Upon arrival in Avignon make your way to the barge which will be moored at the Quai de la Ligne next to the famous Pont d’Avignon close the centre of this lovely old city. Boarding is at 6pm. If you arrive early, there are plenty of street cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this lovely old town. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting where the guide will describe the week ahead in detail. Over dinner you can also get to know your fellow passengers.

Today’s first ride leads us upstream, along quiet roads surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The route crosses the Rhône at the island Île de la Barthelasse before returning via the charming town of Villeneuve Les Avignon. Along the way you we pass the vineyards and orchards of the famous Châteaneuf-du-Pape winery. We also stop for a wine-tasting of the famous Provençal wine. We then return to Avignon for a second night at our mooring in the delightful old town. The galley is closed this evening but the staff will be happy to recommend restaurants in town.

The day starts with a cruise downstream to the town of Aramon where we disembark for today’s ride. The route leaves the river and heads north to admire the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe, the impressive Pont-du-Gard. We then return via a different route to Aramon where the barge remains moored for the night. From the deck we can admire views of Mont Ventoux in the distance

Our day starts with a cruise to the pretty provençal village of Vallabrègues on the banks of the Rhône. We then cycle along quiet country roads to the town of Barbentane, at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance Rivers. From here we ride through pleasant forested countryside, first to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigulet – a pilgrims destination for centuries – and then on to the charming medieval village of Boulbon. Our circular route then returns us to our barge at Vallabrègues where we spend the night.

Today the landscape changes as you cycle into the Alpilles past limestone cliffs and olive groves up to the medieval village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. Then it’s a beautiful descent to the pretty town of Saint Rémy where Van Gogh painted Starry Night, and finally to the Roman city of Arles on the banks of the Rhône, where the barge moors for the night.

In the morning we enjoy a tour of Arles. The town captivated Van Gogh and many consider the period he spent here to be his most creative. A guide will introduce you to the town’s highlights leading you through the small colourful alleys and streets. After a lunch, a short ride brings us to the lock at Saint Gilles where we re-board the barge for a cruise downstream to the town of Aigues Mortes in the Camargue where we will spend the next two nights.

Our final ride ride leads us along quiet country roads between the canals and lagoons of the Camargue. It’s a relatively easy ride on mainly flat terrain so relax and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this wild region. Towards the end of the ride we visit the fishing village of Le-Grau-du-Roi – don’t forget your swimming gear in case you fancy a swim from the sandy beach. We then return to the barge for our final night on board at the mooring in Aigues Mortes.

After breakfast it’s time to disembark, by 9am, and head for home or your next adventure.