Bike and Barge
Provence and Camargue
- FR258 / France
-
Bike and Barge
For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
-
Self-guided or guided
Self-guided or guided This tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App (with maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks) or with the whole group following the tour leader.
- Silver
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Mar
- 8 days
-
- linear from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes
- Some meals included
Highlights
An exciting bike and boat vacation in the South of France in the footsteps of Van Gogh. Pedal along enchanting routes in the peaceful Provençal countryside and be enveloped by the wild nature of the Camargue. Ride through beautiful villages with typical French character and discover as you go the history of this magnificent region. A comfortable riverboat welcomes you at night, with good food, wine and the pleasure of conviviality.
- The tranquil Provençal landscapes and wild moors of the Camargue region
- The colors: from the green expanses of vineyards to the pink of the salt marshes of the little village of Aigues Mortes
- Relaxation on board at the end of each day's ride
What awaits you
A week of cycling, suitable even for less experienced cyclists. The stages are mainly on back roads with little traffic, mostly flat, with a few ups and downs in northern Arles. There's only one more challenging stretch, to reach Les Baux de Provence, but the extraordinary scenery that you pass through certainly repays the effort. The rides are combined with boat rides to reach the starting points of the routes and to enjoy the views from the water.
This tour can be self-guided or guided: choose to cycle at your own pace using our App, or with the whole group following the tour leader.
Accommodation
You'll have a seven-night stay on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and to welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, our chefs and crew indulge you in a wealth of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrival in Avignon and embarkation
Individual arrival in Avignon, the fascinating City of the Popes, and embarkation after 5:00 PM. The boat is moored near the St. Bénezet Bridge, made famous for the popular song “Sur le pont d’Avignon.” On board you will find the staff and tour leader waiting for you, ready to outline the tour and answer any questions. In the evening, we recommend a leisurely stroll through the city’s historic center, among the streets that have remained intact over the centuries, to the famous Palais des Papes, elected as papal seat during the papal exile in the 14th century.
2. Circular tour around Avignon, through the Île de la Barthelasse
Today, you’ll enjoy a pleasant bike ride on the other side of the Rhone, through the Île de la Barthelasse. Ride along quiet country lanes in the typical garrigue landscape of vineyards and orchards. Before returning to Avignon, stop in at Villeneuve Les Avignon, a picturesque town once known as the city of the cardinals. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a few hours at leisure discovering the most interesting corners of Avignon. Tonight you’re free to decide where to have dinner.
3. Navigation to Aramon and ride through the countryside to Pont-du-Gard
The day begins with a short boat ride to Aramon. From here you start pedaling, surrounded by the green nature of Provence, through rolling hills covered with vineyards and dotted with charming historic villages, until you reach the Pont-du-Gard, a jewel of Roman architecture. This ancient feat of engineering, dating back to 19 B.C., with its impressive arches looming over the Gardon River, is the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe. The boat will be waiting for you at the end of the stage at Aramon dock, from where you can enjoy the enchanting view of Mont Ventoux.
4. By boat to Vallabrègues and then by bike up the Rhone
In the morning, you’ll travel on the boat to Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhone, where you can still observe local women crafting traditional wicker baskets. Today’s bike route departs from Vallabrègues, heading up the course of the Rhone to Barbentane, a pretty village nestled on the side of a small hill, with its castle overlooking the confluence of the Rhone and Durance Rivers. Continue pedaling toward the abbey of St. Michel de Frigolet to finally arrive at the foot of the Montagnette, in the medieval village of Boulbon, with its typically French air. From here, it’s just a few kilometers back to Vallabrègues, where you’ll spend the night, again aboard your boat.
5. On the pedals to Les Alpilles, beautiful Provencal hills, all the way to Arles
Start pedaling toward Saint Rémy de Provence, a small village with an ancient and rich history. Saint Rémy, in fact, in addition to being the birthplace of Nostradamus in 1503, is known for having housed Vincent Van Gogh in its asylum in the late 1800s. Your stage continues along a wonderful stretch to the Alpilles, a chain of low mountains, with the perched village of Les Baux de Provence. From here the view sweeps as far as the eye can see over the plain below. Stroll through the alleyways of this pretty stone village, nestled in a landscape of limestone rocks shaped by the incessant work of the wind. But the best is yet to come: the boat awaits you moored in Arles, at a vantage point from which you can enjoy the great beauty of the city at sunset.
6. Tour of Arles, then by bike to Franquevaux and by boat to Aigues Mortes
Known for the richness of its ancient Roman heritage, which is still partially intact, Arles will fascinate you with its treasures, most notably the great Roman Arena. A guided tour lets you discover the city’s interesting history. After lunch, you’ll cycle to Franquevaux. From here, a short boat ride takes you to Aigues Mortes, a medieval town overlooking the Mediterranean and a longtime military and commercial bastion. Even at first sight Aigues Mortes cannot fail to enchant you: its mighty medieval walls rise in the middle of a desert made up of salt marshes that stretches as far as the eye can see. Its historic center has remained as it was, with its countless stone streets and local craft stores.
7. Round tour in Aigues Mortes with a special tasting experience
As you cycle through the small country lanes of Camargue, passing by canals, lagoons, and small villages, you will come across La Cailar, Marsillargues, and Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, which are well-known for their ancient taurine tradition. In the afternoon, you will visit an organic vineyard and enjoy a special wine tasting experience. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of Camargue’s ponds, lagoons, reeds, and dunes while savoring the scents of warm sand, tamarisk, and pine forests.
1. Arrive in Aigues-Mortes and embark
Meet and board after 5:00 PM in Aigues Mortes, a medieval town that has always been a military and commercial bastion overlooking the Mediterranean. At 6:30 PM there is a welcome meeting and an aperitif where you will meet the tour leader and staff.
2. Circular Tour in the Camargue: between horse farms and pink salt flats
You’ll begin immediately to discover the true essence of the Camargue by cycling among wild moors, expanses of water and herds of bulls and horses. In the afternoon, you can continue the route by heading to the sea and the town of Le-Grau-du-Roi, with its nice little shops and beach. On the way back, admire up close the expanses of pink salt marshes, brilliant in the Provençal sun. If you have some free time left, we recommend a short detour to the Aigues-Mortes Salt Pans Museum to get a glimpse of the life of Provençal salt gatherers. Tonight you are free to decide where to have dinner.
3. By boat to Franquevaux and by bike to Arles with guided tour
Having lifted anchor, you’ll travel by boat for a couple of hours to Franquevaux and then cycle to the beautiful town of Arles. Known for the richness of its ancient Roman heritage, still partially intact, Arles fascinates with its treasures, first and foremost the great Roman Arena. Getting lost in the city’s narrow alleys is like stepping into a Van Gogh painting. Once you’re back on the bike, a very special visit awaits you: a few kilometers from the center of town stands the reconstruction of the famous wooden bridge masterfully portrayed by the great painter. Then return to Arles for a guided tour of the city.
4. Among the colors of Provençal villages: Les Baux, Saint Rémy and Vallabrègues
A wonderful ride awaits you to the Alpilles, a chain of low mountains, with the perched village of Les Baux de Provence: here the view sweeps as far as the eye can see over the plain below. Explore the streets of this pretty stone village, nestled in a landscape of limestone rocks shaped by the incessant work of the wind. A long and enjoyable descent through pines, lavender and olive trees brings you to Saint Rémy de Provence: a small village with a big history. Nostradamus was born here in 1503, while Vincent Van Gogh’s anguished days in the town’s asylum date back to the late 1800s. Continue on to Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhone, where you can still observe local women crafting traditional wicker baskets.
5. Loop tour from Vallabrègues and by boat to Aramon
Start pedaling toward the pretty village of Barbentane, nestled on the side of a small hill, which with its castle dominates the confluence of the Rhone and Durance Rivers. Continue to the beautiful abbey of St. Michel de Frigolet, easy to spot thanks to its pointed spires, and then finish in Boulbon, a village with a typically Provençal air at the foot of the Montagnette. Once back in Vallabrègues, you’ll travel by boat to Aramon, from where there is a view of Mont Ventoux.
6. By bike to the Roman aqueduct at Pont-du-Gard and by boat to Avignon
Today’s route begins with a jewel of Roman architecture: the impressive arches of the Pont-du-Gard, the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe, a work of engineering that has remained intact since 19 BC. In the afternoon, return to Aramon for a boat ride to Avignon, the City of the Popes. You are moored near the famous St. Bénezet bridge. We recommend a walk through the city, among streets that have remained unchanged over the centuries, to the famous Palais des Papes, elected as papal seat during the papal exile in the 14th century.
7. Round tour in Avignon with a special tasting experience
Today you will cross the river Rhone taking the route that goes through Île de la Barthelasse, and you will ride through the typical garrigue landscape, passing by vineyards and orchards on your way to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Provençal wine. Later, you will cross the Rhône at Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve by following the river course.
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 11 cabins
- 21 guests
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Caprice
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 11 cabins
- 21 guests
Small, cozy river boat, sails through the heart of Provence and Camargue. Custom-designed furnishings, excellent on-board cuisine, and well-kept cabins and common areas make guests feel at home. View more details
Cabins
- 8 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 2 lower deck double cabins 7-8 sq.m (C)
- 1 lower deck single cabin 7-8 sq.m (A)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage
Common areas
- cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Mar
enter no. of people and see all departures
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Mar
enter no. of people and see all departures
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 20 guests
L'Estello
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi available in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 20 guests
L’Estello sails between Avignon and Aigues Mortes, with the Provençal landscape and the protected wilderness of the Camargue providing the backdrop.
This river boat is the ideal accommodation to spend a pleasant bike and boat vacation in nature and relaxation.
Cabins
- 9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 1 lower deck double cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage
Common areas
- cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Mar
enter no. of people and see all departures
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Mar
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Mid-week cabin cleaning service and towel change
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
- Afternoon snack
- Welcome drink
- Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A 50 € supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Luggage transfer
The boat follows the cyclists along the route, and you will always return to the same cabin at the end of the stage, so there is no need for luggage transport.
When you prepare your luggage, please remember that the space on the boat is limited. It is also strongly recommended to use bags instead of suitcases because it is easier to put them away. In case of early arrival, you can leave the luggage on board.
Luggage transportation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
- This tour offers the choice of cycling alone using our App or with the whole group following the tour leader
The tour leader:
- holds a daily briefing for both guests who chose the self-guided version of the tour and those who chose the guided version
- leads the tour on bike, coordinates the participants and knows how to intervene in the event of unforeseen events (guided version)
- is available to advise guests traveling independently (self-guided version)
Tour information
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
- Link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
- Link to download the tour information material in PDF (Tour notes and Final tour details)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Guided tour of Arles
- Some short walking tours
- Harbour charges
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- 1 dinner (day 2)
- Beverages on board
- Museums, fees and extras in general
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent Girolibero bikes and accessories.
The helmet is included, but you need to book it in advance.
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Extra nights
On request, in Avignon and Aigues-Mortes before/after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Assembled and serviced by our mechanics, Girolibero bikes are reliable and easy to ride. You can choose between touring bikes or e-bikes, just perfect if you don’t feel trained enough to spend multiple days on the saddle. Find out more about Girolibero bikes.
The renting of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Handlebar bag
- dimensions: 27cm x 18cm
- depth: 6cm
- 4 velcro straps
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
Mobile phone holder, which one to choose?
- Girolibero handlebar bag
- Generic phone holders
- SP Connect™ mount, the best on the market
To attach your smartphone to the handlebar you have 3 options:
- use the Girolibero handlebar bag supplied free of charge (1 per room)
- buy a mobile phone holder in sports shops or major e-commerce outlets: for € 18-25 we recommend the models that clamp your mobile phone and its case like a vise.
- order the best product on the market, SP Connect™ with a special discount. The SP Connect™ mount is attached to the handlebar and works only with a special phone case. This case, which can also be used in everyday life, is slightly thicker than normal cases and is fixed to the handlebar mount with a simple click. The main advantage is that it is easy to attach and remove your phone, so you can immediately use it to take pictures or make calls, as well as grab it quickly when you want to stop cycling and have a break. Also, there are many other available accessories, including those for your car and writing desk. We recommend the Velcro Universal Mount SPC+ which costs € 29.90, which you can buy with a special 20% discount. The compatible phone case must be purchased separately and the price varies depending on your phone model. Visit the official SP Connect™ website and use the discount code TRAVEL20, which applies to all products.
Sara Visentin
Filippo Bonafè
Riccardo Tamani
Alberto Reghellin
Route profile
- Total length: 250 km
- Terrain: 90% paved, 10% unpaved
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 5:00 PM in Avignon/Aigues-Mortes. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
If you arrive before 5:00 PM, you can leave the luggage on board anytime during the day.
How to get there
A) Direction Aigues-Mortes - Avignon
Aigues-Mortes is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Aigues-Mortes is connected with the following airports: Montpellier: 25 km, Marseille: 140 km, Paris CDG: 720 km
From Montpellier Mediterranee (MPL) airport:
- bus line no. 620 from the airport to Gare de Montpellier Sud de France (approx. 15 min.). From here bus line no. 606 to Aigues-Mortes (approx. 1 hour)
From Marseille Provence (MRS) airport:
- shuttle bus LeBus + 13 from airport to Marseille train station Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille (approx. 10 min.). From here train to Lunel and taxi to Aigues-Mortes (approx. 3 hours), or train with 1 or 2 changes to Aigues-Mortes (few train connections, approx. 3 hours)
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- RER B train direction STOC to Châtelet Les Halles (approx. 40 min.). From here train RER B to Paris Gare de Lyon (approx. 5 min.), then train with change in Nimes to Aigues-Mortes (approx. 5 hours)
By train
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult SNCF official website.
B) Direction Avignon - Aigues-Mortes
Avignon is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Avignon is connected with the following airports: Montpellier: 95 Km, Marseille: 90 Km, Paris CDG: 730 km.
From Montpellier Mediterranee (MPL) airport:
- taxi to train station Montpellier SNCF St. Roch (approx. 15 min.). From here train to Avignon Centre (direct connections or with change in Arles, approx. 1,5 hours)
From Marseille Provence (MRS) airport:
- shuttle bus LeBus +13 to Marseille train station Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille (approx. 10 min). From here direct train to Avignon Centre (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
From Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG):
- RER B train direction STOC to Châtelet Les Halles (approx. 40 min.). From here train RER B to Paris Gare de Lyon (approx. 5 min.), then direct train connection or with change in Avignon TGV to Gare D'Avignon Centre (approx. 3-4 hours)
By train
Avignon Centre is the closest train station.
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult SNCF official website.
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Aigues-Mortes – Avignon
Avignon is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Avignon is connected with the following airports: Marseille Provence.
To reach Marseille Provence (MRS) airport:
- train from Avignon Centre station to Marseille Saint Charles or Vitrolles-Aeroport Marseille Provence. From here shuttle bus LeBus +13 until the airport
B) Direction Avignon – Aigues-Mortes
Aigues-Mortes is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Avignon is connected with the following airports: Marseille Provence and Lyon Saint Exupery.
To reach Marseille Provence (MRS) airport:
- train with one change until the train station Marseille Saint-Charles (few connections). From here bus L091 until the airport (approx. 3.5 hours)
- alternatively, taxi to Lunel train station. From here train (direct or with one change) until Marseille Saint-Charles train station and bus L091 until the airport (approx. 3 hours)
At the end of the tour the crew can organise shared taxis to the main airports and stations of the area, according to the participants’ requests. You can ask directly on board for further information.
How to go back to the starting point
There are few train connections between Avignon and Aigues-Mortes (it is necessary to change train in Nimes, transfer: approx. 1,5-2 hours). In July and August there are more frequent train connections.
A) Direction Aigues-Mortes – Avignon
We suggest:
- train from Avignon to Lunel train station (mostly direct connections, approx. 1hour). From here taxi to Aigues-Mortes (approx. 25min.)
B) Direction Avignon – Aigues-Mortes
We suggest:
- taxi from Aigues-Mortes to Lunel train station (approx. 25 min.). From here train to Avignon Centre (mostly direct connections). Some of the trains continue to Avignon TGV railway station. (approx. 1 hour).
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa.
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is French.
France is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Throughout Europe roaming services are free (if you have a European SIM card). Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before your departure.
The international phone prefix of France is +33.
Emergency telephone numbers in France
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
15 – Medical Emergencies
17 – Police Help Number
18 – Fire Department
Electricity
The French electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Electrical sockets comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in France is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organisational reasons, 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 logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – 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 are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to subscribe to an insurance policy against expenses deriving from the cancellation of the package tour, incidents, luggage (loss and damage) as well as a contract, covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Massimo
Published: 01 Sep 2023
Stefano
Published: 01 Sep 2023
Sandra
Published: 25 Aug 2023
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Bike and barge in France
In France, nearly 8,000 km of waterways connect villages, castles and historic towns, often flanked by bicycle paths.
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Bike and barge in Europe
Have you ever tried a bike and barge tour? You cycle by day and sleep in a comfortable cabin at night. Your floating hotel follows your cycling journey along the waterways and gives you the option of a lazy day on board.
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