Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France Bike + Barge Tours
A bike & boat tour through Provence, the region of Van Gogh
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1210 Rates
- Book This Trip
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.
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
Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
Season 1: March 25 & April 8, 2023
Season 2: April 22, July 1, July 15, July 29, & August 12, 2023
Season 3: May 6, May 20, June 3, June 17, & October 21, 2023
Season 4: August 26, September 9, September 23, & October 7, 2023Aigues Mortes to Avignon
Season 1: April 1 & April 15, 2023
Season 2: April 29, July 8, July 22, August 5, & August 19, 2023
Season 3: May 13, May 27, June 10, & June 24, 2023
Season 4: September 2, September 16, September 30, & October 14, 2023All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 12 participants.
Comfort Class boats
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 2036 £ 1070 $ 1,761 € 1210 kr 179076 ₪ 4985 ¥ 194593 Mex$ 24200 NZ$ 2191 NOK 14117 kr 14452 $ 1,308 $ 2692 £ 1415 $ 2,329 € 1600 kr 236794 ₪ 6592 ¥ 257313 Mex$ 32000 NZ$ 2898 NOK 18667 kr 19110 $ 1,729 $ 2776 £ 1460 $ 2,402 € 1650 kr 244194 ₪ 6798 ¥ 265354 Mex$ 33000 NZ$ 2988 NOK 19250 kr 19707 $ 1,783 $ 2877 £ 1513 $ 2,489 € 1710 kr 253074 ₪ 7045 ¥ 275003 Mex$ 34200 NZ$ 3097 NOK 19950 kr 20423 $ 1,848 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2608 £ 1371 $ 2,256 € 1550 kr 229394 ₪ 6386 ¥ 249272 Mex$ 31000 NZ$ 2807 NOK 18083 kr 18512 $ 1,675 $ 3264 £ 1716 $ 2,824 € 1940 kr 287113 ₪ 7992 ¥ 311992 Mex$ 38800 NZ$ 3513 NOK 22633 kr 23170 $ 2,096 $ 3348 £ 1760 $ 2,897 € 1990 kr 294513 ₪ 8198 ¥ 320033 Mex$ 39800 NZ$ 3604 NOK 23217 kr 23768 $ 2,151 $ 3449 £ 1813 $ 2,984 € 2050 kr 303392 ₪ 8446 ¥ 329682 Mex$ 41000 NZ$ 3712 NOK 23917 kr 24484 $ 2,215 Double/twin for single-use $ 3601 £ 1893 $ 3,115 € 2140 kr 316712 ₪ 8816 ¥ 344156 Mex$ 42800 NZ$ 3875 NOK 24967 kr 25559 $ 2,313 $ 4257 £ 2238 $ 3,683 € 2530 kr 374431 ₪ 10423 ¥ 406876 Mex$ 50600 NZ$ 4582 NOK 29517 kr 30217 $ 2,734 $ 4341 £ 2282 $ 3,756 € 2580 kr 381831 ₪ 10629 ¥ 414917 Mex$ 51600 NZ$ 4672 NOK 30100 kr 30814 $ 2,788 $ 4442 £ 2335 $ 3,843 € 2640 kr 390710 ₪ 10876 ¥ 424566 Mex$ 52800 NZ$ 4781 NOK 30800 kr 31531 $ 2,853 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
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 $ 2112 £ 1110 $ 1,827 € 1255 kr 185735 ₪ 5170 ¥ 201830 Mex$ 25100 NZ$ 2273 NOK 14642 kr 14989 $ 1,356 $ 2785 £ 1464 $ 2,409 € 1655 kr 244934 ₪ 6818 ¥ 266158 Mex$ 33100 NZ$ 2997 NOK 19308 kr 19767 $ 1,788 $ 2953 £ 1553 $ 2,555 € 1755 kr 259734 ₪ 7230 ¥ 282240 Mex$ 35100 NZ$ 3178 NOK 20475 kr 20961 $ 1,897 $ 3121 £ 1641 $ 2,700 € 1855 kr 274533 ₪ 7642 ¥ 298322 Mex$ 37100 NZ$ 3359 NOK 21642 kr 22155 $ 2,005 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2700 £ 1420 $ 2,336 € 1605 kr 237534 ₪ 6612 ¥ 258117 Mex$ 32100 NZ$ 2907 NOK 18725 kr 19169 $ 1,734 $ 3374 £ 1774 $ 2,919 € 2005 kr 296733 ₪ 8260 ¥ 322445 Mex$ 40100 NZ$ 3631 NOK 23392 kr 23947 $ 2,167 $ 3542 £ 1862 $ 3,064 € 2105 kr 311532 ₪ 8672 ¥ 338527 Mex$ 42100 NZ$ 3812 NOK 24558 kr 25141 $ 2,275 $ 3710 £ 1951 $ 3,210 € 2205 kr 326332 ₪ 9084 ¥ 354609 Mex$ 44100 NZ$ 3993 NOK 25725 kr 26335 $ 2,383 Double/twin for single-use $ 3760 £ 1977 $ 3,253 € 2235 kr 330772 ₪ 9208 ¥ 359434 Mex$ 44700 NZ$ 4048 NOK 26075 kr 26694 $ 2,415 $ 4434 £ 2331 $ 3,836 € 2635 kr 389970 ₪ 10856 ¥ 423762 Mex$ 52700 NZ$ 4772 NOK 30742 kr 31471 $ 2,848 $ 4602 £ 2419 $ 3,981 € 2735 kr 404770 ₪ 11268 ¥ 439844 Mex$ 54700 NZ$ 4953 NOK 31908 kr 32666 $ 2,956 $ 4770 £ 2508 $ 4,127 € 2835 kr 419570 ₪ 11680 ¥ 455926 Mex$ 56700 NZ$ 5134 NOK 33075 kr 33860 $ 3,064 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
Extra Options
Electric bike rental (advanced reservation required, limited availability) $ 252 £ 133 $ 218 € 150 kr 22199 ₪ 618 ¥ 24123 Mex$ 3000 NZ$ 272 NOK 1750 kr 1792 $ 162 Gluten-free, vegan & lactose-free diets $ 84 £ 44 $ 73 € 50 kr 7400 ₪ 206 ¥ 8041 Mex$ 1000 NZ$ 91 NOK 583 kr 597 $ 54 Electric bike rental (advanced reservation required, limited availability) $ 269 £ 142 $ 233 € 160 kr 23679 ₪ 659 ¥ 25731 Mex$ 3200 NZ$ 290 NOK 1867 kr 1911 $ 173 Gluten-free, vegan & lactose-free diets $ 84 £ 44 $ 73 € 50 kr 7400 ₪ 206 ¥ 8041 Mex$ 1000 NZ$ 91 NOK 583 kr 597 $ 54 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.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
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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