Bike and boat France: From Provence to the Camargue

Experience the South of France, the Rhone by bike and boat. Our cycle and boat tour in France takes you through the beautiful and historic Provence to the wild nature of the Camargue. From Avignon, the former city of the popes, the route crosses the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe, the Pont du Gard. You drive through landscapes that inspired van Gogh until you finally reach the Camargue with its rice fields, wild nature, countless pink flamingos and the famous white Camargue horses. On this cycle and boat tour in France, you have the option of riding the cycling stages alone or together with the tour guide in a group. Each guest receives a very detailed route description for the individual version of the tour. The crew on board will spoil you daily with delicious regional and seasonal dishes. The tour group can be an international mix. You are out and about on your bikes and the ships MS Caprice or MS L'Estello.

Accommodation

You travel and live on the ship. Two ships are used for this bike and boat trip in France: Caprice and L'Estello.

Your ship: Either you are traveling on the MS Caprice

The ship has 11 cabins (2 double cabins, 8 twin cabins, 1 single cabin) of 7/8 square meters. Each cabin has two portholes that cannot be opened, is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom with shower cubicle and hairdryer. There is a locker in each cabin as well as a cupboard, a power socket and a long mirror. The bed size is 1.90 m x 0.80 m (single bed) or 1.90 m x 1.40 m (double bed). The air-conditioned lounge (12.50 m x 4.10 m) is divided into two areas: The restaurant and the lounge with open bar. The total of 10 windows provide plenty of natural light. The ship offers you > Free WiFi in the restaurant and bar > 55'' flat screen in the salon for videos > Self-service coffee and tea machine > A sun deck with seating and fixed awnings

Deck plan of the Caprice

A look inside the cabins

Your ship: Or you can travel on the MS L'Estello

The L'Estello has 10 double cabins: 1 double cabin and 9 twin cabins, each with 7 - 8 square meters. Each cabin has two portholes that cannot be opened, is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom with shower cubicle and hairdryer. There is a locker in each cabin as well as a cupboard, a power socket and a long mirror. The bed size is 1.90 m x 0.80 m (single bed) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (double bed) The air-conditioned lounge measuring 14 m x 5 m is divided into 2 areas: The restaurant with up to 21 seats and the lounge with comfortable bench seating. The total of 12 windows provide plenty of natural light. The ship offers you > Free WiFi in the restaurant and bar, > a 55'' flat screen in the saloon for videos, > Self-service coffee and tea machine, > A sun deck with seating and fixed awnings.

Deck plan L'Estello

A look inside the cabins

Please note: Both ships are ships and not hotels. Space and comfort are limited. During the voyage you will hear typical ship noises on board.

The route

The total distance by bike is around 240 km. Two stages are completely flat through the Camargue, while north of Arles there are a few uphill and downhill sections. There is a slightly more challenging climb towards Baux de Provence. Once at the top, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama. In total, you ascend around 650 meters in altitude. The tour runs mostly on side roads with little traffic. Some short stretches are on roads with a lot of traffic, which you cannot avoid. The route takes you along cycle paths and roads with little traffic through rural areas. They are mainly on paved paths, with around 5% on unpaved paths. The boat trips make the stages easier - and at the same time simply beautiful. Please note: The trip is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility. Please contact us for detailed information if required.

Bicycles

Rental bikes: If you want to rent a bike from us, you will get a very good unisex city bike with Deore Shimano 27 speed derailleur. Also available as a men's bike. Electric bikes (pedelecs): You can also hire an electric bike for this trip. These are equipped with 9-speed gears and assistance up to 25km/h. Performance: approx. 90 km (depending on riding style) All bikes are equipped with mudguards, puncture-proof tires, waterproof pannier on one side, handlebar bag (1 x per room), bike computer, repair kit (1 x per room) and bike lock. The bikes of sizes S - XL and the corresponding equipment such as repair kit, air pump, spare tube, bike lock, saddle bag, handlebar bag, bike computer are ready for you at the arrival hotel. At the end of your bike tour, simply drop off the rental bike at the last hotel. Return transportation is provided. Models may vary depending on region and availability.

Please indicate your age and height when booking!

Please note: Helmets are not compulsory in France. However, we recommend that you always wear a bicycle helmet on all bicycle tours. You are also welcome to rent it for the duration of the trip. After sunset you will need a safety vest.

Own bikes

Unfortunately, it is NOT possible to bring your own bikes on this tour.

Note on the itinerary

You mainly follow the river Rhone. For organizational reasons, due to weather conditions or according to the regulations of the local authorities, changes may be made to the itinerary before and/or during the trip. High and low water as well as logistical obstacles such as (unpredictable) maintenance work on bridges or locks can change the daily routes or mooring points and may even require a bus transfer. The decision is made by the captain alone. Please note: We can only offer this trip if at least 12 people come together. The use of one of the two ships on your tour depends on the logistical circumstances. We cannot make a binding commitment in advance as to which ship will operate your tour. This is usually the case. We also offer the same route in the opposite direction. Information on dates and prices can be found under the link Tour 23.

Your tour guide

Entertaining and always enthusiastic, our tour guides will accompany you through the country and river landscapes, to the people and their culture and into the history of this beautiful country. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge of the different areas, they can give you useful tips on routes and excursion destinations.

Country information and tips on package tours

Information on entry requirements for France can be found on our page under country information. Please read our notes on package tours on the ARB page. Please note: This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. We recommend that you take out international health insurance and travel cancellation insurance.