Provence Camargue (Aigues-Mortes)

‘Bienvenue à Aigues-Mortes’
Our barge is moored in Aigues-Mortes, a medieval town and ancient military and commercial port on the Mediterranean. Your cabin will be available at 5 p.m.

Aigues–Mortes is a historic city in the middle of one of the most beautiful spots of Provence, the Camargue. In 1240 Saint Louis decided to build a city close to his kingdom in order to have direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. Seven hundred years later the fortifications still dominate the Camargue. You can admire the original city ramparts with six prestigious towers and ten gates as you walk around the town walls (about 1 mile) before entering the charming and narrow streets of this wonderful Mediterranean town. After dinner on the boat, we’ll preview the week’s highlights and cycling itinerary.

We cycle through the quiet country lanes of the Camargue, passing canals, lagoons, and charming villages. Along the way, we reach La Cailar, Marsillargues, and Saint-Laurent-d’Aigouze, all known for their ancient taurine (bullfighting) traditions.

In the afternoon, we visit an organic vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting experience, surrounded by the peaceful scenery of ponds, reeds, dunes, and pine forests. The scents of tamarisk and warm sand accompany us as we experience the wild and authentic beauty of the Camargue.

Dinner tonight is on your own. 

Elevation Gain (M) +160 / -160

This morning we sail for a couple of hours up to Franquevaux, where we start cycling towards today’s destination:

Arles, a city renowned for its rich Roman and antique heritage. Arles fascinates us with its hidden treasures. Wandering through its narrow alleys feels like stepping into one of Van Gogh’s paintings.

In the afternoon, we are welcomed by a local guide, who takes us on a walking tour to discover the jewels of the town, including its impressive monuments and timeless charm.

Elevation Gain (M) +105 / -100

This is a breathtaking stage that brings us into the Alpilles, with its limestone cliffs and silvery olive groves.

We visit the perched village of Les-Baux-de-Provence before continuing to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of the most charming towns in the region and closely linked to Van Gogh’s life and work.

In the evening, we moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône, where time seems to slow down.

Elevation Gain (M) +445 / -440

We follow quiet country roads to reach Barbentane, with its impressive castle standing at the confluence of the Rhône and Durance rivers.

From here, we continue to the magnificent Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Frigolet, nestled in the heart of the Montagnette hills, before descending to the medieval village of Boulbon.

In the afternoon, we sail to Aramon, where we spend the night enjoying a beautiful view of Mont Ventoux in the distance.

Elevation Gain (M) +210 / -210

Today’s stage brings us to one of the most remarkable Roman monuments in Europe the Pont du Gard.
This awe-inspiring aqueduct, built in the 1st century BC, once carried water over 50 kilometres to the city of Nîmes. Perfectly preserved and set amidst a stunning natural landscape, it’s one of those places that truly takes your breath away.

After our visit, we cycle back to Aramon, where our barge awaits. In the afternoon, we sail towards Avignon, known as the City of the Popes. During the 14th century, this was the seat of papal power, and today its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and grand Palais des Papes still tell the story of that remarkable era.

We moor at Quai de la Ligne, right beside the famous Pont Saint-Bénezet — the legendary “Pont d’Avignon” — a perfect place to end the day with a view of the Rhône and the historic skyline.

After breakfast, we’ll part ways.