Explore Southern France by Bike!
Explore the south of France by bike — better yet, by bike AND boat!!! On today’s podcast, we cycle charming Provence and the Camargue region of southern France on an 8 day Barge and Bike cycling tour.
When you travel by ship, you only need to unpack once, meaning you’ll spend more of your vacation time having FUN instead of wasting time getting organized.
Each day your comfortable ship transports you to an area you’ll be able to explore by bike. You’ll see bulls, wild horses and Camargue cattle as you explore where two branches of the River Rhine cross Camargue into the Mediterranean Sea.
Over 400 species of birds have been spotted in this biologically important wetland – Europe’s largest! You’ll also see typical Provence landscape, and during the summer season, the lavenders fields so famous in this region.
See for yourself the landscapes which so inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne! You also will see Europe’s best preserved Roman aqueduct and the historical medieval fortress of Aigues Mortes.
In addition, you’ll get to explore the delightful cities of Avignon and Arles. Get ready for a fun, leisurely yet active way to explore some of France’s most stunning landscapes.
My guests today went with my affiliate BoatBikeTours.com, BBT offers exciting and affordable boat and bike tours across Europe!
Email me for an exclusive Boat Bike Tours Promo Code to save 50 Euro off of any of their fun boat and bike European tours.
Listen to my interview with the Banks about their BoatBikeTours.com 8 day cycle tour below:
Why Go on a Boat and Bike Tour?
As much as I love to hike, with limited time, there is only so much I can see by foot. But when you travel by bike, you can explore new countries, cultures and landscapes much more efficiently while STILL enjoying the benefit of SLOW TRAVEL.
Unlike traditional tours, when you travel by foor or bicycle, you get to experience the culture more like a local as you will, in fact, become part of their day.
I once heard it described as instead of looking AT the fish in a fishbowl, you are actually IN the fishbowl. Via exchanges with the locals, you become part of THEIR day as much as they are part of YOURS. Fun interactions will be repeated when they get home in much the same way as you tell the story to your friends and family.
Who Can Go on a Boat and Bike Tour?
Since most of the Provence and Camargue region is flat, anyone who is reasonably fit can do this adventure. Plus, if you don’t feel like biking one day, you can relax and simply sail along with the ship to the next destination. THis makes a boat and bike tour ideal for couples with differing fitness and activity desires.
In addition, e-Bikes are available when booked in advance.
On one day, there is a steep hill to climb so a SAG wagon is available if you want to hitch a ride.
A boat and bike tour is great for couples and friends. Solo travelers can enjoy the camraderie and safety of traveling alone, yet with a group!
These boat and bike tours tend to attract reasonably fit people over 50 from across the globe, so you will make new international friends.
The guides all speak at least English and German, and often other languages as well.
Do I need to Train for this adventure?
It’s always a good idea to do some training before going on any adventure.
However, as the terrain for this tour is mostly flat, if you are reasonably fit, you’ll be fine. Expect to be on the bike for about a half day each day, with plenty of rest stops.
I would try to get some practice on a bike if it’s been awhile if for no other reason than getting your rear used to sitting on a saddle for a few hours a day.
If you’re not sure you’re ready for this or any other adventure, you can always reach out to my friend and affiliate, Becki at Trailblazer Wellness. Becki can create a custome online training regimen for you (10% Off for ATA listeners).
Which Tour Company to Choose?
I recommend my affiliate BoatBikeTours.com. I reached out to them after having a marvelous time on their Croatia tour.
Not only was my trip exceptional, when complications arose (as is often the case with adventure travel), they were quick to find workarounds which I think actually enhanced our tour.
The next year, my sister and I went on their Greece tour of lesser visited islands and I got hooked on boat and bike travel with BoatBikeTours.com! I’m not alone : check out all of these outstanding reviews!
Email me for an exclusive BoatBikeTours.com Promo Code good for 50 Euro off of any of their fabulous European tours.
When to Visit Provence, Camargue and Southern France
The best time to visit southern France is from spring to fall, with the shoulder seasons preferred.
Europeans like to take their vacations in July and August, so the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea in particular, can get crowded. It’s also hottest during the summer months, especially in the late afternoons (when you’d probably already be back on the ship and sailing with cool breezes).
Check out the weather averages in Provence HERE. It is least likely to rain during the summer months, with around a 20% chance in the spring and slightly higher in the fall. But overall, during the ‘season’, the weather in Provence is quite lovely!
When to see the Lavender Fields in Provence
If you want to see the famous lavender fields of Provence in bloom, the peak is in early to mid-July, so to avoid crowds yet still see the blooms, shoot for late June.
When to see the Migratory Birds in Camargue
Many species of birds leave Africa and fly north from March through May, passing or staying in Camargue en route to their summer habitat. As the largest wetland in Europe, Camargue is a ‘must stop’ destination, whether to rest for onward travel or to stay for the breeding season.
The many birds who do stay in Camargue to breed will delight you with their boisterous song to attract a mate. You are likely to see European Bee-eater, the Pied Avocet or the Eurasian Hoopoe.
Many species stay in Camargue for the summer, and indeed are year ’round residents, like the Bearded Reedling, the Glossy Ibis, the Common Shelduck, and the delightful Greater Flamingo.
And in the fall, the more subdued post-breeding migrants return to Africa.
You can learn more about the birds of Camargue HERE.
Wildlife in Camargue Region of France
In addition to thousands of birds, you are likely to see wild Camargue horses – thought to be one of the oldest breeds – plus Camargue cattle and bulls.
The stocky Camarague horses are stocky and have adapted to the harsh wet, marshland environment. They tend to have a calm temperment coupled with good stamina and agility, so are fun to ride.
If you love to ride, or even if you are a first time rider, when you are in Aigues Mortes, allow time to experience the magnificent Camargue horses yourself. Here are some options for you to horseback ride in Aigues Mortes.
Historical and Cultural Attractions of Provence and Camargue France
Not only will you see loads of wildlife on your adventure, you’ll also get to see Europe’s best preserved Roman aqueduct, castles, fortresses, and monasteries, but also many delightful medieval villages and cities.
Due to its strategic location, Provence has important historical ties to the Celts, Romans and Greeks, so you will see their influence.
History buffs will be thrilled! Your knowledgable guides will help reveal the backstory of the places you see and visit.
Get your FREE Provence – Camargue Boat and Bike Travel Planner HERE. You’ll also get access to ALL Active Travel Adventures Travel Planners, Checklists and Packing Lists, and a once a month newsletter. No spam promise – unsubscribe anytime.
Visiting Avignon and Arles, France
Your boat and bike tour will either start or end in Avignon, a historical city on the left bank of the Rhine, that I’ve been lucky enough to visit.
Avignon is a quintessential city of Provence! The walled city offers everything you adore about France with its charming shops and markets, beutifully preserved 14th and 15th century architecture with colorful decorative accents, and of course, exquisite fresh food and wine.
Avignon’s historic center is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Outside Avignon, you’ll get to see Pont du Gard, Europe’s best preserved Roman aqueduct.
In the Camargue, another city you’ll visit is Arles. As a cultural and religious center of the late Roman empire, you’ll find many remnants from the past.
Once you visit Arles, you’ll understand why Picasso, Van Gogh and Cézanne found inspiration in this region!
Indeed, Van Gogh painted over 300 landscapes while living in Arles (and it was also here that he went a little nuts and cut off his ear).
Vineyards and Orchards in Southern France
Not only will you get to see abundant wildlife, historical and charming hilltop villages and cities, but you’ll also cycle past vineyards and orchards taking advantage of the Mediterranean climate.
Be sure to taste the local and happily affordable local wines while you pedal across southern France!
Complete Details on a Boat and Bike Tour of Provence – Camargue
You can download the FREE Travel Planner for your Provance – Camargue boat and bike tour HERE.
Not only will you get the free planner, but also you’ll get access to ALL of the Active Travel Adventures Travel Planners, all the Packing Lists, Checklists and any other downloads to help you plan your next adventure.
In addition, you’ll receive the once a month newsletter, and have my ‘no spam promise’. Unsubscribe anytime.
To see the detailed day by day BoatBikeTours.com itinerary, click HERE.
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