Burgundy & Provence with Bike & Boat on board of the Amadeus Provence
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France, where you'll traverse the picturesque valleys of the Rhône and Saône rivers. This unique adventure combines the leisurely pace of river cruising with the invigorating experience of cycling, allowing you to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of the French landscape. Your voyage begins in Lyon, a city brimming with history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you'll glide along tranquil waterways, passing through the renowned vineyards of Burgundy, where golden-hued villages dot the landscape. Discover the aromatic allure of lavender and gorse in the Ardèche region, and cycle through olive groves, encountering Romanesque churches that whisper tales of Provence's rich heritage. Iconic landmarks await, including the celebrated Pont d'Avignon and the historic city that once served as the seat of the anti-popes. Explore the Roman remains of Arles, where the grandeur of the amphitheater echoes with the inspiration it once provided to Van Gogh. After a fulfilling day of cycling with e-bikes, unwind in the comfort of your ship Amadeus Provence, a state-of-the-art cruise vessel. In the evening, savor delectable cuisine in the onboard restaurant, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the southern French scenery.
Highlights
- Lyon's Old Town
- Spectacular cycling routes in Provence, Burgundy, and the Ardèche
- The quintessentially French towns of Arles, Avignon, and Châteauneuf
- Cluny Abbey, the cradle of Romanesque architecture
- Stress-free battery-assisted cycling with a support vehicle
With the option of battery-assisted cycling and a support vehicle, you can explore with ease, creating unforgettable memories as you traverse the enchanting landscapes of southern France.
____________________________________________________________________
Itinerary
- Day 1: Lyon
- Day 2: Mâcon – Cluny - Mâcon | 36 mi. (58 km)
- Day 3: Châlon sûr Saône - Cormatin - Tournus | 40 mi. (63 km)
- Day 4: Lyon City Bike Tour |14 mi. (22 km)
- Day 5: Avignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon | 29 mi. (47 km)
- Day 6: Arles - Tarascon - St. Remy - Les Baux - Arles | 40 mi. (65 km)
- Day 7: The Ardèche | 33 mi. (54 km)
- Day 8: Departure or extension in Lyon
*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
____________________________________________________________________
Day 1: Lyon Arrival
At 5:00 p.m., your guides will eagerly await your arrival in Lyon, where you'll be warmly welcomed aboard. Once you've settled into your cabin, your guide will introduce the tour, providing insights and details about the exciting journey ahead. If the weather permits, this welcome session may take place on the sun deck, allowing you to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the scenic views. Afterwards, savor the first sumptuous dinner on board as the ship gracefully sets sail northward on the tranquil waters of the Saône River. Departure from Lyon is scheduled for 10 p.m., marking the beginning of your enchanting voyage towards Burgundy.
Day 2: The romanic Abbey Cluny | Approx. 36 miles / 58 km
This morning, the Amadeus Provence docks in the heart of Southern Burgundy, right at the quays of Mâcon. Every May, this city hosts a significant wine fair, where the finest wines are honored with the coveted Médailles d'Or. Your e-bikes will be waiting for you near the ship. We'll begin our ride by conquering a hill just outside Mâcon. Afterward, you'll cycle along a scenic and varied route, offering distant views of the striking Rock of Solutré. This impressive natural monument even graced a special French postage stamp in 1985, and former President François Mitterrand himself summited it on numerous hikes. A few kilometers further, the formidable Château de Berzé-le-Châtel will emerge before you. T After a refreshing break, we'll pass through a cycling tunnel. In about an hour, you'll arrive in Cluny, which was Europe's most important center of Benedictine monasticism in the 11th century. Through donations and endowments, Cluny amassed immense wealth. Even in its ruined state, the abbey remains imposing, though it's only a small fraction of what was once a truly gigantic complex. Our knowledgeable local guide will provide a comprehensive tour, showcasing the impressive monastic complex and its excavations.his fortress once served to secure the Cluisois region and the Grosne Valley to the south. In the afternoon, you have two options for your return to Mâcon: you can either cycle back by e-bike, or our tour guides can transport you back in our support vehicle.
Day 3: The Water Castles of southern Burgundy | Approx. 40 miles / 63 km
As night falls, our ship reaches its northernmost destination: Chalon-sur-Saône. Get ready for an unforgettable e-bike adventure through a region rich in history and breathtaking scenery. Our route takes us through the charming triangle formed by Chalon, Cormatin, and Tournus, a cohesive landscape brimming with cultural gems. Prepare to be enchanted by a delightful mix of castles, ancient Romanesque churches, and picturesque villages. These charming hamlets were once linked by a railway, now transformed into a fantastic "voie verte"—a dedicated green cycle path. You'll enjoy long stretches on this superb route, leading us to a well-deserved lunch break. After a refreshing stop, we'll discover a true hidden treasure: the magnificent Château de Cormatin. Built in the 17th century, this pleasure palace is a sight to behold, encircled by a moat and nestled within a delightful park. Imagine expansive lawns and meticulously sculpted flowerbeds, all inspired by the elegant English garden style. Our afternoon journey takes us through gently rolling hills. A gradual climb offers stunning views of the Brancion fortress, rewarding your effort with panoramic vistas across the valley. (For those who prefer, our accompanying bus can assist with part of this ascent.) The final leg of our ride is an exhilarating descent into the Saône Valley, leading us directly to the impressive Priory Church of St. Philibert in Tournus.
Day 4: Lyon City Bike Tour | Approx. 14 miles / 22 km
Start the day comfortably with a late breakfast and enjoy the morning on board while the ship gently sails back to Lyon. In the afternoon, embark on a fascinating city tour of Lyon, often referred to as the gateway to the south and the secret capital of gourmets. Here, the Saône flows into the Rhône and divides the city center into two distinct parts: a lively district with magnificent 19th-century facades and the picturesque old town of St. Jean. In St. Jean, you can discover the Renaissance houses that were once inhabited by wealthy cloth merchants and bankers. While these buildings look rather inconspicuous from the outside, they reveal their true splendor on the inside, with inner courtyards accessible through narrow passageways known as “traboules”. These corridors served as escape routes in times of conflict and reflect Lyon's rich history, which was characterized by feuds between citizens and bishops as well as religious disputes between Catholics and Protestants. As an important trading center since Roman times, Lyon has long kept quiet about its wealth. However, connoisseurs know that some bourgeois apartments house paintings by famous artists such as Gauguin and Cézanne, which cannot be seen from the outside like ordinary wall calendars from the department store. Lyon's unmistakable atmosphere has earned the city recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 5: Avignon Bridge & Wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Approx. 29 miles / 47 km
In the early morning, the Amadeus Provence docks in Avignon, where your e-bikes will be waiting for you at the pier after breakfast. You'll cycle through the fertile fruit and vegetable growing region along the Rhône to the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After a refreshing lunch break, you'll gain insight into the production of the region's exquisite red wines during a wine tasting. Afterward, you'll bid farewell to the world-renowned vineyards and, on your way back to Avignon, pass one of the largest islands in the Rhône, cycling on comfortable paths to the famous Bridge of Avignon. Admire the iconic "Pont d'Avignon," a symbol of the city's medieval festivals, where lively parties once took place under its arches. Did you know that the famous song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" should actually be called "Sous le pont d'Avignon"? Immerse yourself in Avignon's rich history with a fascinating city tour. Discover how the popes resided for nearly 70 years not in Rome, but in the secluded gardens of the Cathedral Rock, where they experienced the so-called "Babylonian Captivity" during the time of the antipopes. The ship remains docked in Avignon overnight, giving you ample time to stroll through the narrow streets of this historic city after dinner. Explore the picturesque alleys and savor the charming atmosphere. Third overnight stay and dinner on board.
Day 6: Arles & St. Remy de Provence | Approx. 40 miles / 65 km
The ship continued on to Arles overnight and docked at the gates of the old town of Arles in the morning. You get on your e-bikes and drive to the picturesque town of St. Remy de Provence. This picturesque town is where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a time in a private clinic housed in a former monastery. After a delicious lunch in St. Rémy, continue your exploration to the monumental art center Carrières de Lumières, located in the heart of the breathtaking Alpilles. Every year, this art center hosts a spectacular exhibition of the works of famous artists from throughout history. After your visit, you leave the Alpilles on small side routes and drive down into the fertile alluvial plains of the Rhône. You pass charming Provençal villages, meander along fields of wheat and sunflowers, and finally reach Arles.
Arles, a Roman royal city, has a magnificent amphitheater in the city center, considered one of the best preserved in France. Even today, bloody bullfights still take place within the historic walls. Today you also have the opportunity to disembark after dinner and explore the ornate Romanesque portal of the Saint Trophime Cathedral or enjoy an espresso in the famous Café de la Nuit, immortalized by van Gogh.
Day 7: The wild Gorge of The Ardèche | Approx. 24 miles / 38 km
Today, your e-bikes will take you to the breathtaking Ardèche Gorge, home to one of the most beautiful cycling routes on our itinerary. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will recount the fascinating history of the UNESCO World Heritage cave systems and their Stone Age settlements. Upon reaching a high plateau, your e-bikes will be ready for you to explore the garrigue landscape. You'll wind through lavender fields and holm oak forests until the stunning Ardèche Gorge suddenly appears. The river has carved its way up to 300 meters deep into the rock, creating a majestic landscape of winding cliffs and caves that offer awe-inspiring panoramic views along the scenic road. In the afternoon, you'll return to the comfort of the ship, where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the spacious sundeck or relax in the onboard spa.
Day 8: Lyon and Departure or Extension
As the morning light gently illuminates Lyon, your ship docks once again in this vibrant city. After enjoying a delightful breakfast on board, it's time to bid farewell to your floating home. Around 9 a.m., disembark from the ship to begin the next leg of your journey. For those who arrived by plane, a convenient transfer service will be available to transport you to the airport at a fixed time, albeit at an additional cost. Alternatively, if you arrived by car, your tour guide will assist in coordinating the drive to the parking garage, ensuring a seamless transition as you conclude your unforgettable adventure through the captivating landscapes of France.
___________________________________________
E-BIKE-TRIP ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance by e-bike and on foot is approx. 192 miles (309km). Most of the cycle routes run on car-free cycle paths and side streets with little traffic. The paths are easy to master for everyone. 2 bike stages lead through hilly Burgundy. Alternatively, part of the route can also be taken in the accompanying bus.
_________________________________________________________________
We kindly ask for your understanding that changes to the timetable and program may occur. Factors such as high and low tide, maintenance work, and waiting times at locks and bridges can necessitate adjustments at short notice. In rare instances of high or low tide or force majeure, certain parts of the route may need to be covered by alternative transportation such as bus or train. Additionally, in individual cases, hotel accommodation may be required. Rest assured, our priority is to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey, and we will strive to minimize any disruptions to your experience. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation.
