The ViaRhôna and the Mediterranean Cycle Route, from Avignon to Sète
A bike trip to enjoy the sun and landscapes of the South of France
© Rudy et Peter Skitterians
© Lucas Miguel
© David Renvoisé - Abicyclette Voyages
© David Z - AOC Costières de Nîmes - CRT Occitanie
© G. Deschamps - CRT Occitanie
© Valérie-Anne Varenne - CRT Occitanie
Highlights
Avignon, the City of the Popes
Arles and its Roman arenas
The Camargue and its exceptional Nature Reserve
The fine sandy beaches of the Mediterranean
Sète, the "Little Venice of Languedoc"
Easy and safe route
A bike trip along the water: from the banks of the Rhône through the Camargue ponds to the Mediterranean Sea
Starting from Avignon, you ride along the Rhône to discover the exceptional landscapes of Provence and Occitanie.
The second longest river in France accompanies you at the beginning of this itinerary crossing the vineyards and orchards of Provence while having the opportunity to discover a treasure of Antiquity: the Pont du Gard.
This stay along the water takes you to the heart of an exceptional flora and fauna. Vines and olive groves give way to the magnificent plains and ponds of the Camargue that emerge as you pedal. The National Nature Reserve of Camargue opens its doors to large spaces, between marshes and reeds, where many animal and plant species coexist, among them migratory birds, pink flamingos, bulls and even white horses. Its unique and untamed setting will fascinate nature lovers. As you advance in the Camargue lands, the Mediterranean air is felt. The salt marshes and fine sandy beaches are not long in coming. These will accompany you to Sète, a city nicknamed “the Venice of Languedoc”.
A journey guided by water, but also characterized by a rich heritage.
In addition to an exceptional nature, this course is embellished by towns and villages with an incredible historical and cultural heritage:
- Avignon, City of Popes and its famous bridge,
- Beaucaire, city of art and history and its river port,
- Arles “la romaine” and its magnificent monuments
- Aigues-Mortes and its medieval fortifications.
So many architectural gems that you enjoy discovering by bike to Sète, where your journey ends. With water as a breadcrumb trail, you cannot end your stay without a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea!
Easy or 
Leisure or 
Fit From AVIGNON to TARASCON 42km 167m 
You leave Avignon by small roads along the Rhône. After Aramon you leave the river and continue on the ViaRhôna route which winds between vineyards and orchards before joining the greenway of Pont du Gard leading you gently to the city of Tarascon and the medieval castle of King René overlooking the Rhône.
- For a few more km 65km 246m
At the junction with the greenway of the Pont du Gard, take a detour to the north to discover one of the region’s jewels: the magnificent Pont du Gard.
From TARASCON to ARLES 23km 28m
From Tarascon, you take the direction of Arles.
You leave Tarascon via the Beaucaire bridge and its small river port. You ride peacefully to Arles on small marked roads, between plains and vineyards. A few canals intersperse the route to remind you that the Rhône is never very far. The Roman city of Arles then offers itself to you after passing the tunnel under the motorway bridge. A relatively short itinerary today to give you time to discover the city of art and history of Arles, renowned for its extraordinary heritage.
- For a few more km 55km 390m
Variant towards the Alpilles mountain range, outside the ViaRhôna route. Discovery of Saint-Rémy de Provence, the “capital” of the Alpilles and Baux de Provence. Do not miss this site classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The song of the cicadas and the scents of cedar and thyme confirm that you are riding in the authentic Provence. In Fontvieille, you will discover the Saint-Pierre mill, symbol of the work of “Letters from My Windmill” by the writer Alphonse Daudet. Founded in 948, the Benedictine Abbey of Montmajour is not to be missed at the end of the stage.
- For a few more km 70km 568m
Variation towards the Alpilles massif, off the Via Rhôna route. Discovery of Saint-Rémy de Provence, the “capital” of the Alpilles and the Baux de Provence. Don’t miss this site classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. The song of the cicadas and the smell of cedar and thyme will confirm that you are driving in the authentic Provence. After Les Baux de Provence, you take a diversion along small roads through the olive groves at the foot of the Alpilles and passing through Les Mouries. It’s magical!
In Fontvieille, you will discover the Saint-Pierre mill, symbol of the work of the writer Alphonse Daudet in “Letters from my mill”. Founded in 948, the Benedictine Abbey of Montmajour is not to be missed at the end of the stage.
From ARLES to AIGUES-MORTES 55km 81m
You follow easy and quiet roads into the start of the Camargue plain, cycling amidst fields divided up by irrigation canals. Saint-Gilles with its medieval centre and and its magnificent abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes visitors back to major pilgrimage times. Beyond the town stand slopes producing Costières de Nîmes wines. Then you reach the Canal du Rhône à Sète to medieval city of Aigues Mortes. The 1600 meters of fortified walls were constructed later in the 13th century by Phillippe III and Phillippe IV and completely surround the town, interrupted at regular intervals by towers that had various functions – salt storage, munitions, etc.
From AIGUES-MORTES to PALAVAS-LES-FLOTS 30km 50m
After having ridden along the Rhone canal in Sète, between Aigues-Mortes and Grau du Roi, you now ride along the beaches of the Mediterranean, its seaside resorts and its flamingos in flight. The Mediterranean by bike thus runs through the pyramids classified as “20th Century Heritage” of La Grande Motte then continues along the barrier beach between sea and salt ponds, to the foot of the lighthouse of Palavas-les-Flots.
- For a few more km 42km 61m
From Palavas, loop between ponds and seaside to the Cathedral of Maguelone.
From PALAVAS-LES-FLOTS to SETE 35km 71m
From Palavas-les-Flots, your route continues between lagoons and beaches with the Massif de la Gardiole as a backdrop. Throughout this day, the water is never far away. The arrival in Sète, on the edge of the Thau lagoon, marks the end of your ride. Take the opportunity to discover its canals, its covered market and its beaches located a stone’s throw from the city. In the evening, the place is perfect for enjoying a seafood platter!
SETE
End of your stay after breakfast.
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 860€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1005€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1720€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking BikeSCOTT SUB SPORT 20 Reassuring and comfortable geometry. Shimano 27-speed Disc brakes Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeEBIKE SCOTT SUB TOUR ERIDE All the pleasure of cycling without too much effort and accessible to all. Shimano Disc Br-MT200 brakes Bosch ActivePlus 500w motor Weight 25.60 kg Supplied equipment per bike
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Child bikeCHILDREN’S BIKE: 8 to 10 years old; 135-145cm Agile and handy bike and 100% safe for nice family rides Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : AVIGNON
Coming by car
- at 6h from PARIS
- at 5h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 2h15 from LYON
Parking*
- Parking gare d’Avignon TGV P2 P3 – EFFIA – AVIGNON
Coming by train
- Avignon train station - 2h45 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Avignon airport
- Marseille Provence airport
- Montpellier airport
- Lyon Saint Exupéry airport
Arrival city : SETE
Coming by car
- at 7h from PARIS
- at 4h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 3h15 from LYON
Coming by train
- Sete train station - 3h45 from Paris
- Montpellier train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Montpellier airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Sete to Avignon in 1h30 (hotline)
- Return by car in 1h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
|
| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure ou Fit
Departure date From March 15th to November 8th
Destination EuroVelo 17
EuroVelo 8
Mediterranean Cycle Route
La ViaRhôna I EV17
Occitanie - Pyrenees
Provence
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Expert
AVIGNON
Day on your own to discover the city of Avignon, in particular its Palace of the Popes and its famous Saint Benezet bridge.!
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.