Provence and Camargue, MS L`Estello/MS Carprice
From Avignon to Aigues Mortes
Arrival in Avignon
Individual arrival and boarding after 6 p.m. in Avignon. 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 time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.
In the morning navigation till the town of Aramon, where you will start pedalling. The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.
You start your day sailing to 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. Overnight in Vallabrègues.
This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. In the end you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.
Today the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. After mlunch you reach the lock of Saint Gilles and from there you will sail to Aigues Mortes for the overnight stay.
Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.
Embarkation until 09:00 am.
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 (breakfast, dinner and a self-made packed lunch)
- Coffee and tea and other hot drinks on board
- 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 leader 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. € 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.
