Provence & Rhône Valley by E-Bike and Boat

Day 1: Arrival in Lyon
Day 2: Lyon – Chavanay – Tournon-sur-Rhône, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 3: Tournon-sur-Rhône – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Viviers, 24 or 46 mi. (39 or 74 km)
Day 4: Viviers – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon, 37 or 40 mi. (60 or 64 km)
Day 5: Avignon, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 50 km)
Day 6: Avignon – Pont du Gard – Tarascon, 34 or 37 mi. (55 or 60 km)
Day 7: Tarascon – Arles, 15 or 40 mi. (24 or 64 km)
Day 8: Departure from Arles

Please note that daily routes and overnight moorings may occasionally change due to weather, river conditions, lock operations, or other navigational requirements.

Day 1: Arrival in Lyon
Your journey begins in Lyon, France's renowned culinary capital and the gateway to the Rhône Valley. After boarding the MS Provence, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome drink while meeting the crew and tour leaders. A tour briefing introduces the week's cycling routes, daily schedule, and practical information. If time permits, you may join an optional test ride to familiarize yourself with your e-bike before dinner on board. Spend your first evening getting to know your fellow travelers as your Rhône adventure begins.

Day 2: Lyon – Chavanay – Tournon-sur-Rhône, 27 mi. (43 km)
Wake up to breakfast as the MS Provence cruises south through the northern Rhône Valley, passing vineyard-covered hillsides and riverside villages. After lunch, disembark in Chavanay, a small village in one of France's best-known wine-producing regions. Your first ride follows the ViaRhôna, one of France's premier cycling routes, along the Rhône River through Sablons, Serrières, and Andance, home to one of the Rhône's oldest suspension bridges. The route then leaves the river for quiet vineyard roads leading toward Saint-Désirat, where there may be an opportunity to enjoy a tasting of local Côtes du Rhône wines (or at a comparable winery). In the late afternoon, rejoin the MS Provence in Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Day 3: Tournon-sur-Rhône – La Voulte-sur-Rhône | La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Viviers, 24 or 46 mi. (39 or 74 km)
Today's ride offers two distinct options. The leisure route follows the ViaRhôna south on mostly flat, traffic-free bike paths beside the Rhône. Along the way, pass riverside villages including Glun and Beauchastel, with time to explore Valence, known for its historic center. Highlights may include the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and an optional visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage, where one of France's most respected chocolatiers has been crafting chocolate since 1922. For a more challenging ride, cycle the advanced route and board the historic Train de l'Ardèche (subject to availability) with your bike for the climb to Lamastre. From there, cycle the scenic La Dolce Via, a former railway converted into a cycling greenway. The route follows the Eyrieux Valley through forests, tunnels, stone viaducts, and quiet river landscapes before descending to La Voulte-sur-Rhône. Both groups rejoin the MS Provence before an evening cruise south to Viviers.

Day 4: Viviers – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Avignon, 37 or 40 mi. (60 or 64 km)
Following breakfast, explore the landscapes of southern Provence, with a support vehicle available throughout the day. Leaving Viviers, you'll climb to La Garde-Adhémar, officially recognized as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' ('The Most Beautiful Villages of France'). Its stone streets and hilltop setting offer sweeping views across the Rhône Valley before the route continues through the Drôme Provençale, a region known for vineyards, olive groves, lavender, and truffle farms. Ride on to Suze-la-Rousse, home to an impressive Renaissance château and France's well-known wine university. Later, pass through Orange, where there may be time to admire its remarkably preserved Roman Theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The day's ride finishes among the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France's most celebrated wine appellations. An optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may be available before rejoining the MS Provence, which cruises to Avignon for the evening.

Day 5: Avignon, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 50 km)
Spend the morning exploring Avignon, one of Provence's best-known cities. A guided tour introduces the UNESCO-listed historic center and includes a visit to the impressive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the largest Gothic palace ever built and the seat of the Catholic Church during the 14th century. After lunch aboard the ship, choose how you'd like to spend the afternoon. Relax and continue exploring Avignon independently, or join an optional ride into the surrounding Provençal countryside. Following sections of the ViaRhôna, the route winds through orchards, canals, and quiet villages, including Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue. A stop at a local café offers a chance to enjoy the slower pace of village life before returning to Avignon. The evening is yours to discover the city's cafés, restaurants, and lively squares.

Day 6: Avignon – Pont du Gard – Tarascon, 34 or 37 mi. (55 or 60 km)
Today's ride heads into the heart of Provence, with a support vehicle accompanying the group throughout the day. Leaving Avignon, cycle through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon before following quiet country roads toward the Pont du Gard, one of the finest surviving Roman monuments in the world. Built in the first century AD to carry water to the Roman city of Nîmes, this three-tiered aqueduct stands nearly 160 feet (49 m) high and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore the site and enjoy lunch before continuing. In the afternoon, ride mostly flat roads through vineyards and farmland toward the Rhône River, passing through the Provençal countryside to Beaucaire and Tarascon, where the MS Provence remains docked overnight. Dinner is served on board.

Day 7: Tarascon – Arles, 15 or 40 mi. (24 or 64 km)
Your final day of cycling offers a choice between a relaxed riverside ride and a longer route through the Alpilles, one of Provence's most distinctive landscapes. The leisure route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna from Tarascon to Arles, passing farmland, small villages, and the Rhône River before arriving in this UNESCO World Heritage city. After lunch aboard the MS Provence, discover Arles on a guided walking tour, where remarkably preserved Roman monuments, including the Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre, stand alongside cafés and squares that inspired many of Vincent van Gogh's paintings. Your included Pass Liberté also provides access to additional historic sites. Cyclists looking for a more challenging ride can join the advanced route and head into the Alpilles Regional Natural Park via Fontvieille. The route climbs to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages, set dramatically atop a rocky limestone outcrop. Continue through olive groves to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the former monastery where Vincent van Gogh stayed in 1889 and painted works including The Starry Night and Irises. Depending on the day's schedule, stops may also include Abbaye de Montmajour and Château des Baux-de-Provence before continuing to Arles.

Day 8: Departure from Arles
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence and disembark.

Day 1: Arrival in Arles
Day 2: Arles – Tarascon, 15 or 40 mi. (24 or 64 km)
Day 3: Tarascon – Pont du Gard – Avignon, 34 or 37 mi. (55 or 60 km)
Day 4: Avignon, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 50 km)
Day 5: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Viviers, 37 or 40 mi. (60 or 64 km)
Day 6: Viviers – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Tournon-sur-Rhône, 24 or 46 mi. (39 or 74 km)
Day 7: Tournon-sur-Rhône – Chavanay – Lyon, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 8: Departure from Lyon

Please note that daily routes and overnight moorings may occasionally change due to weather, river conditions, lock operations, or other navigational requirements.

Day 1: Arrival in Arles
Welcome aboard the MS Provence in Arles, the gateway to Provence and the starting point of your Rhône Valley journey. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a welcome drink and meet the crew and tour leaders. A tour briefing covers the week's cycling routes, daily schedule, and practical information. If time allows, you may join an optional test ride to become familiar with your e-bike before dinner on board. This evening, take time to stroll through Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its remarkably preserved Roman monuments and its connection to Vincent van Gogh, who created hundreds of paintings during his stay here.

Day 2: Arles – Tarascon, 15 or 40 mi. (24 or 64 km)
Your first ride offers a choice between an easy route along the Rhône River and a more challenging ride through the Alpilles Regional Natural Park. The leisure route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna, passing farmland, riverside scenery, and small Provençal villages on the way to Tarascon. For a longer ride, join the advanced route and head into the limestone hills of the Alpilles via Fontvieille. Visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the former monastery where Vincent van Gogh stayed in 1889 and painted masterpieces including The Starry Night and Irises. Continue to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages, dramatically perched on a rocky plateau overlooking olive groves and vineyards. Depending on the day's schedule, visits may also include Château des Baux-de-Provence and Abbaye de Montmajour. Later, arrive in Tarascon, where the MS Provence awaits. Dinner is served on board.

Day 3: Tarascon – Pont du Gard – Avignon, 34 or 37 mi. (55 or 60 km)
Today's ride explores the heart of Provence, with a support vehicle accompanying the group throughout the day. Leaving Tarascon, cycle through vineyards, farmland, and quiet country roads toward the Pont du Gard, one of the finest surviving Roman monuments in the world. Built in the first century AD to carry water to the Roman city of Nîmes, this three-tiered aqueduct stands nearly 160 feet (49 m) high and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore the site and enjoy lunch before continuing. In the afternoon, ride through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon before crossing the Rhône into Avignon. The city's skyline, dominated by the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), offers an unforgettable first view of one of Provence's best-known destinations.

Day 4: Avignon, 24 or 31 mi. (39 or 50 km)
Spend the morning exploring Avignon on a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed historic center. Your visit includes the impressive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), the largest Gothic palace ever built and the seat of the Catholic Church during much of the 14th century. After lunch aboard the ship, choose between more time exploring Avignon independently or an optional ride into the surrounding countryside. Following sections of the ViaRhôna, the route passes orchards, canals, and quiet villages, including Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue. A stop at a local café offers a chance to enjoy village life before returning to Avignon. The evening is free to discover the city's restaurants, cafés, and lively squares.

Day 5: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Viviers, 37 or 40 mi. (60 or 64 km)
Today's cycle route heads north through the vineyards and hilltop villages of the southern Rhône Valley, with a support vehicle available throughout the day. Leaving Avignon, cycle into the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France's best-known wine appellations. An optional wine tasting or wine-and-chocolate pairing may be available before continuing to Orange, where there may be time to stop at its remarkably preserved Roman Theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through the Drôme Provençale, passing vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, and truffle country before reaching Suze-la-Rousse, home to a Renaissance château and France's renowned wine university. The day's final climb leads to La Garde-Adhémar, officially recognized as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' ('The Most Beautiful Villages of France'), before descending into the medieval riverside town of Viviers, where the MS Provence is waiting.

Day 6: Viviers – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Tournon-sur-Rhône, 24 or 46 mi. (39 or 74 km)
Today, you'll have the choice to cycle a relaxed route along the Rhône or a longer route through the Ardèche. The leisure route follows the ViaRhôna north on mostly flat, traffic-free bike paths beside the river. Along the way, there is time to explore Valence, known for its historic center and lively markets. Highlights may include the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and an optional visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l'Hermitage, where one of France's most respected chocolatiers has been producing chocolate since 1922. For a more challenging ride, follow the scenic, advanced route along La Dolce Via, a former railway transformed into a cycling greenway through the Eyrieux Valley. Ride through forests, tunnels, stone viaducts, and quiet river landscapes before boarding the historic Train de l'Ardèche (subject to availability) for part of the journey. Both groups reunite in Tournon-sur-Rhône, where the MS Provence awaits.

Day 7: Tournon-sur-Rhône – Chavanay – Lyon, 27 mi. (43 km)
Your final ride follows the northern Rhône through one of France's most celebrated wine regions. Cycle along quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna, passing the wine villages of Saint-Désirat, Andance, Serrières, and Sablons before reaching Chavanay. Along the way, enjoy views of the steep vineyard terraces that produce acclaimed wines such as Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. Near the end of the ride, there may be an opportunity to sample local Côtes du Rhône wines (or enjoy a similar wine experience). Later, relax aboard the MS Provence as the ship cruises to Lyon, where a farewell dinner celebrates your journey through Provence and the Rhône Valley.

Day 8: Departure from Lyon
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence and disembark in Lyon.