Through the Rhône Valley by E-Bike & Ship aboard the River Cruise Ship: Your Room Travels with You!
We've combined the comfort of a river cruise on a well-appointed ship with terranova's e-bike tours to create a successful concept for an enjoyable cycling cruise. On this journey, you'll discover the most beautiful places in the Rhône Valley.
You'll cycle on quiet paths amidst olive groves, encounter artistic Romanesque churches that bear witness to Provence's rich history, traverse rugged white limestone gorges, wind through the vineyard-lined landscapes of the Côtes du Rhône with its golden villages, and immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of lavender and gorse in the Ardèche region.
Explore the famous Pont d'Avignon, the delightful hilltop village of Les-Baux-de-Provence, and the most significant Roman remains in Arles, including the impressive amphitheater where Van Gogh once found inspiration amidst the Provençal flair and picturesque landscapes.
It's wonderful to return to your cozy cabin aboard your ship after an eventful e-bike excursion. In the evenings, the ship's restaurant is just a short walk away, where you can relax and enjoy dinner while the South of France's landscape leisurely glides by outside your windows.
Highlights
- Lyon with old town (world cultural heritage)
- spectacular cycling routes in Provence and Ardèche Region
- Arles, Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the epitome of the South of France
- Camargue Nature Park paradise
- Accommodations on the river cruise ship
- Stress-free battery-assisted cycling with a support vehicle
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Itinerary
- Day 1: Lyon
- Day 2: Tain l'Hermitage - Tournon, Via Rhona, 28 mi. (45 km)
- Day 3: Avignon - Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon, 28 mi. (45 km)
- Day 4: Arles - Tarascon - St. Remy - Les Baux - Arles, 40 mi. (65 km)
- Day 5: Arles - Camargue - Arles, 40 mi. (65 km)
- Day 6: The Ardèche Gorge, 24 mi. (38 km)
- Day 7: Lyon City Bike Tour, 14 mi. (22 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.
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Day 1: Lyon Arrival
Your tour guides await your arrival in Lyon, where you will be warmly welcomed on board of your river cruise ship at 4 pm. After you have settled into your cabin, your tour guide will introduce you to the tour and give you an insight into the exciting journey that lies ahead. Weather permitting, the welcome can take place on the sun deck, where you can enjoy the sun and the view of the landscape. Departure from Lyon is scheduled for 6 pm, marking the start of your enchanting journey south. In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Lyon's old town on a panoramic cruise and admire the city's historic landmarks and charming streets in the light of the night sky. A delightful introduction to the rich culture and beauty that awaits you on this unforgettable journey.
Day 2: Tournon & Tain-l'Hermitage at the Via Rhona | Approx. 28 miles / 45 km
Our first cycle tour on this trip takes us along the Rhône from Tain-l'Hermitage to the Roche de Glun island near Valence on the western side of the river and back on the eastern side. Marvel at the dam with the hydroelectric power station on the Rhône, the 14th century Diane de Poitiers tower and the Marc Seguin footbridge, which was built by Marc Seguin between 1847 and 1849. Join us to taste the famous Valrhona chocolate for which Tain-l'Hermitage is renowned. In the afternoon, enjoy the beauty of the passing landscape from the sun deck as the river cruise ship gently steers its course south.
Day 3: Avignon Bridge & Wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Approx. 28 miles / 45 km
In the early morning, the cruise ship 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 4: 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 5: Tour through the Camargue | Approx. 40 miles / 65 km
Your e-bikes take you out of the lively city and onto the Via Rhôna, on which you cycle to the Camargue, this pristine marshland in the Rhône Delta. Along the way, you will see the white gold rising into the sky. The salt mountains and fields are among the largest in Europe. Our route runs flat through extensive rice fields and takes us deeper into the nature reserve. The air is salty and the silence is only broken by the eager twittering of birds. Rare black storks, grey herons and colorful bee-eaters can be found on the shores of the numerous brackish water lakes. Egyptian ibises enjoy the warm rays of sunshine on their feathers. Flamingos stalk through the shallow saltwater lakes. A wonderful picture when their pink wings light up against the deep blue sky! With a bit of luck, you may come across the much-praised white Camargue horses. These stocky animals with angular heads are descendants of an ancient breed that was depicted in cave paintings in prehistoric times. They are still ridden today by the daring “Gardians”, who use their traditional trident to catch the semi-wild grazing black bulls. After a walk through Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, we will transfer you back to the ship in the late afternoon. 5th overnight stay and dinner on board.
Day 6: 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 7: 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 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.
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- Important Notice: On the following dates, the cruise itinerary sequence will deviate and have a changed daily program: June 28 – July 5, 2026, and September 27 – October 4, 2026.
• Day 1: Arrival in Lyon, Capital of Silk
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 2: Lyon-by-Bike | 22 km, easy stage
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 3: The Wild Gorges of the Ardèche | 38 km, easy stage
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 4: Flamingos, Salt & White Horses in the Camargue | 65 km, moderate stage
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 5: Wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Avignon Bridge | 45 km, easy stage
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 6: From Avignon to the Pont du Gard | 40 km, easy stage
Changed Program Sequence: Full-day tour taking you from Avignon to the majestic Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. The route leads along quiet cycle paths or asphalted side roads, often with views of the Rhône, through gentle vineyards and fragrant orchards. The absolute highlight of the tour is the arrival at the Pont du Gard, a spectacular, three-story masterpiece of Roman engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the visit, we will transfer you back to Avignon. This cycling tour replaces the cycling program of Day 4 (the cycling tour to St. Rémy de Provence).
• Day 7: Via Rhôna & Vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône | 45 km, easy stage
Program sequence unchanged.
• Day 8: Lyon and Departure
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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.
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E-BIKE-TRIP ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance by e-bike and on foot is approx. 174 miles (280 km). 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. Alternatively, part of the route can also be taken in the accompanying bus.
