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Arles to Lyon 8-day Premium E-Bike & Barge Tour (MSP)
This premium e-bike and boat journey through Provence and the Rhône Valley brings together many of the pleasures travelers dream of when they imagine the South of France: sunlit landscapes, Roman monuments, lavender and olive groves, celebrated wine regions, historic towns and relaxed meals with a view of the river. The route is rich in memorable places. Lyon is known as France’s capital of gastronomy, while Avignon recalls its medieval importance with the impressive Palais des Papes. The Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe, is a true highlight of the journey. In Arles, Roman monuments and Van Gogh connections create a powerful sense of place. Along the way, you also discover famous wine areas such as Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well as the chocolate traditions of Valrhona.
The cycling level ranges from 2 to 4, with more relaxed routes on selected days and more advanced options for guests who prefer longer or hillier rides. Digital routes via RideGPS are also provided, together with cycling maps. On selected cycling days, a support van accompanies the group, offering extra peace of mind when the terrain becomes more demanding.
The MS Provenceis a deluxe class river cruise ship for bike and boat tours in the south of France. Sailing between Arles and Lyon, this comfortable ship welcomes a maximum of 46 guests, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere on board. The MS Provence features 23 suites located on the upper and lower decks. The 8 suites on the upper deck (approximately 210 sq ft / 19.5 m²) offer a queen-size bed and a sitting area in front of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, creating a French balcony. Each suite also has a private outdoor balcony with two chairs.
On the lower deck, there are 15 Junior Suites (approximately 215 sq ft / 20 m²) featuring two single beds that can be configured as a double bed, a sitting area, and large porthole, windows that cannot be opened. All suites feature a private bathroom with a sink, walk-in shower, and hairdryer, as well as a separate toilet, air conditioning, a desk, and a wardrobe.
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike & Barge Tours France
Welcome to Provence: Arles
Welcome to Arles, the gateway to Provence and the starting point of your Rhône Valley journey. After boarding the MS Provence, settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome drink on board. The crew and tour leaders introduce the ship, the cycling program and the highlights of the week ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to join a short practice ride and get comfortable with your bike. In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board. Afterward, a walk through Arles is well worth it. Roman monuments, lively squares and the city’s close connection with Vincent van Gogh give Arles its distinctive Provencal character.
Van Gogh’s Provence: Arles – Tarascon 25km or 65km
On your first cycling day, you can choose between a relaxed ride along the Rhône (16-19 mi.) and a more challenging route through the landscapes of the Alpilles (37-40 mi.). The easier route follows quiet roads and sections of the ViaRhôna from Arles through typical river landscapes toward Tarascon. Passing small villages, open countryside and wide plains, you enjoy a gentle introduction to cycling in Southern France.
The sportier route leads from Arles to Abbaye de Montmajour. From there, you continue through the landscapes of the Alpilles to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works, and then on to Les Baux-de-Provence, dramatically set on a rocky outcrop with sweeping views. Via Fontvieille, the route continues toward Tarascon, where the MS Provence awaits. Dinner is served on board.
The Pont du Gard: Tarascon – Pont du Gard – Avignon 55km or 60km
Today, with support from a vehicle, you cycle through the heart of Provence, past vineyards, historic villages and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in Europe. From Tarascon, the route follows mostly quiet roads through the Rhône countryside toward Beaucaire and onward through Provençal landscapes. The highlight of the day is the Pont du Gard, the remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore the site and enjoy a relaxed lunch break.
In the afternoon, the route continues toward Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. From there, you cross the Rhône and arrive in Avignon, where the historic skyline of the former papal city creates a memorable first impression.
The Papal City: Avignon 40km or 50km
The morning is dedicated to Avignon, one of the great historic cities of Southern France. During a guided visit with local experts, you discover highlights of the UNESCO-listed old town and visit the imposing Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. After lunch on board, you can either enjoy Avignon at your own pace or join an optional bike ride into the peaceful Provençal countryside. The route first follows the ViaRhôna out of the city, then continues along small country roads through orchards, canals and villages around Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue.
A relaxed café stop along the way adds a classic touch of Provençal life before returning to Avignon in the late afternoon. The evening is free, giving you the perfect chance to discover the city’s restaurants and atmospheric old town.
Vineyards of the Rhône: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Viviers 60km or 65km
While the MS Provence cruises from Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape this morning, enjoy breakfast on board. From Châteauneuf-du-Pape, today’s ride leads through the celebrated wine landscapes of the southern Rhône Valley toward Orange. The route then continues through the Drôme Provençale, passing vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and sunflower fields on the way to Suze-la-Rousse, known for its striking château and wine university. Later in the day, you reach La Garde-Adhémar, one of France’s most beautiful hilltop villages, where wide views over the Rhône Valley reward the climb. From here, the route descends to Viviers, where the MS Provence awaits. A support vehicle accompanies the group throughout the day. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting on board featuring wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region.
Rhône or Ardèche: Viviers – La Voulte-sur-Rhône – Tournon-sur-Rhône 40km or 75km
Today offers a choice between a relaxed riverside ride along the Rhône (28-31 mi.) and a more adventurous route through the Ardèche countryside (43-47 mi.). The easier route follows the ViaRhôna north along mostly flat, traffic-free paths by the river. You cycle through quiet Rhône landscapes and small towns, with time for breaks along the way. Highlights may include parts of the historic center of Valence, the elegant Marc Seguin Suspension Bridge and the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage.
The advanced route follows the beautiful La Dolce Via greenway through the Eyrieux Valley, cycling along a former railway line with gentle gradients, tunnels, viaducts, forests and river scenery. This route also includes the historic Train de l’Ardèche, subject to train availability and confirmation. In the afternoon, both groups continue toward Tournon-sur-Rhône, where the ship awaits.
Northern Rhône Wines: Tournon-sur-Rhône – Chavanay – Lyon 45km
Your final cycling day brings another taste of the northern Rhône Valley, known for its vineyards, river towns and beautiful landscapes. The route follows sections of the ViaRhôna and quiet roads through traditional wine villages and peaceful Rhône scenery. You cycle via Saint-Désirat and Andance, known for one of the oldest suspension bridges across the Rhône, then continue through Serrières and Sablons toward Chavanay. Along the way, there is time for relaxed breaks by the water and views of the steep vineyard terraces of the northern Rhône wine region. When you return to the ship in Chavanay, the day concludes with an onboard Côtes du Rhône wine tasting before the MS Provence continues to Lyon.
Farewell in Lyon
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the crew of the MS Provence and your Rhône Valley journey. You leave with memories of Provençal landscapes, Roman monuments, historic cities, celebrated wines, regional flavors and a rewarding week of cycling between the South of France and Lyon.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 16 2027 | Apr 23 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Apr 30 2027 | May 07 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| May 14 2027 | May 21 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| May 28 2027 | Jun 04 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Jun 11 2027 | Jun 18 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Jun 25 2027 | Jul 02 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Aug 27 2027 | Sep 03 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Sep 10 2027 | Sep 17 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,900€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,599€ | |||||
| Sep 24 2027 | Oct 01 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,900€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,599€ | |||||
| Oct 08 2027 | Oct 15 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,600€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,399€ | |||||
| Oct 22 2027 | Oct 29 2027 | 46 | Single rooms | 3,000€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,999€ |
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