Sunday
Transfer from a defined pickup point to Le Phénicien moored close to the ramparts of the walled city of Aigues-Mortes. It is time to settle in and explore the old fortress once a departure point for the holy crusades of the king St Louis, and now famous for its ambiance and shopping opportunities. Our first dinner on board gives an indication of the high standard of cuisine that will be served during the cruise, with the accompanying wines specially chosen from local wineries.

Monday
This morning you will meet your cycling assistant and get fitted to your bikes during an information meeting to go over the week ahead. You are now ready to take your first bike ride and explore the surroundings on small 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. We will bike to the village of Le Grau du Roi and the beaches nearby where you will have your first picnic in a marine atmosphere. (30km).  Back to the barge we start a peaceful short navigation to the village of Galician where we will stay overnight.
 
Tuesday
The highlight of our ride this morning will be the Chateau d'Espeyran, an unknown jewel of the French patrimony. During the guided visit we will discover a full set of original furniture on a site occupied since the 6th century BC. On the way you will certainly enjoy the wildlife and particularly the great variety of birds found everywhere in this area.  (35 km).  Back on board after a nice picnic lunch we cruise the canal, the Petit Rhône and the Rhône River to reach the Roman city of Arles, the open-air museum of Provence where Van Gogh painted 300 canvasses during his stay in 1888.

Wednesday
Enjoy the city of Arles this morning and its open Provencal market before we start a great ride towards one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux de Provence, where you will have a free visit and time for shopping. On the way we will make a stop at an olive oil mill in Mausanne and enjoy a lovely picnic. The ride back through the famous landscapes of Provence dotted with cypress and olive trees will stay in your memories. We set sail this afternoon for our next stop, the charming village of Vallabrègues, the capital of Basketry in Europe, famous for its local craftsmanship. (50 km).

Thursday
Right after breakfast we head off on our ride to the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet. Enjoy a picnic lunch here surrounded by the nice smells of our Provencal thyme, the best in Europe. Riding back to the barge, the local charming villages along the way, such as Boulbon or Barbentane, offer a good spot for a little rest in the shade. And so on up the Rhône river towards the papal village of Villeneuve les Avignon where we will stay for the night. (35 km).
 
Friday
Our last bike ride will take us to the famous village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, once chosen by the Popes to grow the sacred vineyards. After a free visit of the village, and maybe a cautious wine tasting,  we all get back on our bicycles for a short ride to the barge waiting on the Rhône river. You will have lunch on board as the barge cruises gently down the river to Avignon where we will end our journey. You still have plenty of time to discover the town where the Popes lived in the XIV century and have your last chance for shopping while the crew is getting everything ready for your farewell dinner! (35 km).

Saturday
After breakfast, you will be transferred to a defined meeting point.

Note: this is a sample itinerary and stops and excursions may be altered to suit guests individual ideas. On alternate weeks this cruise will run in the opposite direction.

What's Included For Bike and Barge Program (no extra cost, minimum of 12 passengers):
- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge in cabins with private bath
- Transfers from Avignon or Nimes to the barge and return
- All meals beginning with dinner on Sunday, through breakfast on Saturday
- All wines with lunches and dinners
- Open bar
- Bicycles are custom ordered; passengers must provide their measurements (weight, height and inseam)
- attendees are provided a road book with suggested cycle routes; each itinerary is an average 35-50km trek. For serious cyclists, a longer 50-80km extension itinerary is offered.
- Bicycle helmets, repair tools, tubes, pump and a small case fixed on the bike to carry a picnic lunch and a bottle of water.

What's Not Included For Bike and Barge Program:
- Overseas air transportation to Paris and return
- Transportation from Paris to Nimes/Avignon and return
- Optional gratuity for the crew; we suggest a minimum of 5 % to be given to the manager in equivalent euros
- Guided land excursion
-if Bicycle Guide is requested, there is an additional USD $3,600.00 fee.