France / Provence and Camargue (FR030)
From Aigues Mortes to Avignon
1. Aigues Mortes
Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Aigues Mortes, medieval town, ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean.
2. Aigues Mortes, round tour (55 km)
Going through small country lanes of the 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 the charming fishermen's village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.
3. Aigues Mortes - Arles (25 km)
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.
4. Arles - Vallabreguès (60 km)
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.
5. Vallabrègues - Aramon (35 km)
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 Frigulet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. In the afternoon navigation to Aramon for the overnight, with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.
6. Aramon - Avignon (40 km)
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.
7. Avignon, round tour (30 km)
Today we'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 we'll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon a guided visit will let us discover the historic centre of Avignon.
8. Avignon
After breakfast, end of services.
The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat's captain.
Total Length: 245 km
Total vertical up: 620 m
Terrain: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved
The tour is totally flat in the lowlands during the two stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups and downs, which are however easy to overcome. There is just one more demanding slope towards Les Baux de Provence, but you will be fully repaid with an extraordinary landscape. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable. There will also be some navigation stretches to make the stage more enjoyable.
Easy cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people.
The boat Caprice is equipped with 11 cabins (1 Single, 2 Doubles, 8 Twins) measuring 7-8 m2.
Each cabin has three fixed portholes (one is in the bathroom), air conditioning and en-suite facilities with shower area; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror.
Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Doubles).
The living area measures 12.50 x 4.10 m, is air-conditioned and it is divided into two areas:
the Restaurant
the Lounge with an open bar
A total of 10 windows give plenty of natural light.
Extra features:
Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area
Complimentary courtesy kit
Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning.
The boat L'Estello is equipped with:
10 double cabins (one with a double bed and nine with twin beds) measuring 7-8 m2.
Each cabin has two portholes (one is in the bathroom), is air-conditioned and has en-suite facilities.
Bed sizes: 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m
The living area is an air-conditioned living room and is divided into two areas:
the Restaurant, with large picture windows
the Bar area with comfortable sofas and armchairs
Extra features:
Sundeck with a fixed awning, tables and chairs
Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area
"Bring and Borrow" supply of travel books
Pétanque/Boules sets and board games available
Complimentary courtesy kit
We remind you that the boat is not like a hotel, so during the journey you will always hear some sort of underground noise.
Characteristics:
Operator:
Tourtype:
guided
Children:
no
Regions:
Alpilles, Arles, Avignon, Bouches du Rhone, Camargue, Durance, Gard, Gardon, Herault, Languedoc Roussillon, Mediterranean Sea, Mont Ventoux, Provence, Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, Rhone, Rhone Alpes, Vaucluse
Countries:
France
Benefits:
- 7 overnights
- Full board (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
- Coffee and tea on board
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily short cleaning + mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
- Travel Guide, Maps, Roadbook
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
- Guided visit of Arles and Avignon
- Harbour charges
- Emergency van in the area (also available for daily excursions)
Start date: on request
End date:
Duration:
Price:
Click to order
Startdate
Middate
On request
Additional costs:
- 300 EUR single cabin
- 50 EUR special diet (gluten-free and vegan diets)
- 85 EUR Girolibero bike
- 195 EUR Electro-bike
- 15 EUR helmet
- Beverages on board
- Museums and extras in general
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the section "included in the price"