Compare Rhone River Cruise Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Cycle Provence by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,995 | $ 2,224 |
| Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Why unpack luggage each day when you could be unpacking the best of Provence and Burgundy? Cruise the Rhône aboard a Uniworld river ship and go overboard (in a good way): savour exceptional cuisine, the vineyards of Beaujolais, a tour of Arles, and a cooking class at Paul Bocuse. Cruising with bikes in tow? Vive la différence! |
Ride your way through neat rows of vineyards, beneath towering aqueducts and past verdant forests on an eight-day active cycling adventure through Provence. This journey through Southern France is the perfect blend of scenic trail riding, historical sightseeing and indulgent wine tasting. Visit the serene gardens of St Remy to see where Vincent van Gogh created his famous works, savour regional red wines at a vineyard outside Avignon and walk the cobbled streets of Les Baux to the top of the limestone cliffs. With a handful of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Roman history and serene landscapes where wild horses roam free – what more does a European cycling adventure need? |
Day 1:
Rendezvous in Avignon and explore the town's papal palace with a local guide. This evening, enjoy a beautiful welcome dinner on board the S.S. Catherine.
Day 2:
Today, ride through farmland crossing the vast Plaine de la Crau. The next leg of your ride is into the pastoral countryside around Fontvieille. This evening you'll regroup aboard for a B&R exclusive tasting of Rhône wines with a former sommelier for Alain Ducasse.
Day 3:
Bike the agricultural valley roads that lay below the Alpilles, Provence's iconic mini-Alps, until you descend into St-Rémy. Tonight enjoy an early evening walk through the historic centre of Avignon before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 4:
Wake up at the foot of Viviers, a pleasant riverside town. Ride on the river flats, towards the Ardèche region to the south, all the way to Bourg Saint Andéol, a medieval enclave. Stop for a coffee and contemplate whether you want to take the short, flat route along the Via Rhona back to Viviers to browse or tackle the longer option going to Saint Montan and the gorgeous winding climb up to Larnas and Saint-Thome.
Day 5:
Wake up to the dramatic, terraced vineyards about Tain-L'Hermitage, the capital of Côtes du Rhône wine production. Ride through world-renowned vineyards of the appellations such as Chantemerle and Crozes-Hermitage, and then enjoy a delicious lunch back on board.
Day 6:
Today you can discover Lyon, the third-largest city in France, often overshadowed by its neighbours. Begin our discovery with a pleasant urban ride that defines the layout of the city, before delving into its storied past with guided stops along the way. Tonight you'll enjoy a special cooking class at the renowned Paul Bocuse Institute!
Day 7:
Awake to find yourself approaching the southern Burgundian city of Mâcon. Ride through many authentic villages and famous wine appellations before enjoying lunch at Bistrot L'Ancienne Auberge, owned by the illustrious 3 Michelin starred Chef George Blanc.
Day 8:
After a final breakfast on the water, we say our farewells!
Day 1 Avignon
Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Avignon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon or explore the leafy streets and the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) at your own pace. You could also flop down on the grass of the Jardin des Doms with a fresh fougasse (French bread often sculpted to resemble a head of wheat) and some cheese. Tonight, ask your new local leader for the best dinner spot.
Day 2 Orange
After breakfast today, there will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone's equipment has been set up properly. Then, you’ll leave Avignon and cycle along quiet and flat country roads to Orange. Along the way, pass through the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and maybe make a stop at a local vineyard. Sample some of the red wine this region is famous for, then continue the road to Orange. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the town, visiting the Arc de Triomphe d'Orange and the outstanding Roman Theatre – one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe. The rest of the afternoon is free.
Day 3 Uzes
Leave Orange behind and ride the quiet roads south to the walled Provencal commune of Caderousse. Here, cross the mighty Rhone River passing the medieval village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and cycle past the vineyards that produce Lirac wines – the favourite wines of kings and the papal community in Avignon. Continue west through wine country to the legendary Pont du Gard – widely considered to be one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a Roman Aqueduct. Towering high above the Gardon River, this three-tiered stone masterpiece never fails to impress. On a quiet day, there may even be an opportunity to ride across it! After visiting the Pont du Gard, continue west to the small town of Uzes with its graceful circuit of boulevards and cute cafes.
Day 4 Saint Remy
Today is a long day in the saddle, but you’ll be rewarded with impressive sights along the way. Hopefully, the infamous mistral wind will be blowing from the northwest, providing a tailwind all the way to Saint Remy. Winding back across the Rhone, travel beneath the old city gate and into the small town of Tarascon. Take a short break from cycling to visit the imposing medieval castle, before sitting on the riverbank to learn about the legend of the Tarasque, the namesake of the town. After lunch, continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In distinct contrast to the surrounding larger cities and towns, Saint Remy displays a typically Provencal way of life. Visit the serene gardens of Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent van Gogh was a self-admitted patient and where he painted many works of art, including ‘Irises’ and the famous ‘The Starry Night’.
Day 5 Saint Remy (& optional Mont Ventoux ride)
Today is a free day off the bike to explore charming Saint Remy at your own pace. Indulge your inner Van Gogh and chill out in a Provencal cafe, or if you’re still keen for a ride, your crew can suggest the best route in the local area. You can also take on the legendary Mont Ventoux on a carbon road bike. Driving from Saint Remy to Bedoin early, you’ll be riding on the mountain as the sun rises to beat the infamous Ventoux winds and summer heat. The unguided ride should take about 4 hours, leaving enough time to grab a coffee and croissant before you rejoin your driver in Bedoin for the drive back in Saint Remy.
Day 6 Les Baux & Arles
Hit the road again after breakfast. Today, you start with a short ride to the hilltop commune of Les Baux-de-Provence. Although the distance is short, this is also one of the more difficult rides. For those not wanting to ride uphill, your support vehicle is always available. The first climb through the forest is rewarded with a short but beautiful descent on possibly the smoothest road in all of France. Carry on through olive groves and vineyards before arriving at Les Baux – declared ‘one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France’ thanks to its narrow, cobbled streets and surrounding countryside. Visit Chateau des Baux, which sits perched on a limestone cliff offering 360-degree views. After, ride through the Val d’Enfer’s (Valley of Hell) white limestone rock formations. From here, it is a downhill ride to Fontvieille, where you’ll follow the Canal d'Arles alongside the Rhone River all the way into Arles. Park the bikes and take a leader-led walk, passing the Place de la Republique, Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre.
Day 7 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Arles
Swap vineyards for waves on a ride south to the capital of the Camargue – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which sits on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Set on the Rhone River delta, the lakes of Camargue are a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds. The area is also known for its famous white Camarguais horses, often seen running free around Camargue. After lunch, return to Arles by vehicle. You also have the option to ride back to Arles (but this optional ride will not be supported by either the leader or your vehicle). Tonight, maybe get the group together to enjoy a final dinner.
Day 8 Arles
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
