Itinerary

Boarding the MS Provence, welcome by the crew and tour guide, and an introduction to the cycling itinerary. Depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity for an optional warm-up ride. In the evening, enjoy dinner together. Afterward, take a stroll through the historic old town of Arles, with its Roman amphitheater and traces of Vincent van Gogh.

Today, you can choose between a leisurely stage along the Rhône (25 to 30 km) or a more challenging tour through the Alpilles (60 to 65 km). The shorter route takes you along quiet paths through the Provençal river landscape to Tarascon. The more challenging route goes via Fontvieille to Les Baux-de-Provence and on to the Abbey of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. Both routes offer magnificent views of the Provençal countryside.

Cycle through vineyards and Mediterranean landscapes to the impressive Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a break, the route takes you through Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to the historic papal city of Avignon, where your ship is already waiting for you.

In the morning, you’ll take a guided tour to explore the old town and the imposing Papal Palace. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore on your own or take an optional bike tour through orchards, along canals, and through small villages in the peaceful countryside of Provence.

After breakfast, a varied leg of the journey begins through the famous wine-growing regions of the southern Rhône Valley. Passing through Orange and Suze-la-Rousse, the route winds through fields of lavender and sunflowers to La Garde-Adhémar, offering magnificent views of the Rhône Valley. The MS Provence awaits you in Viviers.

Today, you can choose between a leisurely ride along the ViaRhôna (40 to 50 km) with a visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, or a more challenging route (70 to 75 km) along the former La Dolce Via railroad right-of-way. The day concludes with a ride on the historic Train de l'Ardèche to Tournon-sur-Rhône.

To conclude your trip, you’ll cycle through the famous wine villages of the northern Rhône Valley along the Rhône River to Chavanay. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to taste regional Côtes-du-Rhône wines. While you relax on board in the afternoon, the MS Provence will take you to Lyon, where the trip will come to a close with a farewell dinner together.

After breakfast, disembark by approximately 9:00 a.m. and make your own way home.

Tour character

The bike tours are fairly easy and mostly take place on flat terrain.

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Map showing cycling route along Rhône River from Arles to Lyon via Avignon, with red dots marking stops including Tarascon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Your ship

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Services

Organizer: Boat Bike Tours, Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB, Amsterdam

7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
Itinerary as described
All port, bridge, and lock fees
Daily cabin cleaning; bed linens and towels changed as needed
Welcome drink
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches for bike tours, 6 afternoon coffee and tea breaks, 6 three-course dinners
Daily bike tour briefing on board
GPS data
Fully guided bike tours (for 18 guests or more: 2 tour guides, 2 groups)
Cycling maps and informational materials for independent cycling tours—1 set per cabin (available on-site only)
Ferry fees
Support vehicle available on 2 cycling days
Wine tasting in the Côtes du Rhône region
City walking tour of Avignon, including admission to the Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes)
Admission to the Point du Gard
Wine and chocolate tasting in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region
Admission to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona (on the leisurely tour on Day 3)
City walking tour of Arles, including the amphitheater and Roman theater (on the leisurely tour on Day 3)
Train ride to Lamastre (on the active tour on Day 3, subject to availability)
Admission to Montmajour Abbey (on the active tour on Day 3)
Admission to Saint-Paul de Mausole (on the active tour on Day 3)
Wi-Fi (limited data allowance)

Services not Included

Travel to and from the destination, parking fees, transfers to/from the dock, bike rental, admission and sightseeing fees not mentioned, as well as excursions, city maps, travel insurance, tips, beverages, 1 dinner, and personal expenses.

Information

Rental Bike Features:

8-speed premium e-bike, model “Gudereit EC-4,” with hand brakes (no coaster brakes)
Includes a waterproof pannier bag, bike helmet, and water bottle
Please specify your height when booking.

Embarkation from 2:00 p.m.

Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m.

No minimum number of participants; departure is guaranteed. You may cancel your trip at any time after booking. Please refer to the terms and conditions for cancellation fees.

The terms and conditions of the tour operator apply: Boat Bike Tours, Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB, Amsterdam.

Bringing Your Own Bikes: Due to limited space on the sun deck, bringing your own bike is only possible upon request and subject to availability. For safety reasons, it is not possible to charge the batteries of your own electric bikes in your cabin. The crew will inform you where you can charge your battery on deck or on board. In this case, neither the ship’s crew nor the tour operator is liable for any damage, loss, or theft of your bicycle or e-bike.

Schedules and programs are subject to change without notice. If, for example, a section of the route cannot be navigated due to low water, high water, or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this does not constitute grounds for a free cancellation). The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs ordered by authorities that were not announced in advance.

Additional Information Please keep in mind that your riverboat is, on the one hand, your “vacation hotel,” but on the other hand, it is also a working vessel that is powered by engines and must be operated continuously, even at night (including lock and bridge passages). We recommend that guests who are particularly sensitive to noise bring earplugs. Passing through locks involves some disruption and, unfortunately, cannot be avoided.

Travel Documents EU citizens (unless special circumstances apply, such as dual citizenship, primary residence abroad, or provisionally issued travel documents) require a valid ID card or passport for this trip, which must remain valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip. If you hold another citizenship or multiple citizenships, or if you are subject to special legal requirements, please check with your relevant consulate regarding the applicable visa and entry requirements. This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

We recommend purchasing international health insurance that includes repatriation coverage, as well as accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance.