girolibero Cycling holidays- 2024
Departures - 2025
Departures
Guided/Self-guided Bike and Barge / Original tour
Web code FR024
France / Provence and Camargue
From Avignon to Aigues Mortes
- 26 Client reviews
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Day by Day
1. Avignon
Individual arrival and boarding after 5 p.m. in Avignon. Your mooring place is in Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont St. Bénezet.
2. Avignon round tour (30 km)
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 time to discover the historic centre of Avignon. Free dinner in Avignon.
3. Avignon – Aramon (40 km)
In the morning navigation till the town of Aramon, where you will start pedalling. The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. Overnight in Aramon with a beautiful view over the Mont Ventoux.
4. Aramon – Vallabrègues (35 km)
You start your day sailing to Vallabrègues, pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhône. Along country roads you will arrive to Barbentane with its castle at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance rivers. You will cycle to the magnificent Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet and afterwards down to the medieval village of Boulbon. Overnight in Vallabrègues.
5. Vallabrègues – Arles (55 km)
This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. In the end you move onto the Alpilles, with Les-Baux-de-Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs and olive trees accompanies your journey.
6. Arles – Aigues-Mortes (35 km)
Today the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will also have the opportunity to be welcomed by a professional guide, who will accompany you around the jewels of the town. After lunch you reach the lock of Franquevaux and from there you will sail to Aigues Mortes for the overnight stay.
7. Aigues Mortes round tour (55 km)
Going through small country lanes of Camargue between canals, lagoons and small villages you will reach in the afternoon the charming fishermen’s village Le Grau-du-Roi. Possibility of a refreshing bath on the beach.
8. Aigues Mortes
After breakfast, end of services.
The programme has been planned to feature navigation along the Rhone River and Rhone-Sète Canal. Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain. -
Route profile
Total length: 250 km
Terrain: 90% asphalt, 10% unpaved
The tour is totally flat in the lowlands in the two stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups and downs, which are however easy to overcome. There is just one more demanding slope towards Les Baux de Provence, but you will be fully repaid with an extraordinary landscape. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable. There will also be some navigation stretches to make the stages more enjoyable.Leisure cycling in mostly flat areas, with only few short climbs and descents. Little effort required, suitable for most people.
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How to get there
Avignon is connected with the following airports:
Montpellier: 80 Km, Marseille: 90 Km, Lyon: 280 Km
Trains
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the following website: www.sncf.com. -
Accommodation and meals
The boat Caprice is equipped with:
11 cabins (1 Single, 2 Doubles, 8 Twins) measuring 7/8 m2.
Each cabin has two fixed portholes, air conditioning, en-suite facilities and safety box; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror. Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Doubles).
The living area measures 12.50 x 4.10 m, is air-conditioned and is divided into two areas: the restaurant (up to 22 seats) and the lounge with an open bar. A total of 10 windows gives plenty of natural light.
Extra features:- Free hot drinks machine
- Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area
- Large 55” screen in the lounge for video
- Dedicated bike storage
- Hair-dryers (one in each cabin)
- Complimentary courtesy kit
- Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning
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The boat L’Estello is equipped with:
10 cabins (1 Double, 9 Twins) measuring 7/8 m2.
Each cabin has two fixed portholes, air conditioning, en-suite facilities and safety box; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror. Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Double).
The living area measures 13.90 x 4.60 m, is air-conditioned and is divided into two areas: the restaurant (up to 21 seats) and the bar area with comfortable benches. A total of 12 windows gives plenty of natural light.
Extra features:- Free hot drinks machine
- Free WiFi in the restaurant/bar area
- Large 55” screen in the lounge for video
- Dedicated bike storage
- Hair-dryers (one in each cabin)
- Complimentary courtesy kit
- Sundeck with seating accommodation and fixed awning
Watch L'Estello photo gallery.
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Bikes and accessories
Girolibero bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:
- Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
- E-bike 9-gear Shimano
Features:
- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle www.selleroyal.com
- anti-puncture Schwalbe tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- Speed Lifter system
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Limited availability for E-bikes.All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- 1 cycle computer
- 1 Ortlieb one-sided saddlebag
- 1 combination bike lock
- 1 helmet suitable for head circumferences from 54 to 61 cm
Only for self-guided:- 1 front bar bag per cabin
- 1 repair kit per cabin: 1 spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, 2 allen keys and tyre levers
All our helmets have a certification mark according to the DIN EN 1078 (CE) European norm.
We recommend that you bring your own reusable water bottle with you.
Important notes if you want to cycle independently:
In order to cycle smoothly following our App, we suggest that you bring with you a holder for your mobile phone to be fixed on the handlebar, as well as a power bank (even if the App can be used offline, too). -
Accompanying material
Before your arrival, you will receive an email from us with the digital information material. It contains:
1. Link to download the App including maps, roadbook, points of interest and GPS tracks (you can use the App offline, too)
2. Link to download the tour information material in Pdf:- Tour notes
- Final tour details
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By your side
Welcome briefing
At your arrival on Saturday at 6.30 p.m. you will meet the tour leader and the crew. Every evening the guide will present you the cycling program of the following day.
This tour offers the chance to choose if pedalling alone or with the whole group, following the tour leader. When booking the tour you need to specify which option you prefer.
If you want to cycle independently, you are free to do it by following the App you have been given. In case of an emergency you can contact the tour leader over the phone. If you change your mind during the week and you want to join the guided tour, please inform the tour leader the evening before. If you choose the guided option, the tour leader will be always present during breakfast and included dinners and will cycle every day with you.Tour leader
Our tour leaders are carefully selected and rigourously trained by Girolibero. They are experienced enthusiastic travelers who have a true passion for sharing their love of the outdoors, peoples, cultures and local food. Thanks to their knowledge of the territory, they can give you useful hints and help you appreciate the place you are visiting. Of course they love cycling and will be happy to give you some advice on how to correctly use the bicycle gears and whenever necessary they can fix a flat tyre. As we like to say, our tour leaders are AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin), and will help you explore the land and live an unforgettable experience.
Staff support
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
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26 Client reviews
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George
Departure 07-14 October 2023
Online from 21 November 2023
Fantastic -
Diane
Departure 07-14 October 2023
Online from 20 October 2023
Loved our 2nd Girolibero Bike & Barge (last year Italy, just now returning from south of France) ...and looking foward to booking next years!! -
Juciene
Departure 26 August - 02 September 2023
Online from 08 September 2023
We got lucky and had, coincidentally, an awesome group of people. Lots of fun. Rafael also made our journey super enjoyable. He was right there to make sure we had a great experience. I already miss everyone! -
Lisa
Departure 17-24 June 2023
Online from 21 July 2023
The best part was the amazing people! We loved our companions and crew. We loved travieling with Alessandro! -
Helen
Departure 01-08 July 2023
Online from 14 July 2023
We were a 3 generational group (previous customers in our 70's, our son and our granddaughter). The tour was perfect for us. The cycling was sometimes frustrating due to the waiting (for one person) but this did not distract from the overall trip with interesting and lovely people. We loved the swimming from the boat and loved the french villages and countryside we rode through. -
Debra
Departure 17-24 June 2023
Online from 30 June 2023
Elena was great . Lovely person. Boat crew was great. Food was great. The only negative was the cramped cabin. Thanks, Emil and Debbie -
Doug
Departure 20-27 May 2023
Online from 14 June 2023
This was our first bike and barge and overall, we really enjoyed it.
- Walkie talkie radio for lead and sweep
- Provide/offer recipe book of meals served and wine list
- Guides should ride e-bikes and carry proper first aid kits and extra battery. A friend’s battery died shortly after starting one day. I had to ask Micki to call the boat and have Rafael use a spare ebike to bring a replacement battery
- Altho we didn’t have much interaction with the Captain, it was great to see him helping with all aspects of the trip from unloading bikes to sweeping floors, etc! -
Georgia
Departure 18-25 June 2022
Online from 30 June 2022
Not a very challenging trip from a physical perspective, but a very enjoyable tour. The guide (Carlos) and crew (Filippo, Michele, chef Sara) were all very nice. -
Annabel
Departure 04-11 June 2022
Online from 27 June 2022
The format is perfect for us. We get culture, history, geography, exercise, well guided, great company from other guests, no need to pack up room each day. It is very easy to forget your usual worries!
There were 10 of the 18 guests that were on the Ave Maria on the Po in 2019.
You haven't asked about the crew and guides. They were wonderful. Micaela, Irina, Sara, Daniel, Jehrome, high quality human beings! -
Cathy
Departure 07-14 May 2022
Online from 20 June 2022
Amazing trip and the crew was just delightful and very prepared! I recommend to all! -
Nigel
Departure 04-11 June 2022
Online from 17 June 2022
We did have an absolutely fantastic week. All staff on the boat were outstanding and our group of guests made it a holiday to remember. Thank you. -
Marta
Departure 01-08 August 2020
Online from 14 August 2020
È stato bellissimo e da rifare -
Renzo
Departure 01-08 August 2020
Online from 13 August 2020
Una indimenticabile traversata tra la Provenza e la Camargue con dei compagni ben assortiti...con uno staff di primordine...l'imperturbabile e disponibile capitano Filippo, lo steward nonchè "merendero" Marco, lo chef stellato Sara e l'inarrivabile Melanie, mai stanca, sempre disponibile e di una simpatia disarmante. Unico neo, dopo una settimana bisogna scendere dal Caprice -
Massimo
Departure 26 October - 02 November 2019
Online from 07 November 2019
8,5
La carta vincente è la professionalità e la simpatia del personale. -
Franca
Departure 26 October - 02 November 2019
Online from 07 November 2019
Questo tour è un misto di cultura, natura, rilassante navigazione e belle pedalate. -
Barbara
Departure 31 August - 07 September 2019
Online from 22 September 2019
Compared to the Loire Valley Tour which I took the following week, I was not terribly impressed with the Bike and Barge tour due to way too many people riding together. We had 20-23 folks all in one group. Some with electric bikes and others without. I think for the terrain on this tour, should be mandatory everyone has electric bikes and/or rate this NOT easy but moderate due to wind and elevation. Also guides should give a good example by wearing helmets! -
Liz
Departure 31 August - 07 September 2019
Online from 14 September 2019
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Joanne
Departure 17-24 August 2019
Online from 02 September 2019
A wonderful introduction to the towns and countryside of Provence. Biking was a way to see more of the area, and in an enjoyable way, than driving. -
Teri
Departure 17-24 August 2019
Online from 01 September 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. All the staff including reservation/office, tour guide, boat crew, and bike/shuttle crew were all fantastic, friendly, professional, and highly qualified making the trip very safe and comfortable. The tour location, landscape, villages, historic sites were all wonderful.
The effort that went into finding the back roads and quiet streets was very much appreciated and must have taken some time to plan. I appreciated the ability to opt out of longer or more difficult segments which made the trip more enjoyable for me.
For instance, I opted out of the morning segment in Aigues-Mortes in favor of touring the walled city/ramparts and then joined for the afternoon segment.
I also appreciated the shuttle van to the top of Les Baux. However, I would have appreciated a 27 gear bike which would perhaps have made that segment possible for me. Overall, a wonderful and memorable experience! Thank you! -
Genevieve Jody
Departure 17-24 August 2019
Online from 01 September 2019
Many thanks! I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this experience. The crew and guide were wonderful and most accommodating. The food was outstanding.
Helmute was a joy. I appreciated his years of service with Girolibero, his knowledge and he was always encouraging.
The whole Girolibero team from the start were very easy to work with and especially patience with all our questions along the way. Keep up the excellent work. I am planning to do this again in Italy. -
Linda
Departure 17-24 August 2019
Online from 29 August 2019
As I mentioned I'm not a seasoned biker, but I had the trip of a lifetime!!
The e-bike was so amazing and made me feel like a pro. Being able to experience all the beautiful landmarks and little villages by bike and foot were indescribable!
It is something I will remember for the rest of my life and can't wait to go on another tour!!! -
Lynette
Departure 20-27 July 2019
Online from 08 August 2019
Holiday enjoyable and company great. Bike leader terrific and boat hostess great too. -
Thierry
Departure 11-18 May 2019
Online from 22 May 2019
Très beau tour en Provence!
Nous rentrons de notre 4ème voyage avec Girolibero. Le tour d'Avignon à Aigues-Mortes, à bord de l'Estello, est une très belle expérience.
Les parcours à vélo sont magnifiques, et accessibles aux moins sportifs. Le road-book est soigneusement conçu et conduit vers toutes les beautés de la région, Pont du Gard, Baux de Provence, abbayes et villages pittoresques.
Les vélos (électriques ou non) sont d'excellente qualité, l'ambiance sur le bateau est très agréable, grâce à une équipe aux petits soins, un excellent café italien, et de bons vins.
Les cabines sont petites mais on s'y habitue vite, et tout peut y être rangé.
Seul point faible, les dîners, qui manquaient autant de créativité que de saveur. Une occasion de perdre un peu de poids?
Un très beau voyage à recommander à tous les cyclistes amateurs de beaux paysages! -
annalisa
Departure 18-25 August 2018
Online from 25 September 2018
Voto 10. Un viaggio da fare. Consigliatissimo -
Pam & Gary
Departure 2018
Online from 25 June 2018
We just finished the Avignon to Aigues Mortes bike and barge trip.
It was amazing. The crew worked so hard to make the trip a success.
We saw wonderful sights and enjoyed the exercise on the bikes,
Ronnie is a fabulous guide, she made sure that we all enjoyed ourselves while staying safe. She worked so hard, but never lost her bright smile.
We have done other tours with Girolibero and I have always found the company lives up to its promises. I recommend Girolibero to friends and acquaintances and we will be booking with you again.
Thank you -
Jill, UK
Departure 2017
Online from 27 April 2017
Re my recent holiday to Avignon, I enjoyed this very much. I loved living on the barge, not having to pack up my stuff every day to change hotels, the tour leader was excellent, the sun was wonderful, the wind was terrible.
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