France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice

All you have to do is get to the airport. On our Air Packages, we’ll take care of the rest, handling all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind. Spend your first night aloft and arrive refreshed for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Paris right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast meet your VBT representative in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. to travel to Gare de Lyon train station (approximately 25 minutes). Your high-speed train whisks you in exactly two hours to Lyon, where you meet your VBT trip leader at the train station. After a short shuttle ride, you arrive at the dock in Lyon at approximately 12:30 p.m. and board your Emerald Cruises ship.

At 1:45 p.m., meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride on local bike paths along the Rhône. Later, enjoy dinner on board. The ship sails for Chalon-sur-Saône this evening.

Today’s Ride Choice

Afternoon: Lyon Warm-up Loop — 7 km (4 miles)

What to Expect: The ride from our ship is on local, paved bike paths in Lyon. Get acquainted with your route notes, Ride with GPS, your bicycle, and the locals. Check your brakes and play with shifting your full range of gears.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 km (4 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After cruising north along the picturesque Saône River, dock at Chalon-sur-Saône, where the river meets the Canal du Centre. You are in the heart of Burgundy, where more than 4,500 family-run wineries produce world-renowned wines in the Côtes de Beaune. Disembark to ride a scenic bike route among the most famous vineyards in the world, passing vast expanses of arbor-laid grapes and fine wineries. Coast through charming wine-making villages that lend Burgundy its distinctive character, from Puligny-Montrachet to Pommard, and produce some of the finest Grand Cru vintages.

Your bike ride will finish in Beaune, the center of Burgundy wine production and home to the Hospices of Beaune. After lunch in a lovely, local restaurant, you will visit this finely preserved sample of 15th-century Burgundian architecture renowned for its polychrome roof and its annual wine auction. Following the visit to the Hospices and some free time, a shuttle will take you back to the ship.

This evening on board, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner as you sail back to Lyon.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Chalon-sur-Saône to Puligny-Montrachet — 26 km (16 miles)
Afternoon: Puligny-Montrachet to Beaune — 13 km (8 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle on a beautiful paved path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Then, continue on a bike route through the vineyards of the Côtes de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pommard. Continue cycling, or board the shuttle to Beaune after a snack stop. If you prefer, our longer cycling option leads you through vineyards on the prestigious Route des Grand Crus, with wine-tasting opportunities all the way to Beaune.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 — 39 km (21 — 31 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive back in Lyon this morning as you’re enjoying breakfast on board. Then disembark for a city tour of France’s gastronomic capital renowned for its coq au vin, or chicken with wine, and quenelles de brochet, or mousse of pike. The heart of the 2,000-year-old city lies on a thin peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. It’s easy to imagine canuts, or silk merchants of old, zigzagging through the maze of old-world streets, cutting through the purpose-built narrow passageways known as traboules. Much of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned as an urban “site of great commercial and strategic significance.” You will also ascend Fourvière Hill, where the splendid Basilique de Notre Dame gazes out over the city. You can also take in some of the city from a cyclist’s perspective, gaining a more intimate view of its riverbanks and Old City on an optional bike loop before lunch.

After lunch on board, head out on the bikes again to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage on the outskirts of Lyon beyond its city gates. This 5,400-acre parkland blankets most of the Rhône’s Miribel-Jonage island, created in the 1800s when the Miribel and Jonage canals were dredged. Today, it is a pleasure park for city dwellers and a wildlife preserve. After time enjoying its flat bike paths through forests and past a lake, you may shuttle or ride back to the ship and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring on your own or relaxing on deck or in the ship’s lounge. After dinner, you sail toward Tournon for another memorable day of riding.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Optional Loop in Lyon — 9 km (5 miles)
Afternoon: Lyon to Grand Parc — 23 km (14 miles) | Grand Parc to Lyon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: The optional morning’s ride loops you through an attractive urban area of Lyon, partly on bike trails along the river. In the afternoon, you ride through an urban area to the outskirts of Lyon and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, a nature park where bike paths pass lakes and follow small canals. In the nature reserve, some of our bike route follows packed gravel roads. You may return to the ship either by shuttle or by bicycle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 9 — 46 km (5 — 28 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin today with a ride along the Rhône, following the renowned Via Rhôna bike trail. When complete, this remarkable pathway will take cyclists from Geneva, Switzerland, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, passing spectacular riverscapes, pretty villages in the typical style of southern France, and expansive vineyards along the way.

With a detour along the Isère River, your scenic loop will finish at the ship just before lunch. In the afternoon take a short walk in the charming little town of Tournon, nestled between the river and vineyard-laden slopes that produce some of the region’s finest wines. As you explore, an ancient castle oversees your progress from high upon a promontory. Your trip leaders will take you to a local chocolate manufacturer to savor some local delicacies. Later, enjoy a wine tasting of local vintages on board, following another delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal. This evening, you sail towards Viviers.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Tournon to Beaumont — 24 km (15 miles) | Beaumont to Tournon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: After a short walk in Tournon, this morning’s ride follows easy bike trails along the river, partly on packed gravel bike paths past highly scenic vistas. After a van snack stop in Beaumont, you return to the ship via your choice of shuttle or bicycle. The riding route back to our mooring partly follows a main road that you share with cars.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 — 38 km (15 — 24 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark for a guided visit of Viviers, one of the more unique towns on the Rhône. Settled by Romans, the small village was forced to erect walls when conflicts of the ensuing centuries arrived. The Renaissance period was kinder and more peaceful; the stunning Maison des Chevaliers still stands as a testament to that creative era. A stroll through Viviers’ cobbled streets is a journey back in time. You may also choose to cycle a nice out and back ride along the Rhône, instead of the guided walking tour.

After lunch onboard the ship, you return to the scenic bike paths of the Via Rhôna and cycle towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol, home to handsome patrician houses. The second part of the ride leads you past some of the Rhône’s religious treasures, tracing lovely greenways and quiet roads along the way. Churches, chapels, grand clerical residences, and the Iles des Dames islands mark your route on your way back to Viviers. A delicious dinner with your trip leaders and a music request evening onboard are still in store, as you sail to Avignon later in the evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Optional morning ride — 31 km (19 miles)
Afternoon: Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol — 17 km (11 miles) | Bourg-Saint-Andéol to Viviers — 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s ride follows the easy, flat path along the Rhône River on dedicated bike trails to Bourg-Saint-Andéol. You pass various villages marked by churches and chapels and ride along quiet branches of the river, traversing the Iles des Dames islands. The short option offers a shuttle from the small town of Bourg-Saint-Andéol back to the ship. The longer option leads you to Viviers on a different bike route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 66 km (11 — 41 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You dock early this morning in Avignon, the legendary City of Popes where the papacy was centered for 70 years in the 14th century. After breakfast on board, set out on a walking tour of this magnificent and historic city. Marvel at the mighty Palais des Papes, the Papal Palace, one of the great architectural wonders of France. View the adjacent historic Pont St. Bènèzet reaching out into the river; only four of its original 22 arches remain. Then step through Avignon’s gates to explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, its medieval walls enclosing a rich repository of architecture that spans the ages. There’ll be free time here before lunch on board.

This afternoon, enjoy a short ride across the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, which once served as a resort of the French cardinals who resided at Avignon. You pass over the island Ile de la Barthelasse to reach the river’s opposite bank. Quiet, scenic roads with minimal traffic lead to one of the former olive oil mills in Provence, founded in 1358. Enjoy a tasting of their product and learn how olive oil is made; perhaps you’ll purchase some so you can take a taste of France home with you! After savoring some delicate pastries and a drink, you have free time here before returning to the ship by shuttle or bicycle. This evening, savor an authentic Provençal dinner, prepared and hosted by a local chef who we have invited on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Avignon to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon — 19 km (12 miles) | Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to ship — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect: Ride across the Rhône River to Ile de la Barthelasse, a tranquil island, then continue to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the opposite bank. We ride on quiet roads with very limited traffic. After a tour at a former olive oil mill, and free time in town, the optional ride back will follow a slightly different route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 — 24 km (12 — 15 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a morning walk to the magnificent old town of Arles with your trip leaders. Then board a 45-minute shuttle to the spectacularly preserved Pont de Gard. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct once transported water 31 miles from Nimes. There’ll be time to visit the enlightening museum, where you can learn how this towering structure was built without mortar.

Your trip leaders have arranged a savory picnic basket lunch to enjoy by the river, with a magnificent view of the aqueduct. After lunch your bike invites for a last, scenic ride of the week. The first part of your route follows an old, renovated rail trail to Beaucaire, where you can join a shuttle to Arles. If you choose cycling, you will follow quiet, paved country roads and leads you through the fertile farmlands that provide Provence with its rich bounty. Later join the Captain’s Cocktail and Farewell Dinner with your trip leaders and raise your glasses for the unforgettable week.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Pont du Gard to Beaucaire — 20 km (12 miles) | Beaucaire to Arles — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: You begin the day with a short walk in the historic center of Arles, followed by a 45-minute shuttle to Pont du Gard. You cycle in the afternoon on a beautifully renovated bike path along the rails of an old train line to Beaucaire. The second part of the bike ride follows paved, quiet country roads along flat terrain. As you are riding through open fields, you might experience some wind. For a shorter option, you can shuttle from Beaucaire to the ship.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 — 42 km (12 — 26 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, at 9:00 a.m., say goodbye to your ship crew and trip leaders and travel with the group by private motorcoach to your hotel in Nice (approximately 3 hours, with a rest stop). Please note that your room may not be ready upon your arrival, in which case the hotel will store your luggage. Enjoy a treat of cake and coffee in the lobby or have a short walk and grab a delicious lunch, while you might wait for your room being prepared. After checking in, enjoy free time for independent exploration. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in one of the city’s many fine restaurants. VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations about what to see and do in Nice.

If you have chosen the independent Post-Trip Extension you will stay at this hotel for two additional nights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Nice airport will be provided (an approximately 20-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

You are responsible for making your own way to Lyon, France, to meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers. Please note that you cannot embark before 12:30 p.m. as the ship is being prepared for you. If you fly to Lyon Airport, the flight arrival must be no later than 4:30 p.m., as the ship leaves Lyon at 7:00 p.m.

At 1:45 p.m., meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride on local bike paths along the Rhône. Later, enjoy dinner on board. The ship sails for Chalon-sur-Saône this evening.

Today’s Ride Choice

Afternoon: Lyon Warm-up Loop — 11 km (7 miles)

What to Expect: The ride from our ship is on local, paved bike paths in Lyon. Get acquainted with your route notes, Ride with GPS, your bicycle, and the locals. Check your brakes and play with shifting your full range of gears.

Cumulative Distance Range: 11 km (7 miles)

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After cruising north along the picturesque Saône River, dock at Chalon-sur-Saône, where the river meets the Canal du Centre. You are in the heart of Burgundy, where more than 4,500 family-run wineries produce world-renowned wines in the Côtes de Beaune. Disembark to ride a scenic bike route among the most famous vineyards in the world, passing vast expanses of arbor-laid grapes and fine wineries. Coast through charming wine-making villages that lend Burgundy its distinctive character, from Puligny-Montrachet to Pommard, and produce some of the finest Grand Cru vintages.

Your bike ride will finish in Beaune, the center of Burgundy wine production and home to the Hospices of Beaune. After lunch in a lovely, local restaurant, you will visit this finely preserved sample of 15th-century Burgundian architecture renowned for its polychrome roof and its annual wine auction. Following the visit to the Hospices and some free time, a shuttle will take you back to the ship.

This evening on board, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner as you sail back to Lyon.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Chalon-sur-Saône to Puligny-Montrachet — 26 km (16 miles)
Afternoon: Puligny-Montrachet to Beaune — 13 km (8 miles)

What to Expect: Cycle on a beautiful paved path along the Canal du Centre to Santenay. Then, continue on a bike route through the vineyards of the Côtes de Beaune, passing world-famous villages such as Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pommard. Continue cycling, or board the shuttle to Beaune after a snack stop. If you prefer, our longer cycling option leads you through vineyards on the prestigious Route des Grand Crus, with wine-tasting opportunities all the way to Beaune.

Cumulative Distance Range: 26 — 39 km (21 — 31 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive back in Lyon this morning as you’re enjoying breakfast on board. Then disembark for a city tour of France’s gastronomic capital renowned for its coq au vin, or chicken with wine, and quenelles de brochet, or mousse of pike. The heart of the 2,000-year-old city lies on a thin peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. It’s easy to imagine canuts, or silk merchants of old, zigzagging through the maze of old-world streets, cutting through the purpose-built narrow passageways known as traboules. Much of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned as an urban “site of great commercial and strategic significance.” You will also ascend Fourvière Hill, where the splendid Basilique de Notre Dame gazes out over the city. You can also take in some of the city from a cyclist’s perspective, gaining a more intimate view of its riverbanks and Old City on an optional bike loop before lunch.

After lunch on board, head out on the bikes again to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage on the outskirts of Lyon beyond its city gates. This 5,400-acre parkland blankets most of the Rhône’s Miribel-Jonage island, created in the 1800s when the Miribel and Jonage canals were dredged. Today, it is a pleasure park for city dwellers and a wildlife preserve. After time enjoying its flat bike paths through forests and past a lake, you may shuttle or ride back to the ship and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring on your own or relaxing on deck or in the ship’s lounge. After dinner, you sail toward Tournon for another memorable day of riding.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Optional Loop in Lyon — 9 km (5 miles)
Afternoon: Lyon to Grand Parc — 23 km (14 miles) | Grand Parc to Lyon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: The optional morning’s ride loops you through an attractive urban area of Lyon, partly on bike trails along the river. In the afternoon, you ride through an urban area to the outskirts of Lyon and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, a nature park where bike paths pass lakes and follow small canals. In the nature reserve, some of our bike route follows packed gravel roads. You may return to the ship either by shuttle or by bicycle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 9 — 46 km (5 — 28 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin today with a ride along the Rhône, following the renowned Via Rhôna bike trail. When complete, this remarkable pathway will take cyclists from Geneva, Switzerland, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, passing spectacular riverscapes, pretty villages in the typical style of southern France, and expansive vineyards along the way.

With a detour along the Isère River, your scenic loop will finish at the ship just before lunch. In the afternoon take a short walk in the charming little town of Tournon, nestled between the river and vineyard-laden slopes that produce some of the region’s finest wines. As you explore, an ancient castle oversees your progress from high upon a promontory. Your trip leaders will take you to a local chocolate manufacturer to savor some local delicacies. Later, enjoy a wine tasting of local vintages on board, following another delicious, thoughtfully prepared meal. This evening, you sail towards Viviers.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Tournon to Beaumont — 24 km (15 miles) | Beaumont to Tournon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: After a short walk in Tournon, this morning’s ride follows easy bike trails along the river, partly on packed gravel bike paths past highly scenic vistas. After a van snack stop in Beaumont, you return to the ship via your choice of shuttle or bicycle. The riding route back to our mooring partly follows a main road that you share with cars.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 — 38 km (15 — 24 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark for a guided visit of Viviers, one of the more unique towns on the Rhône. Settled by Romans, the small village was forced to erect walls when conflicts of the ensuing centuries arrived. The Renaissance period was kinder and more peaceful; the stunning Maison des Chevaliers still stands as a testament to that creative era. A stroll through Viviers’ cobbled streets is a journey back in time. You may also choose to cycle a nice out and back ride along the Rhône, instead of the guided walking tour.

After lunch onboard the ship, you return to the scenic bike paths of the Via Rhôna and cycle towards Bourg-Saint-Andéol, home to handsome patrician houses. The second part of the ride leads you past some of the Rhône’s religious treasures, tracing lovely greenways and quiet roads along the way. Churches, chapels, grand clerical residences, and the Iles des Dames islands mark your route on your way back to Viviers. A delicious dinner with your trip leaders and a music request evening onboard are still in store, as you sail to Avignon later in the evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Optional morning ride — 31 km (19 miles)
Afternoon: Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol — 17 km (11 miles) | Bourg-Saint-Andéol to Viviers — 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s ride follows the easy, flat path along the Rhône River on dedicated bike trails to Bourg-Saint-Andéol. You pass various villages marked by churches and chapels and ride along quiet branches of the river, traversing the Iles des Dames islands. The short option offers a shuttle from the small town of Bourg-Saint-Andéol back to the ship. The longer option leads you to Viviers on a different bike route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 — 66 km (11 — 41 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You dock early this morning in Avignon, the legendary City of Popes where the papacy was centered for 70 years in the 14th century. After breakfast on board, set out on a walking tour of this magnificent and historic city. Marvel at the mighty Palais des Papes, the Papal Palace, one of the great architectural wonders of France. View the adjacent historic Pont St. Bènèzet reaching out into the river; only four of its original 22 arches remain. Then step through Avignon’s gates to explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, its medieval walls enclosing a rich repository of architecture that spans the ages. There’ll be free time here before lunch on board.

This afternoon, enjoy a short ride across the river to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, which once served as a resort of the French cardinals who resided at Avignon. You pass over the island Ile de la Barthelasse to reach the river’s opposite bank. Quiet, scenic roads with minimal traffic lead to one of the former olive oil mills in Provence, founded in 1358. Enjoy a tasting of their product and learn how olive oil is made; perhaps you’ll purchase some so you can take a taste of France home with you! After savoring some delicate pastries and a drink, you have free time here before returning to the ship by shuttle or bicycle. This evening, savor an authentic Provençal dinner, prepared and hosted by a local chef who we have invited on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Avignon to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon — 19 km (12 miles) | Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to ship — 5 km (3 miles)

What to Expect: Ride across the Rhône River to Ile de la Barthelasse, a tranquil island, then continue to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the opposite bank. We ride on quiet roads with very limited traffic. After a tour at a former olive oil mill, and free time in town, the optional ride back will follow a slightly different route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 — 24 km (12 — 15 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a morning walk to the magnificent old town of Arles with your trip leaders. Then board a 45-minute shuttle to the spectacularly preserved Pont de Gard. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct once transported water 31 miles from Nimes. There’ll be time to visit the enlightening museum, where you can learn how this towering structure was built without mortar.

Your trip leaders have arranged a savory picnic basket lunch to enjoy by the river, with a magnificent view of the aqueduct. After lunch your bike invites for a last, scenic ride of the week. The first part of your route follows an old, renovated rail trail to Beaucaire, where you can join a shuttle to Arles. If you choose cycling, you will follow quiet, paved country roads and leads you through the fertile farmlands that provide Provence with its rich bounty. Later join the Captain’s Cocktail and Farewell Dinner with your trip leaders and raise your glasses for the unforgettable week.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Pont du Gard to Beaucaire — 20 km (12 miles) | Beaucaire to Arles — 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: You begin the day with a short walk in the historic center of Arles, followed by a 45-minute shuttle to Pont du Gard. You cycle in the afternoon on a beautifully renovated bike path along the rails of an old train line to Beaucaire. The second part of the bike ride follows paved, quiet country roads along flat terrain. As you are riding through open fields, you might experience some wind. For a shorter option, you can shuttle from Beaucaire to the ship.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 — 42 km (12 — 26 miles)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, say goodbye to your ship crew and trip leaders as your tour ends. It is important that you disembark ship no later than 9:00 a.m. The Gare d’Arles train station is across the pier, a 3-minute walk. Taxis will be available for transportation to the airport. The closest international airport is Marseille Provence (MRS), by taxi it takes about one hour, and costs approximately 150-190 USD per car.

Included Meals: Breakfast