Rhône Valley Rendezvous | Lyon - Arles or Arles - Lyon

Welcome to Lyon – France’s famous capital of fine dining and gastronomy, and the starting point for your journey along the Rhône. After boarding the MS Provence, you’ll settle into your cabin and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board with a welcome drink. The crew and tour guide will introduce you to the ship, the cycling programme and the highlights of the coming days.

Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a short optional warm-up ride. This will allow you to test your bike and familiarise yourself with the equipment before the journey begins. At your first dinner together on board, you’ll get in the mood for a varied week exploring wine regions, historic towns and Provençal countryside.

As the MS Provence sails south through the Rhône Valley in the morning, you can enjoy the passing vineyards and rolling hills from the ship. After lunch, your first cycle tour begins in the small wine-growing village of Chavanay. The route follows the ViaRhôna along the Rhône through traditional wine-growing villages and tranquil riverside landscapes.

Via Sablons and Serrières, you’ll cycle along quiet paths to Andance with its striking suspension bridge. The route then takes you through the famous vineyards of the northern Rhône Valley to Saint-Désirat, where, towards the end of the stage, you’ll have the opportunity to sample regional Côtes-du-Rhône wines. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach Tournon-sur-Rhône, where your boat will already be waiting for you.

Today you can choose between a leisurely stage along the Rhône (40–50 km) or a varied tour through the countryside of the Ardèche (70–75 km). The more leisurely route follows the course of the river southwards. Passing through small villages such as Glun and Beauchastel, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the Rhône and the tranquil riverside landscapes. Along the way, there’s time for a stroll through the historic old town of Valence. Another highlight is the famous Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain l’Hermitage – a paradise for lovers of French chocolate.

The more challenging route begins with a ride on the historic Train de l’Ardèche to Lamastre. You’ll then cycle along the popular La Dolce Via through the idyllic Eyrieux valley. Gentle inclines, small tunnels, viaducts and stunning scenery make this route a truly special experience. In the afternoon, both groups will reach La Voulte-sur-Rhône. In the evening, the MS Provence continues southwards to Viviers.

Today, one of the most beautiful stages of your journey through the varied landscapes of the southern Rhône Valley awaits you. You’ll set off together from Viviers and cycle first up to La Garde-Adhémar, one of the most beautiful hilltop villages in France. The climb is rewarded with magnificent views over the Rhône Valley. The route continues through the Drôme Provençale, with its vineyards, olive groves, lavender and sunflower fields, to Suze-la-Rousse with its imposing castle and renowned wine university.

In the afternoon, you’ll reach Orange, where you’ll have the chance to marvel at the famous Roman theatre – one of France’s most significant ancient monuments. You’ll then cycle through the renowned vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where an optional wine tasting rounds off the day before you return on board and the ship takes you to Avignon.

The morning is devoted entirely to the historic papal city of Avignon. On a guided tour, you’ll discover the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the imposing Papal Palace – the largest Gothic palace in Europe and one of France’s most significant buildings.

After lunch on board, you can relax and soak up the special atmosphere of Avignon or take part in an optional cycle tour through the peaceful countryside of Provence. The route first follows the well-known ViaRhôna long-distance cycle route out of the city and then winds its way along quiet back roads through orchards, past canals and through typical villages around Sorgues and Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgue. Along the way, a leisurely stop at a café invites you to savour the Provençal way of life at your own pace, before returning to Avignon in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to spend as you wish – ideal for discovering the lively atmosphere and restaurants of the old town.

Today you’ll cycle through the heart of Provence, past vineyards, historic villages and one of the most impressive structures of the Roman era. From Avignon, the route first takes you via Villeneuve-lès-Avignon along quiet back roads through Mediterranean countryside towards the Pont du Gard. Along the way, there’ll be time for leisurely breaks before you reach the famous Roman aqueduct. The Pont du Gard is one of France’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites and captivates visitors with its exceptionally well-preserved architecture. In the afternoon, the route continues on mostly flat paths via Beaucaire to Tarascon, your destination for the day. Your boat will be waiting for you there.

To round off your trip, you can choose between a leisurely stage along the Rhône (25–30 km) or a more challenging tour through the stunning landscapes of the Alpilles (60–65 km). The more leisurely route takes you from Tarascon through the typical river landscapes of Provence to Arles. Passing through small villages and across wide plains, you’ll once again enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the south of France before reaching Arles. There, you’ll have time for a stroll through this charming town.

The more challenging route takes you via Fontvieille into the picturesque mountainous landscape of the Alpilles. Along quiet side roads, the route climbs to Les Baux-de-Provence, a village spectacularly perched on a cliff with magnificent views. Later, you’ll reach the monastery of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Vincent van Gogh created some of his most famous works. Your destination for the day is Arles, where you’ll round off your journey with an atmospheric farewell evening on board.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the MS Provence and your journey along the Rhône. At around 9 am, your cycling and river cruise comes to an end in Arles. With a wealth of memories of wine-growing regions, historic towns, the Provençal way of life and varied cycling stages, you’ll set off on your journey home – accompanied by memories of an enjoyable week spent between Lyon and Provence.