France

Provence - Aigues-Mortes to Avignon

Bike and Boat Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,730 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

BOOK NOW
A wonderful bike and boat holiday through the wild Camargue, from the medieval fortress of Aigues-Mortes, past the historical city of Arles, all the way to Avignon and its famous Pont du Gard.
The route will take us through typical Provencal landscapes, including rides through the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh’s Provence and we'll finish with a toast to celebrate our week out on our bikes with a glass of the local Chateauneuf du Pape.
Your accommodation for the week is on a specially-designed barge. During the day, a local leader will be leading the way, however route descriptions can be provided if you'd prefer to cycle independently from the group. 
This tour is run in conjunction with a local partner and you will join their guests on the tour. You will spend your evenings sharing experiences of the day with an international group of cyclists over authentic regional cuisine, cooked and served on board the barge. Please get in touch if you'd like to know the make up of the group booked onto your chosen departure.
If the below dates don't work for you, or if you'd prefer to do the route the other way around, you could consider starting the trip in Avignon and making your way to Aigues-Mortes. 
pont-du-gard-gardon-river-cycling-boat-cruise-holiday.jpg

Highlights

  • Cycling through the Camargue – famous for flamingos and wild horses
  • Gently riding through Provencal villages
  • Visiting Pont du Gard, the highest Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO Heritage site
  • Exploring scenic Avignon, city of the Popes
  • Cycling past the magnificent abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet
  • Staying on board a charming, comfortable barge

Back to Top

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Aigues-Mortes
  • Meals: Dinner

Today you’ll arrive in the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes, where you’ll board your barge from 18.00. Dinner on board is the perfect opportunity to get to know the other members of the group and chat about the week to come.

Day 2
Aigues-Mortes Loop Ride
34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 183 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 183 Metres Approx.

Today’s circular ride will take us along the small country lanes of the Camargue; we’ll be cycling along canals, past lagoons and through small villages to the charming fisherman’s village of Le Grau-du-Roi. With 12 miles of beach, it’s the perfect place to have a sunbathe and relax in the sunshine!

Alternatively, you‘re welcome to spend some time exploring the lovely Aigues-Mortes. Rising from the marshes of the Camargue, Aigues-Mortes’ walled town is the perfect place to escape to for a cold drink after a hot day spent lazing on the beach.

Day 3
Aigues-Mortes to Arles
22 Miles / 35 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 145 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 145 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll sail for a couple of hours up to Saint Gilles and Franquevaux then start our ride towards Arles; the ancient capital of Gaul.

With Roman treasures in abundance, shady squares and plenty of culture, Arles is the perfect town to explore by foot. Luckily you’ll be able to do just that as we’ve organised for a professional tour guide to show you around!

Day 4
Arles to Vallabrègues
34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 358 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 358 Metres Approx.

In the morning, we’ll make our way to the Alpilles, an enchanting natural site in the northwest of the Bouches du Rhône department. A highlight will be Les-Baux-de-Provence, a medieval village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees will accompany us throughout the day.

Today’s stage is the only one that has a real elevation up in ascent: 4km ascent from the village of Paradou to Les Baux de Provence. But after Les Baux a beautiful 4km downhill to St. Remy waits for you! You will have the option to avoid the climbs by choosing the detour route where a short 1 km climb in Fontvieille to the mills of Daudet is foreseen.

In the evening our barge will be moored in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône.

Day 5
Vallabrègues to Aramon
22 Miles / 35 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 174 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 174 Metres Approx.

Riding along country roads, we’ll make our way to Barbentane and its castle, situated at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. We’ll then cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet. The abbey takes its name from the Provençal word for thyme, the “ferigoule” which grows in the surrounding hills.

In the afternoon we’ll sail on to our overnight stop, Aramon; with beautiful views of Mont Ventoux, it’s a great place to stay the night.

Day 6
Aramon to Avignon
25 Miles / 40 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 202 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 202 Metres Approx.

Today’s route will take us to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe, Pont du Gard, a spectacular sight! The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. The impressive aqueduct, with 3 sets of archways, was designed to bring water to the city of Nîmes, and is the highest, and one of the best preserved, of all elevated Roman aqueducts.

After cycling to Aramon in the afternoon, we’ll set sail to Avignon, the city of the Popes, and your home for the next two nights. Our mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne, next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet, a perfect spot for exploring.

Day 7
Avignon Loop Ride
19 Miles / 30 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 208 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Ascent: 208 Metres Approx.

Today we’ll cycle to the opposite bank of the Rhone river, crossing the Ile de la Bathelasse and riding between vineyards and orchards.

We’ll follow the course of the river, and spend some time in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (once known as the town of the cardinals), before returning to our barge in Avignon.

This afternoon can be spent exploring the historic centre of Avignon, known as the heart of Provence. For 70 or so years of the early 1300s, Avignon was the centre of the Roman Catholic world, and although it’s position as the seat of papal power only lasted a few decades, it’s been left with an impressive range of architecture, the most famous being the World Heritage–listed fortress/palace, known as the Palais des Papes.

Day 8
Departure from Avignon
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast it’s time to disembark and start your journey home.

The itinerary has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal.

Occasionally, 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 logistical obstacles such as those officially ordered – and previously not announced (e.g. 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 will be taken by the boat’s captain.

Back to Top

The Cycling

Terrain

The terrain is 90% asphalt and on 10% unpaved roads.

The tour is in the lowlands during the three stages in the Camargue, while the stages north of Arles do present some ups and downs, but all manageable when taking it at your own pace.

The 5 km / 3 mile uphill climb towards Les Baux will pose the biggest challenge of the week, but you will be fully repaid with an extraordinary landscape.

The itinerary is mostly (around 80%) on secondary roads with low levels of traffic, with some short stretches on busier roads. There is a short 1 km stretch on a gravel / dirt road between Arles and Saint Gilles.

We recommend a hybrid or e-bike for this tour. (Own bikes not permitted on board) For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here

happy-fun-cycling-holiday-easy-leisure-skedaddle-tour.jpg

Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2-3: Gentle/ Moderate

Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 trips

Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes

Some modest climbs

Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc)

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Trips that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 rides. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.  

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

Back to Top

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 90 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
29/03/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
05/04/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,730.00
Start Date
12/04/2025
Return Date
19/04/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,730.00
Start Date
26/04/2025
Return Date
03/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,410.00
Start Date
10/05/2025 Fully Booked
Return Date
17/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,545.00
Start Date
24/05/2025 Fully Booked
Return Date
31/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,545.00
Start Date
07/06/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
14/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,545.00
Start Date
21/06/2025
Return Date
28/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,545.00
Start Date
05/07/2025
Return Date
12/07/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,410.00
Start Date
19/07/2025
Return Date
26/07/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,410.00
Start Date
02/08/2025
Return Date
09/08/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
$2,410.00

Show More

Whats Included Tick

A) Barge accommodation (shared twin / double en suite cabins, with sheets and towels)

B) Meals as per the itinerary

C) English speaking local leader, within an international group

D) Access to navigation app (inc. maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks)

E) Sheets and towels, and a mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change

F) Coffee and tea on board

G) Guided tour of Arles

H) Harbour charges

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) One evening meal (day 6)

D) Single cabin (available if required, on request)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills on board, etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Travel to barge on arrival day

J) Travel from barge on departure day

Back to Top

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

For this tour we ask that you make your own way to your barge on arrival and onwards at the end of the trip.

Both Avignon and Aigues-Mortes are served by the following airports: Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL), Marseille Provence (MRS), Nîmes Garons (FNI), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS) and Avignon Caumont (AVN) – Avignon Caumont is the most convenient option.

We can provide information on how to get to the boarding point from each of these airports and back again at the end of the trip.

Most flights from North America require overnight travel, and a stop over in an intermediary airport, with Norwegian combined with another airline being a common combination. Other airlines / routes may be available, please chat to our team. Please note that flying from North America may involve multiple travel days.

Please contact the team to discuss which travel options might work best for you.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so that we can ensure they fit in with the holiday schedule.

Accommodation

For the duration of the trip you will be staying on board a comfortable barge. We have two barges available, the Caprice or the L‘Estello. Both barges are of the same standard and you will be informed of your barge ahead of your trip.

The Caprice has 11 cabins, (1 Single, 2 Doubles, 8 Twins) measuring 7-8 m²/23-26ft², all of which are air conditioned and en suite. Each cabin has two fixed portholes. The barge is home to a restaurant area and lounge, with an open bar area. Through the lounge area you’ll reach the sundeck, offering plenty of options for anyone wishing to take in the scenery from the comfort of the boat.

The L‘Estello, has ten comfortable air-conditioned cabins measuring 7-8 m²/23-26ft² (9 with 2 low beds and 1 with a double bed), all with a private bathroom. Each cabin has two fixed portholes. The barge has a very spacious air conditioned living room and bar area with comfortable sofas and arm chairs and a separate dining room, all with large windows. This room opens onto the sundeck at the bow with a fixed awning and tables and chairs. The dining area’s panoramic windows offer up a lovely place to relax for your evening meal.

Bike Hire

Rental bikes are typically hybrid/touring bikes with semi slick tyres.

Rental bikes come with 1 cycle computer, 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag and 1 combination bike lock. If choosing to self-guide you will also be provided with 1 front bar bag and 1 repair kit per room (which includes 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers). If riding with the group, your leader will carry the repair kit.

We also have electric bikes available to rent on request.

You can bring your own saddle and/or pedals, but you will need to bring along your own tools to fit them to the rental bikes (please let us know in advance).

For storage, cost and logistical reasons we aren’t able to accommodate the bringing of your own bikes on board.

We can provide helmets with the bikes – please request these at the time of booking.

Back to Top

News, Reviews & Stories

E-bikes - everything you need to know

There’s no doubt that e-bikes are popular. We caught up with our expert to answer some of your burning questions!

9 things about cycling in France...

Not only is it home to world-class cuisine and some of the most beautiful landscapes, it’s also the spiritual home of cycling...

Reviews

2

You May Also Like...

Back to Top