aigues-Mortes costs about €100.
Tours beginning in Avignon:
We highly recommend taking the TGV (fast) train to Avignon. Travel time is approx. 3½ to 4½ hours depending on connections. Advanced reservations for the TGV train are recommended. See Rail Europe or the France rail website, SNCF. Depending on your tour date, there are two different departure locations for the ships (Villeneuve-Les-Avignon or Avignon Quai de la Ligne). We will send you detailed instructions with your final travel information.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. Provence enjoys hot and sunny summers and mild winters. Spring and fall in Provence is lovely. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Day of Rest
Any day could be used as a day of rest. On Day 2 and Day 7, there is a “round trip” itinerary which you could use to explore your surroundings on your own either by foot or taxi.
Remarks
This tour offers the opportunity for either a guided tour or the opportunity to cycle alone (taking advantage of available GPS tracks). When booking the tour, it is helpful to specify which option you desire.
Important to know
Travel documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit.
Extra Stay
If you would like to book extra days in Aigues Mortes, Avignon, or any location during your travels, we advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities and can view customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Girolibero.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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