Burgundy & Provence E-Bike & Boat
France Bike + Boat Tours
Rhône & Saône River Valleys
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€3220 Rates
Overview
This is the best of France! This electric bike and boat tour features two of France's most visited regions: Burgundy and Provence!
Lyon, where you begin and end your tour, became the capital of Burgundy in the time of the kings of Burgundy. It is here that you will find the historical and cultural essence of the region, known for its wine and cuisine.
Your stress-free electric bike cycling will follow an undulating route through white limestone gorges, vineyards, olive groves, lavender, and sunflower fields. Highlighted are imposing castles, ancient monasteries, and delightful french villages. You will cycle on the Rhone Cycle Route, a section of the EuroVelo 17, as well as a voie verte (rails to trails path) and other scenic riverside paths and rural routes.
Your floating accommodation, the Stella, will cruise the Rhône and Saône Rivers, from Lyon to Avignon and back again as you enjoy all that an active European river cruise offers: lovely accommodations, abundant amenities, regional cuisine, and great service provided by your attentive crew and knowledgeable guides.
Highlights
- Gourmet city of Lyon
- Water castles of Southern Burgundy
- Cluny Abbey
- Châteauneuf Vineyards and tasting
- Avignon
- St. Remy de Provence
- Wild gorge of the Ardèche
- Spectacular and stress-free e-cycling routes in Burgundy, Provence, and Ardèche
Itinerary
Day 1: Lyon
Day 2: Tournon & Tain-l'Hermitage, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Avignon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Arles & St. Rémy de Provence, 40 mi. (65 km)
Day 5: Camargue Nature Tour, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: The Majestic Ardèche Gorge, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 7: Lyon City Bike Tour, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 8: Departure from Lyon or extension*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Arrival in Lyon
Welcome to Lyon! Your adventure begins at 4 pm when your friendly tour guides greet you on board. After settling into your cabin, you'll receive a comprehensive overview of your exciting journey ahead. If the weather permits, enjoy the sun deck for a warm welcome and stunning views of the landscape. As the ship departs Lyon at 6 pmc, enjoy your first dinner on board while cruising the tranquil waters of the Saône. Later, immerse yourself in Lyon's enchanting atmosphere with a panoramic evening cruise, showcasing the city's historic landmarks and charming streets illuminated under the night sky. Get ready to experience the rich culture and beauty that awaits on this unforgettable journey.Day 2: Tournon & Tain-l'Hermitage, 28 mi. (45 km)
Kickstart your cycling adventure along the Rhône, from Tain-l'Hermitage to Roche de Glun island near Valence and back. Marvel at the dam, the 14th-century Diane de Poitiers tower, and the iconic Marc Seguin footbridge. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the renowned Valrhona chocolate in Tain-l'Hermitage. In the afternoon, relax on the sun deck as the STELLA sails south, offering breathtaking views of the landscape.Day 3: Avignon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting, 28 mi. (45 km)
Early morning brings us to the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After biking to the charming village, indulge in a wine tasting to learn about the region's exquisite red wines. Following lunch, cycle through fertile fruit and vegetable areas back to Avignon, where you'll pass the iconic "Pont d'Avignon." Enjoy a fascinating city tour highlighting Avignon's rich history, including the time when popes resided here instead of Rome. The ship will remain anchored overnight, allowing ample time to explore Avignon's historic streets and vibrant culture.Day 4: Arles & St. Rémy de Provence, 40 mi. (65 km)
After an overnight stay in Arles, hop on your e-bikes and head to the picturesque St. Rémy de Provence, where Vincent Van Gogh once lived. Enjoy a delicious lunch before visiting the Carrières de Lumières, an art center showcasing spectacular exhibitions. Continue your ride through scenic Provençal villages and arrive back in Arles, renowned for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater. In the evening, consider exploring the Romanesque portal of the Saint Trophime Cathedral or savoring an espresso at Café de la Nuit, made famous by Van Gogh.Day 5: Camargue Nature Tour, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today, transfer to the stunning Camargue marshlands. Experience the breathtaking "white gold" salt hills and observe diverse wildlife, including flamingos and the legendary white Camargue horses. After lunch at Saintes Maries de la Mer, a site of annual pilgrimage, return to Arles for a guided tour of its Roman amphitheater.Day 6: The Majestic Ardèche Gorge, 24 mi. (38 km)
In the morning, enjoy scenic views of Côtes du Rhône vineyards as you head to the Ardèche gorge. Experience one of the most captivating cycling routes, learning about the UNESCO World Heritage cave systems along the way. Cycle through lavender fields and holm oak forests until you reach the breathtaking gorge. After a day of exploration, relax on the sun deck or indulge in the onboard spa before savoring an exquisite final dinner as the ship sails back to Lyon overnight.Day 7: Lyon City Bike Tour, 14 mi. (22 km)
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning on board as the ship returns to Lyon. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the Renaissance houses of St. Jean and explore the narrow passageways known as "traboules," steeped in history. Learn about Lyon’s significance as a trading center since Roman times, with hidden treasures like artwork by famous artists waiting to be discovered.Day 8: Departure from Lyon or Extension
As morning light fills Lyon, enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking around 9 am. If you're flying out, a convenient transfer to the airport is available (at an additional cost). Conclude your unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of Southern France, filled with memories of breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences.Map
Boats & Bikes
- Stella
Deluxe Class Boat
This ship was built for relaxation but also for active-minded vacationers! On the spacious sun deck, you will find an outdoor pool, shuffleboard, and a putting green as well as an outdoor restaurant and cafe bar with coffee specialties, wine, and refreshments. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights in the selected category of cabin
- Breakfast
- Lunch as a picnic buffet or as a buffet on board according to the program
- 7 multi-course dinners in buffet form
- All drinks are included on this trip, with the exception of champagne, bottled wine, and exclusive rarities
- Support vehicle
- Electric bike
- Fully English-guided cycling itinerary
- All visits and admissions as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Visit to a wine bodega with tasting
What’s Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Helmet
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2025
Deluxe Class
Stella
Sunday departures
Season A: April 27, 2025
Season B: May 4, May 11, September 14, September 21, & September 28, 2025Season A Season B Deck 1 | Category A $ 4930 £ 2544 $ 4,565 € 2980 Ft 1219409 kr 451937 ₪ 12504 ¥ 493917 Mex$ 64826 NZ$ 5455 kr 35667 zł 13070 S$ 4341 kr 34543 CHF 2844 $ 3,319 $ 5371 £ 2771 $ 4,972 € 3246 Ft 1328256 kr 492278 ₪ 13620 ¥ 538005 Mex$ 70612 NZ$ 5942 kr 38851 zł 14236 S$ 4728 kr 37627 CHF 3098 $ 3,615 Category A for single-use $ 6383 £ 3293 $ 5,910 € 3858 Ft 1578685 kr 585092 ₪ 16188 ¥ 639440 Mex$ 83926 NZ$ 7062 kr 46176 zł 16920 S$ 5620 kr 44721 CHF 3682 $ 4,297 $ 7090 £ 3658 $ 6,564 € 4285 Ft 1753412 kr 649850 ₪ 17980 ¥ 710213 Mex$ 93214 NZ$ 7844 kr 51286 zł 18793 S$ 6242 kr 49671 CHF 4089 $ 4,772 Deck 2 | Category C $ 5592 £ 2885 $ 5,178 € 3380 Ft 1383088 kr 512600 ₪ 14182 ¥ 560214 Mex$ 73527 NZ$ 6187 kr 40454 zł 14824 S$ 4923 kr 39180 CHF 3226 $ 3,764 $ 6032 £ 3112 $ 5,585 € 3646 Ft 1491935 kr 552941 ₪ 15298 ¥ 604302 Mex$ 79314 NZ$ 6674 kr 43638 zł 15991 S$ 5311 kr 42264 CHF 3480 $ 4,061 Category C for single-use $ 7442 £ 3839 $ 6,890 € 4498 Ft 1840571 kr 682152 ₪ 18873 ¥ 745516 Mex$ 97848 NZ$ 8234 kr 53836 zł 19727 S$ 6552 kr 52140 CHF 4293 $ 5,010 $ 8148 £ 4204 $ 7,544 € 4925 Ft 2015299 kr 746910 ₪ 20665 ¥ 816289 Mex$ 107137 NZ$ 9015 kr 58946 zł 21600 S$ 7174 kr 57089 CHF 4700 $ 5,485 Deck 3 | Category D $ 5812 £ 2999 $ 5,381 € 3513 Ft 1437511 kr 532770 ₪ 14740 ¥ 582258 Mex$ 76421 NZ$ 6431 kr 42046 zł 15407 S$ 5117 kr 40722 CHF 3353 $ 3,913 $ 6254 £ 3227 $ 5,790 € 3780 Ft 1546767 kr 573263 ₪ 15861 ¥ 626512 Mex$ 82229 NZ$ 6919 kr 45242 zł 16578 S$ 5506 kr 43817 CHF 3607 $ 4,210 Category D for single-use $ 7794 £ 4021 $ 7,217 € 4711 Ft 1927730 kr 714455 ₪ 19767 ¥ 780819 Mex$ 102481 NZ$ 8624 kr 56385 zł 20662 S$ 6862 kr 54609 CHF 4496 $ 5,247 $ 8501 £ 4386 $ 7,871 € 5138 Ft 2102458 kr 779213 ₪ 21559 ¥ 851592 Mex$ 111770 NZ$ 9405 kr 61496 zł 22534 S$ 7484 kr 59558 CHF 4903 $ 5,722 Book before November 30, 2024 and receive 200 Euros off all 2025 departures
Extra Options
Helmet rental $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 Ft 4092 kr 1517 ₪ 42 ¥ 1657 Mex$ 218 NZ$ 18 kr 120 zł 44 S$ 15 kr 116 CHF 10 $ 11 Transfer from/to Lyon Airport to ship, 1-3 people $ 83 £ 43 $ 77 € 50 Ft 20460 kr 7583 ₪ 210 ¥ 8287 Mex$ 1088 NZ$ 92 kr 598 zł 219 S$ 73 kr 580 CHF 48 $ 56 *Due to rising fuel costs, transfer prices subject to change. Please note that transfer reservations must be made well in advance of your tour date. Transfer distance is 19 mi. (30 km) and transfer time is 30-35 minutes of travel.
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
On this easy-to-moderate E-Bike & Boat tour, you pedal the picturesque wine-growing landscape of the Rhône and Saône Valleys for a total distance of 200 km on rural country roads with light traffic. Although the south of France is very mountainous, you will often start with your e-bike above the river valleys and ride a lot more downhill than uphill. On your premium pedelec equipped with Bosch or Shimano mid-mounted motor, you can decide how much assistance you require. The difficulty rating will be entirely up to you!
Airport Info
Fly to Lyon (LYS) or Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG)
Local Travel
Lyon-Sant-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
The Gare de Saint-Exupéry is the railway station directly attached to the airport. The Tram Lyon Express (Rhône Express) travels to/from the city center (Part-Dieu train station) every 15 minutes and takes approx 30 minutes. The cost is between €16 and €30, can be purchased on line, from machines at the airport, or on board from the conductor (a €4 fee will be required).
Please book your flight so that you arrive at Lyon airport no later than 3 pm, to arrive to the ship at 5 pm for embarkation, tour information meeting, and evening drive through Lyon’s old town.
Paris Airport CDG
TGV train from/to Paris CDG to Lyon takes approx. 2 hours. Expect to pay between €50 - €100.Climate
This tour is offered during the spring and fall in France, the best time for cycling in Burgundy and Provence, as summer temperatures can be hot. The region has a temperate, semi-continental climate with Oceanic and Mediterranean influences. Expect warm days, but also cooler ones, with temperatures dropping at night. Rain is more frequent in the spring so don’t forget your raingear! See below for average temperatures and rainfall.
Remarks
This tour offers an optional CO2 compensation program for a supplement through Atmosfair, a non-profit climate protection organization with a focus on travel. Your voluntary contribution will provide for the expansion of renewable energies in countries where they are scarcely available. See pricing.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by TerraNova.
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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