1. Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, France's famous capital of food and gastronomy. The crew and leaders introduce the ship and perhaps have a short practice ride to get to know your bike.
2.
While guests enjoy fresh croissants with breakfast, the ship cruises south through the Rhone Valley. After lunch, the first ride begins in the small wine-growing village of Chavany. The route goes along the Rhone through riverside villages and peaceful landscapes. It then turns inland and continues through wine country to Touron-sur-Rhone where the ship awaits.
3. Today offers a relaxed ride along the Rhone (28 miles) or a more adventurous route through the Ardeche countryside (43 miles), The easy route is on mostly traffic-free flat paths by the river. Along the way there is time to explore the historic centre of Valence. The more adventurous route begins with a ride on the Train de l'Ardeche to Lmastre. From there, we follow the beautiful La Dolce Via greenway cycling along a former railway line with gentle gradients, tunnels, viaducts and forests. Both groups meet in La Voulte-sur-Rhone and in the evening the ship continues to Viviers.
4. Today's ride is though some of the most beautiful landscapes of the southern Rhone Valley with support from a vehicle throughout the day. Starting in the medieval town of Viviers, we first climb to La Garde-Adhemar, one of France's most beautiful hilltop villages. The route continues through the Drome with vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and truffle country toward Suze-la-Rousse, known for its impressive chateau. In the afternoon we ride toward Orange where there is a brief stop to admire the famous Roman theatre. We then continue through the celebrated vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape before rejoining the ship. From here its continues cruising to Avignon for the evening.
5. The morning is dedicated to Avignon, one of the great historic cities of Southern France. During a guided visit with local experts, we see the Palais des Papes once occupied by the pope when he fled from Rome. After lunch on board, you can eith through orcer enjoy Avignon at your own pace or join an optional bike ride into the countryside. This route is on small country roads to the town of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.The evening is free giving you a chance to discover Avignon's restaurants and atmospheric od town.
6.
Today, with the support of a
vehicle, we cycle through the heart
of Provence past vineyards and one
of the most impressive Roman
monuments in Europe. From Avignon,
the route is on quiet country roads
to Pont du Gard, the remarkably
preserved Roman aqueduct and UNESCO
world heritage site. There is time
to explore before lunch. In the
afternoon the route continues mostly
on easy flat roads through Rhone
countryside toward Beacaire and
Tarascon. Dinner on board as
the shp remains in Tarascon.
7. On the final cycling day you can
choose between a relaxed ride along
the Rhone and a more challenging
route through the landscapes of the
Alpilles.
The easier route (16 - 19 miles)
follows quiet roads and sections of
the ViaRhona from Tarascon to Arles.
Passing small villages, open
countryside and wide plains, you
enjoy a taste of Southern France at
a relaxed pace. After arriving in
Arles, you rejoin the ship for lunch
on board before discovering the
city's remarkable Roman heritage and
Provencal atmosphere.
The sportier route (37 - 40
miles) leads into the scenc hills of
the Alpilles. Quiet country roads
climb to Les-Baux-de-Provence. a
spectacular hilltop village set high
on a rocky outcrop. Through olive
groves, we continue to
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole where Vincent
Van Gogh stayed and created some of
this most famous works before
continuing to Arles where we meet
the ship for the final evening on
board.
8. Depart from Arles -
The closest airport is Marseille
which is about one hour by train or
shuttle