'le Ph?(C)nicien'

Meet your cycling assistant and get fitted to your bikes during an informational session to plan for the week ahead. Your first ride today is on smaller roads and trails along the salt fields bordered by canals, lakes and marshes where bulls, horses and pink flamingoes give an uncommon touch to the scenery. Enjoy a picnic at the beaches near the village of Le Grau du Roi. Back on board the barge, cruise to the overnight mooring at Gallician. 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' Barge B L D

Cycle to Le Ch??teau d'Espeyran, continuing into the Camargue, a wildlife area and bird sanctuary that never fails to surprise. After another lovely picnic lunch, return to 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' for a cruise to the Roman city of Arles on the mighty River Rh??ne. Known as the "open air museum" of Provence, Arles was a 19th-century home to Vincent Van Gogh who painted 300 canvases here. 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' Barge B L D

Enjoy Arles' Proven??al market before cycling towards one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux de Provence. Along the way, enjoy a special picnic lunch at an olive oil mill in Mausanne. Return to the barge via famous landscapes dotted with cypress and olive trees. In the afternoon, cruise to the charming village of Vallabr??gues, a European capital of basketry. 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' Barge B L D

Today, cycle to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet for another delicious picnic lunch. Return to 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' by way of charming local villages such as Boulbon and Barbentane, which offer shady resting spots. Later in the day, continue cruising up the River Rh??ne to the overnight mooring at the papal village of Villeneuve-l??s-Avignon. 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' Barge B L D

A final bicycle ride today to the famous village of Ch??teauneuf-de-Pape, once chosen by the Popes as site for their sacred vineyards. Return to the barge for lunch and a cruise to Avignon, where there is time to explore the city and do some additional shopping before this evening's farewell dinner. 'Le Ph?(C)nicien' Barge B L D

After breakfast, transfer to Hostellerie La Magnaneraie at Villeneuve-l??s-Avignon where the tour ends. B

This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.