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Provence/Camargue Cruise

Sunday

Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phénicien moored close to the papal village of Villeneuve Lez Avignon. It is time to settle in and explore the medieval village nearby. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of the high standard of cuisine that will be served during the cruise with the accompanying wines specially chosen from local wineries.

Monday
This morning you will meet your cycling assistant and get fitted to your bikes during an information meeting to go over the week ahead. You are now ready to take your first bike ride heading for the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After a nice picnic on the way we reach the famous village once chosen by the Popes to grow the sacred vineyards. After a free visit of the village - and maybe a cautious wine tasting - we all get back on the saddles for a short ride to the barge awaiting on the Rhône river. An afternoon navigation will take you to Avignon the town where the Popes lived in the XIV century and where we will stay overnight. (35 km).

Tuesday
Enjoy your free time in Avignon this morning, the monumental Palace of the Popes and the city center are at walking distance from our port. Before lunch we set sail for the village of Vallabrègues the capital of Basketry in Europe famous for its local craftsmanship. Just after arriving in Vallabrègues we head off on our ride to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet. Riding back to the barge you will enjoy the nice smells of our Provencal thyme, the best in Europe. Charming villages along the way such as Boulbon or Barbentane offer a good spot for a little rest in the shade. (35 km).

Wednesday
We set sail this morning to Arles the open-air Museum of Provence, on the way passing through the huge 36 foot high lock of Beaucaire. We arrive early enough to let you enjoy Arles’ large open air market and a free visit of the Greek then Roman city where Van Gogh painted 300 canvasses during his stay here in 1888. After a refreshing lunch on board you will take a bike ride to the twin cities of Beaucaire and Tarascon, their castles and two millenaries of History. (40 km).

Thursday
Everybody is warmed up now, so this is the right time for a longer morning bike ride to one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux de Provence where you will have a free visit and time for shopping. On the way we will make a stop in Mausanne and its Typical Provencal market and enjoy a lovely picnic. The ride back through the famous landscapes of Provence dotted with cypresses and olive trees will stay in your memories. We are back on board for a great piece of navigation towards the Camargue on the Petit Rhône river and the canal. (50 km).

Friday
We will start cruising deeper into the Camargue this morning and reach our final destination Aigues-Mortes. From there we will explore the surroundings on small roads and trails along the salt fields bordered by canals, lakes and marshes where bulls, horses and pink flamingoes give an uncommon touch to the scenery. We will pull to the village of Le Grau du Roi and the beaches nearby where you will have your last picnic in a marine atmosphere. (30km). Back to the barge in the afternoon you will still have plenty of time to discover the walled city of Aigues-Mortes from where the King Saint Louis set sail for the holly crusades of the XII century. The Camargue never fails to surprise and welcomes us for our farewell dinner!