Tours & Vacations
Curated by Impulsive Escape Travel
View photos
France vacation idea
Provence Bike & Boat: Lyon, Avignon & Arles
An 8-day guided e-bike-and-boat trip between Lyon and Arles with the Rhône Valley, Avignon, Pont du Gard, wine country and route choices for different cycling levels.
France
Bike & Boat
Guided / Escorted
Moderate
River Cruise
Culture
Food & Wine
Length8 days / 7 nights
FormatGuided e-bike-and-river journey
ActivityActive; Level 3 overall with guided e-bike routes ranging from moderate to challenging
Route
Lyon • Chavanay • Tournon-sur-Rhône • Viviers • Châteauneuf-du-Pape • Avignon • Pont du Gard • Tarascon • Arles
Why This Trip Stands Out
This eight-day guided e-bike-and-boat trip follows the Rhône between Lyon and Arles, pairing days on the bike with vineyards, Roman sites, historic cities and evenings aboard a small river ship.
The riding is more active than an easy bike-and-boat trip. E-bikes help with the hills, but this is still a true cycling vacation with longer routes, climbs and mixed surfaces. Selected days include a more relaxed route and a more advanced option.
- Ride sections of the ViaRhôna through the Rhône Valley and Provence.
- Visit Lyon, Avignon, Arles and the Pont du Gard.
- Cycle through vineyards and wine villages in the Côtes du Rhône.
- Choose between different route levels on selected days.
- Return each evening to the same comfortable river ship.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 | Lyon
Board in Lyon, settle into your cabin and meet the crew and cycling team before the first dinner aboard.
Day 2 | Northern Rhône Vineyards
Begin riding south through riverside landscapes and wine villages toward Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Day 3 | ViaRhôna or Ardèche
Choose a more relaxed riverside ride or a longer route through the Ardèche countryside before rejoining the ship.
Day 4 | Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Avignon
Continue through Rhône wine country toward Avignon, with regional food and wine experiences along the way.
Day 5 | Avignon
Explore the historic center and Palais des Papes with a local guide, then spend the afternoon at your own pace or join an additional ride.
Day 6 | Pont du Gard
Ride through the Provençal countryside to the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard before continuing toward Tarascon.
Day 7 | Arles and the Alpilles
Finish with a choice of routes around Arles and the surrounding countryside, with Roman history and landscapes associated with Vincent van Gogh.
Day 8 | Arles
Disembark after breakfast. Extra time in Provence, Lyon or elsewhere in France fits well before or after the trip.
Discover more from Impulsive Escape Travel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
What You Get
What’s Included
- 7 nights aboard a deluxe Rhône river ship
- 7 breakfasts, lunches on cycling days and 6 dinners
- Fully guided e-bike routes with two cycling groups
- Helmet, waterproof pannier, maps and GPS tracks
- Support van on selected cycling days
- Côtes du Rhône wine tasting
- Guided Avignon visit with Palais des Papes admission
- Pont du Gard admission
- Wine and chocolate pairing in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region
- Wi-Fi aboard
Your Stay
Where You’ll Stay
Seven nights are aboard a deluxe Rhône river ship with 23 cabins and a maximum of 46 guests. Exact cabin category depends on the selected departure.
Getting Around
Transportation
The itinerary combines seven nights aboard a deluxe river ship with guided e-bike riding most days. A support vehicle is available on selected cycling days.
Food & Dining
Meals & Dining
Breakfast is included daily, with packed lunch or lunch aboard on cycling days and six three-course dinners. One evening in Avignon is left open for dinner ashore.
On the Water
Onboard Experience
The deluxe river ship has climate-controlled cabins, a lounge and dining area, a sun deck and Wi-Fi. The ship serves as your floating hotel while the cycling route moves through the Rhône Valley and Provence.
More to Add
Optional Experiences
Premium e-bike rental is available for an additional charge. Route-specific inclusions vary between the relaxed and advanced cycling options.
Stay a Little Longer
Extensions Available
Extra hotel nights in Lyon, Arles, Avignon or elsewhere in Provence are easy to add around the fixed departure.
Make It Yours
Ways to Customize It
I can coordinate international flights, extra hotel nights and additional time elsewhere in France before or after the bike-and-boat trip.
Group Details
How the Group Works
The ship carries up to 46 guests. Guided cycling groups are limited to 16 guests per guide, with two guides and two groups used for the riding program.
A Good Match?
Who This Trip Is Best For
Active travelers who are comfortable spending several hours on an e-bike and want Southern France to include meaningful riding, wine country, historic cities and time on the river.
Before You Choose It
A Few Things to Know
E-bike rental is extra. Expect hills, longer riding days and a mix of paved roads, cycling paths and some unpaved surfaces. Route choices vary by day, and travelers may stay aboard instead of cycling when ship operations allow.
Keep Exploring
You Might Like These Too
Interested in This One?
Ask me about this trip.
Send me your dates and who is traveling. I’ll know exactly which trip you were looking at and can check the current availability and pricing for you.
Looking for something different? Start a custom vacation request.
Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.
