Provence and Camargue, Aigues-Mortes to Avignong MS Caprice or MS LÉstello
From Avignon to Aigues Mortes
Arrival in Aigues-Mortes
Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Aigues Mortes, medieval town,
ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 there is time to discover the
historic centre of Avignon.
Departure from Avignon
Embarkation until 09:00 am, after breakfast end of services.
Tour character
The tour is totally 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 a couple of navigation stretches to make the stage more enjoyable.
By a booking we will decide which boat you can go, MS CAPRICE orMS L’ESTELLO, it depends on availability.
Included:
- Program as mentioned in the tour course
- Full board: 7x breakfast, 6x packed lunch while cycling, 7x dinner
- Coffee and tea on board
- Bed sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily short cleaning and mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
- Bike helmet
- Travel Guide, Maps, Roadbook
- English speaking tour guide within an international group
- Guided visit of Arles
- Harbour charges
- Emergency van in the area
Arrival/Parking/Departure:
- Guarded parking space near the harbour, approx. EUR 20,–/day. No reservation possible.
Number of participants:
- min. none, guranteed departures
Notes:
- Further important information according to the package travel law and additional information about your bike and boat trip can be found here!
MS Carprice
The small but fine ship can accomodate a maximum of 21 guests in in the 11 cabins.
MS Léstello
The boat L’Estello is equipped with: - 10 double cabins (one with a double bed and nine with twin beds) measuring 7-8 m2.
