Provence - Through the valley of the Rhône with Bike & Boat on board of the STELLA
You'll cycle along tranquil paths amidst olive groves, encounter ornate Romanesque churches that bear witness to Provence's rich history, cross rugged white limestone gorges, meander through the vineyard-lined landscapes of Burgundy 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 Camargue and the most important Roman remains in Arles, including the impressive amphitheater where Van Gogh once found inspiration amidst the Provençal flair and picturesque landscapes.
After an eventful day of cycling on an e-bike, returning to your comfortable cabin on board the ship is a welcome change. In the evening, you can unwind over a delicious dinner in the on-board restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking view of the southern French countryside passing 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 Stella
- 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 Beaux - Arles, 40 mi. (65 km)
- Day 5: Arles - Camargue - Arles, 20 mi. (32 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
At 4 p.m., your tour guides await your arrival in Lyon, where you will be warmly welcomed on board. 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. Afterwards, enjoy your first dinner on board as the ship sails north on the calm waters of the Saône. Departure from Lyon is scheduled for 18:00, 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 STELLA gently steers its course south.
Day 3: Avignon Bridge & wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Approx. 28 miles / 45 km
Early in the morning, the STELLA docks not far from the famous vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where your bikes are waiting for you at the dock. You cycle to the charming village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you will gain insight into the production of the region's exquisite red wines during a wine tasting. After a refreshing lunch break, say goodbye to the world-famous vineyards and cycle through the fertile fruit and vegetable growing area.
On your way back to Avignon, you will pass one of the largest islands in the Rhône and cycle along comfortable paths to the famous Avignon Bridge. Admire the iconic "Pont d'Avignon", a symbol of the city's medieval festivals, where exuberant 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 the rich history of Avignon on a fascinating city tour. Discover how the popes did not reside in Rome for almost 70 years, but in the secluded gardens of Toompea Hill, where they experienced the so-called "Babylonian Captivity" during the time of the antipopes. Once in Avignon, the ship will remain at anchor overnight, giving you plenty of time to stroll the narrow streets of this historic city before dinner. Explore the quaint boutiques and soak up the enchanting atmosphere as you immerse yourself in Avignon's rich cultural offerings.
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. 20 miles / 32 km
After a short transfer from the vibrant city, it's off to the untouched marshlands that border the city. On the way, you will witness the impressive sight of the 'white gold' rising into the sky - the vast salt hills and fields, which are among the largest in Europe, offer a fascinating panorama. As you penetrate deeper into the nature reserve, your path leads through flat rice fields, enveloped by a salty breeze and the symphony of bird calls. On the shores of the brackish lakes, rare black storks, graceful grey herons and colorful bee-eaters grace the landscape, while Egyptian ibises bask in the warm sunlight. The shallow saltwater lakes are enlivened by the graceful presence of flamingos, their pink wings standing out against the azure sky. And if you're lucky, the legendary white Camargue horses may cross your path - descendants of an ancient breed immortalized in prehistoric cave paintings and ridden by the daring “Gardians” in their age-old tradition. Along a flat embankment that seems to merge with the sea, you reach Saintes Maries de la Mer. This fortified church is an annual pilgrimage site for gypsies from all over Europe and once inspired Picasso with its rousing flamenco performances. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the crypt and discover the story of the three Marys and their servant Sara. After a lunch break by the sea, a transfer will take you back to the Roman city of Arles, where you will visit the Roman amphitheater of Arles on a guided tour.
Day 6: The wild Gorge of The Ardèche | Approx. 24 miles / 38 km
In the gentle morning light, the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône and the renowned "Crozes Hermitages" unfold before you, painting a picturesque scene. Today, a bus will transport you to the breathtaking Ardèche gorge, offering one of the most captivating cycling routes on our itinerary. Along the journey, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with the fascinating history of the UNESCO World Heritage cave systems and their Stone Age settlements. Upon reaching a high plateau, your e-bikes await, ready to lead you on an exploration of the garrigue landscape. Meander through lavender fields and holm oak forests until the stunning Ardèche river gorge suddenly reveals itself. Carved up to 300 meters deep into the rock, the river has created a majestic landscape of winding cliffs and caves, offering breathtaking panoramic views along the scenic road that traces its edge. Here, you'll encounter impressive evidence of our ancestors, including rock paintings found within the caves. You'll have the opportunity to explore one such cave system, delving deep into the rock to uncover its secrets. By noon, you'll return to the comfort of the ship, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon on the spacious sun deck or indulge in relaxation in the onboard spa. As evening falls, savor an exquisite final dinner in the wine bar aboard the STELLA, enjoying the finest culinary delights. Meanwhile, the ship will set sail back to Lyon overnight, concluding your unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of southern France.
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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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. 153 miles (247 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.
