Provence Camargue – Bike & Boat Aigues-Mortes to Avignon

Start the day with a look around the impressive city of Aigues-Mortes which takes its name from the surrounding ‘dead’ salt marshes and which was the embarkation point for both the seventh and eighth crusades. Don’t miss the massive 13th century Constance Tower, the great medieval military fortifications and the views of the vast salt pans. Follow the cycle path north along the Canal du Rhône à Sète via the famous bull-rearing town of Le Cailar, then loop round along Camargue country lanes between small villages of Marsillagues and St Laurent d’Aigouze back to the entrance of Aigues-Mortes and the Tour Carbonnière with its irresistible view of the Petite Camargue area. Look out for pink flamingos and the famous white Camargue horses on your travels and find out more about the region’s fascinating flora and fauna at the Maison Grand Site de France de la Camargue Gardeoise. But the Mediterranean is beckoning, so finally follow the Canal du Rhône à Sète cycle path south towards the fishing village of Le Grau-du-Roi to put a toe in the water and feel the sand between your toes before heading back to the boat in Aigues-Mortes.

Overnight mooring – Aigues-Mortes.

Miles  34  Kms  55

Relax at the start of the morning with a couple of hours cruise from Aigues-Mortes to St Gilles lock, before pedalling off on a short linear ride to the city with the most Roman remains after Rome itself – Arles. Spend a moment or two exploring the historic town of St Gilles, whose abbey and church – a stop along the way to Santiago de Compostella – is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here country lanes lead past a local black bull farm, reflecting the area’s bullfighting heritage, but it’s not long before cultivated fields give way to the periphery of France’s largest city.

Whether you fancy finding the spots where Van Gogh set his easel, or prefer the mighty remains of the Roman amphitheatre, Arles has plenty to please. And so that there’s no chance on missing out on any of its gems, an afternoon’s guided tour  is included in your tour price.

Overnight mooring – Arles.

Miles  15  Kms  25

A longer day with a linear stretch of cycling. Leave your floating accommodation at Arles to meet it again at Vallabrègues as you pedal through the rocky and colourful Provençal landscapes which inspired Grand Dutch Master, Van Gogh, during his time in Provence.

Heading out of Arles, past the Roman aqueduct and burial ground, the first stage of the route leads uphill – a more challenging, but very worthwhile few kilometres – to the impressive ancient village in the limestone rock-face – Les Baux-de-Provence. This section of the cycling day is optional with an alternative route missing out Les Baux-de-Provence provided. Alternatively, if you prefer not to miss out, but don’t fancy the cycling climb, it may also be possible to arrange a minibus transfer to avoid the climb (bookable /payable locally and subject to availability).

Find out more about this fascinating area of rocky landscapes, olive and almond trees at your next stop in St Rémy de Provence. But the ‘Musée des Alpilles’ is just one of the attractions in the town which boasts to be the birthplace of Nostradamus, home of the entire excavated Roman colony of Glanum and the place where Van Gogh painted prolifically during his period of recuperation from mental illness. Visit the Van Gogh Interpretation Centre or the ancient monastery of St Paul de Mausolee, recognised as the psychiatric hospital where the Dutch Master lived. Finally there’s the impressive medieval castle town of Tarascon which has monster tales to tell before you reach the boat moored in Vallabrègues, home of traditional basket weaving.

Overnight mooring – Vallabrègues.

Miles  37  Kms  60

Perhaps visit the craft museum in the pretty little Provençal village of Vallabrègues, then cycle out along the Rhône to its meeting point with the Durance river  – the fortified medieval town Barbentane. Don’t miss the castle (aka Le Petit Trianon de Provence) before starting the gentle climb up to the pine-clad plateau, the Massif de Montagnette, for a visit to the isolated Abbey of St Michel de Frigolet with its mighty, pinnacled basilica. Back downhill, medieval Boulbon near Vallabrègues boasts the remains of a feudal castle and an 11th century tower, plus a charming walk to the renovated 18th century Moulin de Bonnet, a classic tower and topknot windmill surrounded by beautiful views. Return to the boat for an hour’s afternoon cruise to Aramon, now one of the busy industrial centres of the Rhône Valley where your mooring will have a beautiful views of the rocky crests of the majestic Mont Ventoux.

Overnight mooring – Aramon.

Miles   21 Kms  35

 Dating right back to Roman times, the village of Aramon still has a medieval castle perched up on the rocks and is just a stone’s throw from rolling vineyard slopes and ancient villages such as Saint Amand. The place to pedal out however has to be the awesome arches of the Pont du Gard, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe and highest bridge in the Roman Empire. Enjoy a visit to this spectacular feat of ancient engineering which stretches some 275 metres across the river valley (entrance included in tour price), before wheeling your way along the Gardon valley and on to meet an unlikely mammoth lurking in the ‘Caves des Vignerons’ in historic Montfrin. Return to the boat for an hour’s afternoon cruise to Avignon, to moor up at the Quai de la Ligne by the famous bridge – where else?

Overnight mooring – Avignon. 

Miles  24  Kms  40

The delicious wines of the Côtes du Rhône have to be a highlight of any stay in Provence, so enjoy a gentle cycling sortie past Sorgues, along the banks of the Ouvèze and Lionne to the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A wine-tasting treat here is included in the tour price, so sip back and enjoy the real taste of Provence, before you head across the River Rhône to the ruined castle towers of Roquemaure. The royal castle here was dismantled after the French Revolution, but the village with its maze of medieval streets is the perfect place to drink in more vineyard views. Villeneuve-les-Avignon is the final stop of the cycling day, home of the Chartreuse and St André fortress, before you follow the river home to your floating home.

Overnight mooring – Avignon. 

Miles  27  Kms  45

From the Palais des Papes to the vibrant Place de la Horloge, the city has so much to explore. Following your final breakfast on board your floating home, you might choose to spend a little longer exploring the Palais des Papes or just soaking up the Provençal sunshine and the atmosphere on the café terraces of the vibrant Place de la Horloge. There are regular train services back to Aigues-Mortes. Please note that the train fare to Avignon is not included in the price of the tour.    

Extra nights in hotel accommodation can be booked to allow more time to explore Avignon at your leisure.