France: Provence – Camargue

We welcome you in Aigues Mortes, medieval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean aboard your new home-from-home from 6.00 p.m. onwards, and then regroup for the introductory briefing – at 6.30 – with your tour leader, skipper and crew, along with a first refreshing aperitivo.

Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will have the chance to see the famous black bulls and the white horses typical of this region, as well as the pink flamingos…In the afternoon you will  reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.

This stage is dedicated to the exploration of the Camargue area, with its canals, villages and lagoons. In the afternoon you will reach the seaside town of Le Graudu-Roi where you can have a bath in the Mediterranean Sea and relax on the sand. Do not miss the opportunity to observe small groups of pink flamingos along the Canal du Rhône à Sète and on its ponds at the edge of the Salins du Midi.

You will sail for a couple of hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today’s destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique and Roman patrimony. The city fascinates you with its hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Van Gogh. In the afternoon you will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town.

Today’s stage is a short “transfer” tour leading you through “Tête de la Camargue”, an area in the south-west of Arles delimited by the Petit Rhône. A cycle trip traversing cultivated fields, reed beds and bull farms as far as the town of Arles.
Navigation: about 2,5 hours from Aigues Mortes to St-Gilles.

This is a breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched village of Les-Baux-de-Provence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.

The stage goes along quiet country roads: you will only have to pay attention to the traffic leaving Arles and along the road that leads you from Tarascon to Vallabrègues. Today’s stage is the only one that has a real elevation up in ascent: 4 km ascent from the village of Paradou to Les Baux de Provence. But after Les Baux a beautiful 4 km downhill to St. Remy waits for you.

Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and after-wards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon navigation to Aramon for the overnight with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.

After leaving Vallabrègues, you come up the course of the Rhone to the medieval village of Barbentane, from which you start the climb to reach the abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet. After relaxing in the quietness of the place a descent of 4 km and a pleasant country road are waiting for you before arriving in Boulbon.
Navigation: about 1 hour from Vallabrègues to Aramon.

The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Back to Aramon in the afternoon you will sail to Avignon, the city of the Popes. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in a restaurant of your choice.

After leaving the village of Aramon the itinerary will bring you between rolling hills covered with fine vineyards and ancient villages before reaching the front of the majestic Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of Roman engineering. In this first part there are some short slopes.
Navigation: about 2 hours from Aramon to Avignon.

Today you’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back you’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon a guided visit will let you discover the historic center of Avignon.

Simple circuit along peaceful country roads through the island Île de la Barthelasse. You will find some short climbs before Villeneuve Les Avignon

After breakfast: disembarkation and end of the tour.