L'Estello
The L'Estello offers 10 double cabins (one with a double bed and 9 cabins with separate beds). The cabins are 7-8 m² in size and have air conditioning, 2 portholes (one in the bathroom) and a private bathroom. The bed size is 1.90 m / 2 m x 0.75 / 0.80 m. The air-conditioned common area has 5 tables and can
accommodate up to 23 people. The room is in a restaurant with large windows and a salon with comfortable seating. On board, you have the opportunity to use W-Lan free of charge in the residence area. Outside there is a sundeck on which you can end the day in the evening.
Tour
Individual arrival to Aigues Mortes. The Montpellier, just over 30 km away, can be easily reached by plane. Ryanair, LH or Air France offer flights from many cities. In the afternoon, marvel at the medieval and totally preserved city walls of Aigues Mortes and explore the city on your own. Embarkation is possible from 6 pm.
On this first round trip, discover the beauties of the Camargue on the first day of cycling. You cycle past numerous shallow lakes that are so typical of this region. Discover the former fishing village Le Grau-du-Roi, which today is a tourist attraction with its elegant harbor. Around the village in the many ponds are numerous wild flamingos at home. Marvel at the rich water bird world and the beautiful flowering tamarisk trees.
An exciting day awaits you. In the morning, the ship takes you relaxed to Saint Gilles. On a short bike ride you quickly reach Arles, one of the most beautiful cities in Provence. Marvel at the numerous remains of ancient splendor. You will have plenty of time to visit the former Benedictine abbey church of Saint-Trophime with its famous portal and cloister, the amphitheater built around 90 AD, which originally consisted of three 60-arcade galleries and accommodated around 25,000 spectators. the ancient Roman theater and remains of the Roman Forum. In the afternoon you will get to know Arles better with a city guide.
Today you cycle to the small town of Les Baux with one of the largest castle ruins in France, which is impressively situated on a 200m high rocky plateau. Stroll through the historic center with all its many small souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes. Be enchanted by the unusual landscape around Les Baux, which is characterized by the barren rocks of the region. Only a few kilometers further in Saint Remy Vincent van Gogh painted some of his masterpieces including the famous starry night. By bike, you will pass Tarascon and its 1400s castle. Past countless olive trees and fragrant lavender, you will cycle to the pretty village of Vallabrègues on the banks of the Rhône.
Enjoy a beautiful bike ride to Barbentane, with its castle between the rivers Rhone and Durance. The further route takes you to the former Benedictine monastery of Saint Michel de Frigolet and the medieval castle in Boulbon. In the afternoon you travel by ship to Aramon, today's destination. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Mont Ventoux, which is probably one of the most famous climbs in the course of the Tour de France.
Two highlights are waiting for you today. Look forward to the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge of impressive height. It is one of the most important surviving Roman bridge structures in the world. After a rewarding visit, you will cycle along splendid paths to the charming old town of Avignon, with its magnificent medieval houses and imposing ramparts. Marvel at the 14th-century Gothic Pope's Palace and the famous Pont St. Bénézet Bridge, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Today we’ll get to the other side of the river Rhone by crossing the island Île de la Barthelasse, and we’ll ride in the typical garrigue landscape, between vineyards and orchards. Before going back we’ll visit Villeneuve Les Avignon, once known to be the town of the cardinals. In the afternoon there is time to discover the historic centre of Avignon.
After breakfast, your spectacular bike tour ends with disembarkation.
The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.
Map
Prices / Dates
Services / Info
- 7 overnight stays
- Breakfast buffet
- Homemade packed lunch
- 6 x dinner
- Coffee and tea on board
- Towels and bed linen
- Cabin cleaning and towel change once in the middle of the week
- Guided tour of Arles
- Some short tours
- Visit and wine tasting in a typical winery
- Digital tour information
- App with maps, route description, sights and GPS data
- Bicycle - rental helmet (please register)
- English-speaking tour guide/ international group
- Port fees
Below you will find specific information about the tour in the Provence and Camargue. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: 06421 – 886890.
Arrival to Avignon or Aigues Mortes
You have access to Aigues Mortes and Avignon from the following airports by bus or taxi:
Montpellier Mediterranèe (MPL), Marseille Provence (MRS), Nîmes Garons (FNI), Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS) and Avignon Caumont (AVN).
Guided or individual itinerary
On this tour you can decide spontaneously on board whether you want to cycle in a group or explore the region individually.
The group (international audience) is led by a trained, English speaking tour guide. If you choose an individual cycling day, you will receive a very detailed route description on board.
Condition of the bike paths
The route guidance is mainly on cycle paths and rural roads with low traffic. Short sections of the route will cycle on unpaved roads or on roads with more traffic if there is no route alternative available (for example, for entry / exit to larger cities). The routes are generally very flat, some days there are short, slightly more demanding climbs.
Available Rental Bikes
There are 27-speed unisex bikes available in different frame sizes. Each bike is equipped with a luggage bag, water bottle, bike computer and a lock. For each cabin you will receive (not in the group tour) in addition a repair kit and a handlebar bag / card holder. In addition, 9-speed electric bikes are available on request.
Own Bikes
The use of own bikes is not possible for this tour.
Back transfer to the starting point of the trip
Between Avignon and Aigues Mortes are few train connections (you have to change the train in Nîmes), duration 2 hours.
Ridesharing during the bike tours
Of course, in case of emergency, a support vehicle is available, which is also used for the daily excursions, if the guests do not want to cycle. Information and programs on excursion options are available on board; Excursions are not included in the tour price and are paid locally.
Cycling in France
Cyclists are required to wear a striking dress code in France. Since October 1, 2008, you must wear a reflective reflective vest at night outside of places, as well as on days with poor visibility. Otherwise, you face a fine of up to 35 euros.
Extra costs which are not included in the tour price
One dinner, drinks on board as well as the entrance fees to museums are not included and payable locally.
7 day hotline service
Just in case the bike chain breaks, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surprise: You can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.
Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.
Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.
Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-one days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.
I provide you with advice and assistance
Nicole Janke