Authentic Europe · Partly guided

Bike & Cruise through Provence and Camargue

10-day Provence and Camargue bike and barge cruise from Paris

Bike & Cruise through Provence and Camargue, a rail journey with Authentic Europe

Authentic Europe's 10-day Bike & Cruise through Provence and Camargue is a partly guided cycling and river cruise from Paris to Aigues-Mortes. After two days in Paris, day 3 takes the train to Avignon to board the ship, named Caprice or L'Estello, for seven nights as a floating base. From there, daily rides of 25 to 55 km follow the Rhone valley and the Camargue through Aramon, Vallabrègues and Arles, where the tour includes a guided visit of the city, before finishing with a ride in and around Aigues-Mortes. A tour guide cycles with the group each day, with an independent cycling option for those who prefer their own pace, and the trip also includes wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Camargue and a visit to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct. The operator rates the route Difficulty level 2 out of 5, suitable for average physical condition and cycling skills. This suits travelers who want an active, guided cycling holiday through Provence's countryside and history.

What to know before you look closer

  • The ship used is named as Caprice or L'Estello, so the exact vessel is not fixed and may vary by departure.
  • Museum entrance fees and drinks during onboard meals are not included, and tourist taxes are payable locally.
  • Only one train leg, from Paris to Avignon or Paris to Aigues Mortes, is part of the itinerary; the rest of the trip travels by bike, boat and support vehicle.
  • The activity level is rated easy (2 out of 5) but daily distances of 40 to 60 km with up to 500 meters of elevation gain require average physical condition and cycling skills.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Paris

    Arrival in Paris, the capital of France

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Day at leisure in Paris

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard ship

    Train to Avignon, board the boat & meet the group

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard ship

    Bike tour in and around Avignon (45 km)

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard ship

    Avignon - Aramon (40 km)

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard ship

    Aramon - Vallabrègues (35 km)

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard ship

    Vallabrègues - Arles (55 km)

  8. Day 8overnight: Onboard ship

    Arles - Aigues Mortes (25 km)

  9. Day 9overnight: Onboard ship

    Bike ride in and around Aigues Mortes (45 km)

  10. Day 10

    Disembarkation and departure from Aigues Mortes

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The group takes the train to Avignon to board the ship, Caprice or L'Estello, and meets the rest of the group.
  • Day 4The first cycling day covers 45 km in and around Avignon.
  • Day 7The route covers 55 km from Vallabrègues to Arles, where the tour includes a guided visit of the city.
  • Day 9The final cycling day covers 45 km in and around Aigues Mortes before disembarkation.

Included

  • 2 nights accommodation in Paris in a standard room with private shower or bath/WC, including breakfast
  • Train ticket from Paris to Avignon or Paris to Aigues Mortes
  • 7 nights accommodation onboard the Caprice or L'Estello (including bed linen, towels and mid-week cabin cleaning service)
  • Meals included onboard: 7 breakfasts, 6 self-made picnic lunches (for bike touring days), 6 dinners, coffee, tea and a welcome drink
  • Bike rental including insurance (24 speeds, hand brakes, pannier bag, lock, water bottle, helmet)
  • Tour guide that cycles with the group (independent cycling option available)
  • City walks with tour leader
  • Guided visit in Arles
  • Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Camargues
  • WiFi (only available in common areas)
  • Support vehicle
  • Ferry fares along the route
  • Electronic travel documentation, including a detailed travel itinerary and travel vouchers
  • 24/7 emergency phone service while travelling

Not included

  • Tourist taxes (not included, payable locally)
  • Entrance fees to museums
  • Drinks during meals onboard (available to purchase)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, a train ticket from Paris to Avignon or Paris to Aigues Mortes is included; the rest of the trip is traveled by bike, boat and support vehicle.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is partly guided. A tour guide cycles with the group each day, but an independent cycling option is also available.
How much physical activity is involved?
The operator rates it Difficulty level 2 out of 5 (easy), with daily distances of 40 to 60 km and elevation gain of 100 to 500 meters, suitable for anyone with average physical condition and cycling skills.
What is not included?
Tourist taxes, museum entrance fees, and drinks during onboard meals are not included.
When does it run?
The operator lists 16 departures across March through October 2026.
What is included?
2 nights in Paris, the train ticket to Avignon or Aigues Mortes, 7 nights onboard the Caprice or L'Estello with meals, bike rental with insurance, a cycling tour guide, city walks, a guided visit in Arles, wine tasting, a support vehicle, ferry fares, travel documentation and 24/7 emergency phone service.

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