Provence & the Rhône Valley

Provence & the Rhône Valley

Wine, Roman history, and Southern French charm

This premium e-bike and boat journey through Provence and the Rhône Valley brings together many of the pleasures travelers dream of when they imagine the South of France: sunlit landscapes, Roman monuments, lavender and olive groves, celebrated wine regions, historic towns and relaxed meals with a view of the river.

Traveling from Lyon to Arles (or the other way around), you follow one of France’s great rivers through a region shaped by centuries of trade, winemaking, art and history. Each day offers a new perspective: cycling along parts of the well-developed ViaRhôna, passing vineyards and hilltop villages, visiting remarkable heritage sites or relaxing on board the comfortable MS Provence as the scenery unfolds from the water.

The route is rich in memorable places. Lyon is known as France’s capital of gastronomy, while Avignon recalls its medieval importance with the impressive Palais des Papes. The Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe, is a true highlight of the journey. In Arles, Roman monuments and Van Gogh connections create a powerful sense of place. Along the way, you also discover famous wine areas such as Saint-Joseph, Condrieu and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well as the chocolate traditions of Valrhona.

This is Southern France at an enjoyable pace. Some days offer a choice between a more relaxed ride and a sportier route, while on selected more challenging stages a support vehicle accompanies the group. Your ship follows along the river, giving you a comfortable home base throughout the week. The result is a well-balanced journey with active days, cultural discoveries, regional flavors and plenty of time to savor the Provençal way of life.

The ship: your floating hotel

Between cycling days, the MS Provence brings you comfortably from one destination to the next. Each day, a new town or landscape awaits, while your cabin, meals and familiar crew travel with you.

On board, you enjoy the relaxed rhythm of river cruising: breakfast before the ride, dinner after an active day and time to unwind on deck as the Rhône landscapes pass by. Packed lunches are prepared from the onboard buffet or lunch is served on board, depending on the day’s program. Full board is included during the cruise, except for one dinner on your own in Avignon — a perfect opportunity to explore the city’s lively restaurant scene.

Prefer a slower day? You are welcome to stay on board while the ship sails to the next destination.

Guided cycling with flexibility

The daily e-bike only tours are guided by knowledgeable, English-speaking tour leaders. Guests cycle in guided groups, with a maximum of 16 guests per guide.

The cycling level ranges from 2 to 4, with more relaxed routes on selected days and more advanced options for guests who prefer longer or hillier rides. Digital routes via RideGPS are also provided, together with cycling maps.

On selected cycling days, a support van accompanies the group, offering extra peace of mind when the terrain becomes more demanding.