L’Estello

Comfort Class Barge

France

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.

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Overview
Overview
Boat size: 39 m long and 5.2 m wide
Capacity: 20 passengers
Decks & Cabin Layout
10 cabins total
1 with a double bed and 9 with twin beds
Cabin Amenities
Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (double)
Cabin measures 7/8 m2,
All cabins are on the lower deck
Drawers underneath each bed
Each cabin has individually controlled air conditioning and a port hole that can be opened
Hairdryers in each cabin
Complimentary courtesy kit: soap, shower gel, shampoo, shower cap
Electricity 220V - 50Hz with Schuko bipolar sockets
Boat Features & Amenities
Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area
Large 55” screen in the lounge for video
Air conditioning
Dedicated bike storage
Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning
Smoking: It is strictly forbidden to smoke in the cabins (and in all common areas). It is possible to smoke on the deck outside.
Payments on board: You can pay only by cash, not with credit cards
Laundry: No
Food & Beverages
Special diet requests: Any vegan or gluten-free diet requests will incur a €50/person surcharge. To be paid in advance.
Water: Water on board is drinkable and you can refill your water bottle by using the dispenser of natural and sparkling water.
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Photos
Tours
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Tours sailing on L’Estello — 1 to 1 of 1
Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
8 days from €1125
4.4 out of 5
Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
View Tour
Easy–Moderate Bike + Boat Tour in France
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…
Bicycles
Unisex/Men’s Touring Bicycle
A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position
Aluminum frame
Upright handlebar
Selle Royal saddle
Water bottle cage
27-speed (Shimano Deore)
Flat pedal
Mechanical V-brakes
Rear rack
Mudguards
28-inch wheels
Schwalbe anti-puncture tires
Unisex Electric Bicycle
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 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
*NOTE: E-bikes feature a small electrical engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling but you still have to pedal yourself. While riding an e-bike can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of your trip, it is not intended for untrained cyclists as it is not easy to handle such a bike. The engine and battery make the bike much heavier than a regular bike and it also accelerates faster. Handling it well requires good basic cycling skills and confidence.
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)
*Bikes and accessories available may differ per tour. Please check each tour page under bike information for details.
Reviews
Tom E.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
Everything was perfect - the biking, the people, the food and the sites.
Janet L.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
I loved the day that we visited Les Baux de Provence and went to Carrieres Lumineres. We also visited the asylum in St. Remy where Van Gogh spent a year and produced many paintings. We rode through so many beautiful landscapes and villages in Provence and many times it felt like we were part of a Van Gogh painting. My other favorite part of this trip were the meals with everyone on our boat. It was so nice to have wonderful food and wine and sit and talk to people from all over the world. This was my first bike and barge experience and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. All of the guides and staff on the boat were great as well!
Rick C.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
The scenery on the Provence trip was amazing.
George F.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
I thoroughly enjoyed every part of the trip, but it was particularly interesting to tour Aigues Mortes and to learn how and why it came about.
Patrick S.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
The most memorable part for me was the camaraderie formed within the group. Mainly because our guide, Helmut, was so personable and caring. Also, Tripsite did a great job filling our time with memorable adventures. I'm so glad I chose to use an e-bike.
Jenny D.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
The trip was amazing!! From pink Lakes, to Pink Flamingos, White Sandy Beaches, to the Punta Du Gard, Castles, Sunsets, Fields of Lavender, and Van Gough. This trip was a feast for the senses. What a fun trip. I've already booked my next one. This was excellent!!
Gilles P.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
Loved the "flag" system. Excellent guide (Antonella) that made it possible to stop and discover the sites. Adored stopping in bistros and similar. Great suppers.
I would recommend splitting a group of 21 in two or even three smaller parts when on public roads; the flag system assures you that you will not get lost from your group.
OK, when do we leave?
Gilles XX
Pete & Norma T.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
Guide, Antonella, crew, food, tour and route were fine, but the Estello was not, surely not "comfort plus". The boat is tired, lounge furniture was dirty, lead to believe the boat was not equivalent to Ave Maria but close, Girolibro providing better boats than FR companies. Were tied up close to a FR boat, was better. Cabins in comparison to other boats we have booked are poor, shower was not separate from remainder of the head so everything was soaked after shower. Since we booked the entire boat for Coastal Cruisers, even though no one seemed to complain, we expected better. Your bike and barge tours continue to be good value with folks who provide services compensating for "tired boat".
Janet A.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
Wonderful experience
Margot Horan
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
Barge/cycling trips are a fantastic way to explore the countryside and towns - you see so much more when you are cycling. One vivid memory of a cycling trip through northern France was stopping to look at poppies growing along the side of the road. I love the fact that you do not have to pack up each day - it is a very relaxing experience. The diversity of people who do these trips also adds to the experience. The trips that I have done in the last three years had fantastic staff who were very friendly and knowledgeable. I have done two barge/bike trips and look forward to doing more in the future.
Peter Monahan
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
The trip exceeded my expectations. My wife and I especially enjoyed the company of the other travelers, and we all got along very well.
Laurie Hurowitz
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
We have just returned from this bike and barge, our 2nd trip arranged by Tripsite. We were on the E'Stello (sister ship of the Soleo), and went from Aigue Mort to Avignon. We had a wonderful time! The trip was as described in terms of mileage, terrain, and sights along the way. The barge crew were all excellent, as was our guide. We were a group of 20, including Americans, Canadians, and Brits. I highly recommend this tour.
J. Geraerdts
8 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
At first we were hesitant to book another bike and barge trip-- how could it ever compare with the 2012 tour on the Ave Maria, with Hein as guide, which set the bar so high?
The Provence trip did look very interesting and, after fretting about the significant uphills, we did go ahead and book, adding the ebike option.
We were able to board the Soleo as, apparently there was a cancellation. We had asked you to request a transfer from the other boat-- thanks.
The trip was excellent! The crew was very capable and accommodating. Our guide, Martina, especially helped make the trip memorable. She maintained her sense of humor throughout. Any setbacks were met only with a "mama mia" and difficulties, either overcome or anticipated, were "a piece of cake".
The cycling was, as compared to the Venice trip, both more challenging and more interesting. The weather did not always cooperate but there was no complaining . We think we have come to realize Read More

Cynthia Adams
11 years ago
Verified Reviewer
L’Estello Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France
I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed this tour. My husband and I and 2 friends sailed on the Soleo in September 2011. The weather was perfect. Although nothing fancy the boat had everything we needed. Our room had a private bath and never ran out of hot water for showers! Our tour guide was great, fun and really brought the group of Americans, Brits, Aussies, and Germans together. The country side, vineyards, beaches, small towns were like traveling in a postcard at every turn. Some of the biking was more challenging (more hilly) than I had expected, but the ebike was wonderful. This trip has my highest recommendation!
Show All 14 Reviews