Self-guided bike tour in the Camargue

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & possible visit of Arles (depending on arrival time).

Arrival at the bike-friendly hotel around 3pm. Arles has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a variety of historical monuments (Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, Baths of Constantine). Overnight stay with breakfast in a 2-star hotel. Bike rental close to the hotel (approx. 50 m) or on delivery.

Day 2: Arles - Salin de Giraud

Head to the Salin de Giraud, cycling past lush vegetation and shady pine trees. The route is pleasant and easy to ride, being mostly paved. To reach Salin de Giraud, cross the Rhône by ferry (free crossing every 15min).

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast. Stage length approx. 45 km

Day 3: Salin de Giraud - Saintes-Maries de la Mer

Cycle along the salt pans to Saintes-Maries de la Mer. The color of the water changes from blue to black and pink, depending on the salt concentration. You will then reach the pond of Fangassier, the only breeding ground for the pink flamingo in France. The further you cycle, the more impressive the maritime landscape becomes. Your day's journey ends in Saintes-Maries de la mer. Accommodation is in a 3-star hotel with breakfast (near the beach). Stage length approx. 30 km

Day 4: Saintes Maries de la Mer - Aigues Mortes

Head north to the Mas de Cacharel, the starting point par excellence for horse rides. On the way, different mas line up one after the other as you slowly leave the marshlands behind. Continue towards the Scamandre nature reserve where cranes, ibises and sometimes even turtles can be seen! Leave your bikes for a moment and follow the various footpaths in the heart of the marshes. Finally, you will reach Aigues-Mortes where you will spend the night in a bicycle-friendly 3-star hotel.

Day 5: Aigues-Mortes to Arles

Leave Aigues Mortes, its ramparts and its salt marshes. to join the long-distance cycle route "Via Rhona". On the way, you will stop in the medieval town of Saint Gilles, famous for its abbey church, a Unesco heritage site and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the 12th century. Head back to Arles and relax in one of the numerous cafés in the old town. Accommodation in a 2-star hotel with breakfast. Stage length approx. 35 km

Day 6: Departure

End of the cycling tour after breakfast – journey back home.

Travel dates

Indicated pricing per person in double room occupancy

Daily departure upon request between mid-March and mid-November.

Services

Price includes:

5 nights in a double room with breakfast, luggage transfer,detailed route description and Mobile travel app companion, visitor's tax.

Optional:
Equipped rental bikes: touring bike: €135 for 6 days/ touring bike including delivery and collection at the first accommodation in Arles.

Guaranteed departure

Bookings from 2 persons
Not accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
Last possibility of cancellation from the tour operator: 21 days before the beginning of the trip

Level of difficulty: Easy

This bike tour is suitable for everyone! You cycle mainly on cycle paths and side roads. Thanks to the short stage lengths, you can enjoy the landscape and the numerous bathing places at your leisure.

Accommodation

Depending on availability, overnight stays in double rooms in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels (national category) or in guest rooms, the so-called chambres d'hôtes***, French style Bed & Breakfasts. French families will welcome you and happily share tips about the region, your cycling trip and their cooking with you.

Camargue : between rice fields and manades

The inhabitants of the Camargue were able to cultivate the marshes by creating rice fields in the 19th century. The rice from the Camarque has the IGP quality label (a protected designation of origin). Another typical site of the Camarque landscape are the manades, livestock farms with bulls and horses. You will meet the "gardians" who tend the herds. During a visit to a manade, you can learn about the working methods reminiscent of the Wild West, join a gypsy event or watch a Course Camarguaise in one of the many arenas of the area: the atmosphere is simply indescribable.

Getting there

We recommend an environmentally friendly journey by train to the train station of Arles. The hotel is located approx. 200m from the station.

You can find detailed information and general hints and tips on travelling to France here.

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