Provence Biking by Boat

Apr 23 - May 02, 2026

Join Sarah and Murray Bancroft, owners and winemakers at Birch Block Vineyard, for a week of gentle biking as we travel from the medieval walled city of Aigues-Mortes to the historic grandeur of Avignon exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Provence and the Camargue.

Cycle the heart of the Camargue, a vast wetland where the Rhone Delta meets the Mediterranean that is an unusually unspoiled part of Provence. While boutique hotels from Paris are starting to pop up, it's the ideal time to discover this majestic and undiscovered area of the South of France, where wild white stallions roam on the salt flats, wrangled by the famous Provencal cowboys called "Gardians." Pink flamingos and black bulls round out the cinematic scene that Vogue magazine recently called a "Celluloid fever dream." 

We'll cruise past tiny, white-washed straw-roofed cabins where the Gardians stayed, majestic salt cedars, Parasol pines, pink salt flats and a wild natural landscape with magnificent traditions. We'll sip the famous Provencal rosé wines in the balmy Spring weather and taste local delicacies, like the famous camarguais beef "daube a la Provençal guardian" and Camargue rice, seasoned with the region's famous Fleur de Sel. 

Moving upstream on the Rhone River, we explore ancient Roman ruins in Arles and Avignon, medieval chateaux, and pretty market towns where local crafts are on display. Glorious landscapes of limestone cliffs, olive groves, and vineyards line our route as we pedal along tranquil canal paths, quiet country roads, and scenic riverbanks.

In between cycling excursions, relax on board the Caprice exclusively chartered for our group. We’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner on board (except for one night to enjoy an independent dinner in Aigues-Mortes) and have a packed lunch to take with us on daily cycling excursions. There’s a choice of self guided or guided group bike rides or you can spend the day on board enjoying the splendid views and exploring the pretty villages.

Sarah and Murray will select some favourite wines for us to enjoy as we chug up the Rhône hosting a nightly Apéro (Happy Hour) on board, including compare wines from Birch Block with the same varieties and vintages grown in France.

For travellers residing outside of Ontario, Manulife Travel Insurance is now available through alumni UBC. Please click here for more information and to protect your travel investment.

Tour Cost (per person):

C$6595 includes taxes and gratuities

Group Size:

16 - 19 participants

What’s included: Accommodation for two nights in Avignon based on or similar; accommodation on board the exclusively chartered Caprice for seven nights, based on double occupancy; transfer by coach from Avignon to Aigues-Mortes; all meals on board the barge (except for one dinner independent in Aigues-Mortes); wine with dinner on board the barge; rental of bicycle for the duration of the cruise; use of App including maps, points of interest, and GPS tracks; use of helmet and waterproof pannier bag; all activities as described in the detailed itinerary; entrance fees to all sites visited with the group; services of English-speaking specialized cycling guides; gratuities for guides, driver, and included meals; all taxes; transfer to Avignon Train Station at the end of the barge cruise; services of your Study Leader

Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Activity
1	Meet in Avignon
2	Walking tour of Avignon, afternoon at leisure
3	Travel to Aigues Mortes, visit the salt producer Salins du Midi, embark
4	Camargue, Le Grau-du-Roi, independent dinner (Cycling approx. 55km)
5	Franquevaux to Arles (Cycling approx. 35km)
6	Les-Baux-de-Provence, Saint Remy de Provence (Cycling approx. 55km)
7	Barbentane, Boulbon (Cycling approx. 35km)
8	Ancient Roman Pont du Gard, Avignon (Cycling approx. 40km)
9	Avignon (Cycling approx. 30km)
10	Disembark

Download Itinerary

Ship Information

The 21-passenger Caprice is specially built with a width of 5.2m (16.4ft) to fit the locks and canals in France. With custom-designed furnishings, freshly varnished wood and bright colours, excellent on-board cuisine, and well-kept cabins and common areas, you’ll feel right at home.

The living area of the Caprice is air-conditioned and it is divided in two areas: a cozy restaurant and lounge area. Enjoy breakfasts and dinners in the bright restaurant with large panoramic windows. The lounge area is available for relaxation with a wide selection of board games, books and travel guides, a 55” multimedia screen, and free WiFi. The sundeck with tables and chairs is the perfect spot to enjoy sailing, chatting, and sipping.

On the lower deck the Caprice has 11 cabins (1 Single, 2 Doubles, 8 Twins) measuring 7-8 m2. Each cabin has two fixed portholes, air conditioning, a private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink and hairdryer and safe deposit box; plus ample closet space, a power socket and a full-length mirror. Complimentary courtesy kit: soap, shower gel, shampoo, shower cap. Bed sizes: 1.90 m x 0.80 m (Singles) and 1.90 m x 1.40 m (Doubles).

Your Tour Leader

UBC graduates Sarah Bancroft and Murray Bancroft are the owners of Birch Block Vineyard in Kaleden, South Okanagan. They have an extensive network of winery contacts in France and lived in Paris for a year.

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