Authentic Europe · Partly guided

Bike & Cruise through Provence and Camargue (from Paris)

Partly guided bike and boat cruise through Provence and Camargue

Bike & Cruise through Provence and Camargue (from Paris), a rail journey with Authentic Europe

Authentic Europe's 10-day, 9-night Bike & Cruise trip is partly guided, combining two nights in Paris with a week aboard the Caprice or L'Estello through Provence and the Camargue, for groups of up to 21. Day 3 is a train from Paris to Avignon to board the boat, after which each day pairs a stretch of river cruising with a bike ride of 25 to 55 km, from Avignon through Aramon, Vallabrègues, and Arles to Aigues-Mortes, where the boat is disembarked on day 10. A tour guide cycles with the group, though individual cycling is also an option, and the trip includes a guided visit in Arles and wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Camargue. The operator rates the cycling difficulty 2 out of 5, easy, with elevation gain of 100 to 500 meters a day, suitable for anyone with average fitness and cycling skills. This suits travelers who want an active but unhurried way to see Provence, cycling by day and sleeping aboard the same boat each night.

What to know before you look closer

  • No specific hotel is named for the two Paris nights, described only as a standard room; the rest of the trip is spent aboard the Caprice or L'Estello.
  • Tourist taxes in Paris are paid locally and are not included in the price.
  • E-bikes are available only at a surcharge and subject to limited availability; standard bike rental is included.
  • No specific departure dates are given in the evidence; confirm current availability with the operator.

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 (Provence cruise)

    Train to Avignon, board the boat & meet the group

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    Bike tour in and around Avignon (45 km)

  5. Day 5overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    Avignon - Amaron (40 km)

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    Aramon - Vallabrègues (35 km)

  7. Day 7overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    Vallabrègues - Arles (55 km)

  8. Day 8overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    Arles - Aigues Mortes (25 km)

  9. Day 9overnight: Onboard (Provence cruise)

    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 3Train to Avignon, then boarding the Caprice or L'Estello to begin the river cruise.
  • Day 4A 45 km bike ride in and around Avignon.
  • Day 7A 55 km ride from Vallabrègues to Arles, including the guided visit in Arles.
  • Day 8A 25 km ride from Arles to Aigues Mortes.
  • Day 9A 45 km bike ride in and around Aigues Mortes.

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. All bikes are equipped with 24 speeds, hand brakes, pannier bag, a good lock, water bottle & bike helmet
  • Tour guide that cycles with the group (you can also choose to cycle individually)
  • 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 in Paris (paid locally)
  • E-bikes (available at a surcharge, subject to limited availability)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. A train ticket from Paris to Avignon (or Paris to Aigues Mortes, depending on route direction) is included; day 3 is the train from Paris to Avignon to board the boat.
Is it guided or independent?
It's partly guided. A tour guide cycles with the group, though you can also cycle individually; city walks are led by a tour leader and there is a guided visit in Arles.
How much cycling is involved?
The operator rates it difficulty 2 out of 5 (easy), with daily distances of 40 to 60 km and elevation gain of 100 to 500 meters per day, suitable for anyone with average physical condition and good cycling skills.
Where do you sleep?
Two nights in a standard hotel room in Paris, then 7 nights aboard the Caprice or L'Estello, including bed linen, towels, and mid-week cabin cleaning.
What meals are included?
Onboard: 7 breakfasts, 6 self-made picnic lunches on biking days, 6 dinners, coffee, tea, and a welcome drink.
What is not included?
Tourist taxes in Paris, paid locally, and e-bikes, which are available only at a surcharge with limited availability.

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