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
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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
2023
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 $ 1903 £ 1101 $ 1,792 € 1210 ₪ 4563 NZ$ 2079 NOK 13521 kr 13978 $ 1,346 $ 2516 £ 1456 $ 2,370 € 1600 ₪ 6034 NZ$ 2749 NOK 17880 kr 18483 $ 1,780 $ 2594 £ 1502 $ 2,444 € 1650 ₪ 6223 NZ$ 2834 NOK 18438 kr 19060 $ 1,835 $ 2689 £ 1556 $ 2,533 € 1710 ₪ 6449 NZ$ 2938 NOK 19109 kr 19753 $ 1,902 Single (only avail. on the Caprice) $ 2437 £ 1411 $ 2,296 € 1550 ₪ 5845 NZ$ 2663 NOK 17321 kr 17905 $ 1,724 $ 3050 £ 1766 $ 2,874 € 1940 ₪ 7316 NZ$ 3333 NOK 21679 kr 22410 $ 2,158 $ 3129 £ 1811 $ 2,948 € 1990 ₪ 7505 NZ$ 3419 NOK 22238 kr 22988 $ 2,213 $ 3223 £ 1866 $ 3,037 € 2050 ₪ 7731 NZ$ 3522 NOK 22908 kr 23681 $ 2,280 Double/twin for single-use $ 3365 £ 1948 $ 3,170 € 2140 ₪ 8070 NZ$ 3676 NOK 23914 kr 24721 $ 2,380 $ 3978 £ 2303 $ 3,748 € 2530 ₪ 9541 NZ$ 4346 NOK 28272 kr 29226 $ 2,814 $ 4057 £ 2348 $ 3,822 € 2580 ₪ 9730 NZ$ 4432 NOK 28831 kr 29803 $ 2,870 $ 4151 £ 2403 $ 3,911 € 2640 ₪ 9956 NZ$ 4535 NOK 29501 kr 30496 $ 2,936 *other than group bookings, a specific boat cannot be requested.
Extra Options
Electric bike rental (advanced reservation required, limited availability) $ 236 £ 137 $ 222 € 150 ₪ 566 NZ$ 258 NOK 1676 kr 1733 $ 167 Gluten-free, vegan & lactose-free diets $ 79 £ 46 $ 74 € 50 ₪ 189 NZ$ 86 NOK 559 kr 578 $ 56 Please Note
- Rates are 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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