Bike, Balloon &
Barge
Provence aboard the Hotel-Barge Le Phenicien
Special note: These trips may only be reserved on a full charter
basis (you must reserve the entire barge).
In all of France, there are few regions as beautiful as Provence.
Its countryside of stark red soil, plentiful vineyards, and olive
groves has inspired artists and writers for centuries. We'll bike
through a landscape of red-roofed farmsteads, where life continues
at an unhurried pace. History speaks out from the Roman ruins, scattered
everywhere, including the impressive aqueduct at Pont du Gard and
the mausoleum in St. Remy de Provence.
Our barge will cruise the Rhone River, the waterways of the Camargue
and canals that parallel the Mediterranean. Aboard the Le Phenicien,
we are hosted by the local owners of this small family business,
with a total crew of six. There are nine spacious and comfortable
cabins.
Plan to arrive in Montpellier no later than Sunday morning.
 Sunday, Aigues-Mortes
Afternoon transfer to our barge in time for a warm-up bike ride.
Exploring the old Roman port from which Louis IX set sail on the
1248 and 1270 Crusades will feel like pedaling back through the
Middle Ages. Champagne reception and a festive candlelight dinner.
Monday, Gallician
This morning we bike and sail on the Canal du Rhône à
Sète that links the Petit Rhône with
the étangs, the inland seas south of Montpellier.
Afternoon visit to a local ranch to see the gardians à
cheval, the authentic cowboys, ride their stunning white horses
as they tend the herds of bulls.
Tuesday, Arles
We cycle the flat coastal plain of the Camargue. Formed
by the sprawling Rhone delta, this is the home of pink flamingos
and wild horses. After lunch we have a walking tour of Arles, the
most Provencal town of the region and also the most visibly Roman.
The arena is among the oldest of the Roman Empire, about 46 BC.
Wednesday, Vallabrègues
A morning ride to the ancient settlement of Les Baux de Provence,
a beautifully preserved 13th century village, with charming houses
and the ruins of a fortified castle built into the side of a limestone
mountain. We’ll also visit Saint Remy – today is traditional
market day and the narrow streets are busy with food stands and
street musicians.
 Thursday,
Villeneuve lès Avignon
Today's cycling route takes us through vegetable gardens and fruit
orchards to Pont du Gard, the Roman aqueduct built in 19 BC to provide
the city of Nimes with fresh water. Its impressive scale and setting
make it one of the great wonders of antiquity. On our afternoon
walking tour we explore Avignon, "the other Rome”.
Friday, Avignon
Our final riding day has several options, including the famous Mont
Ventoux. This ride is often included in the Tour de France and has
been the scene of some of the greatest action. The road provides
switchbacks through pine forests before emerging into a moonscape
of baked limestone and granite. In the afternoon we visit one of
the best cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a wine tasting.
Farewell gala dinner on board.
Saturday
Bid farewell to the waterways and transfer to the Avignon airport
or train station.
Tour Price: from $44,000 for eighteen passenger
charter
Tour Date: April 6th to October 26th
What is included in the tour price? 
Also investigate this barging tour:
Burgundy
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