Compare Best of the French Riviera in 7 Days Tour by Rick Steves vs France Bike & River Cruise: Lyon to Nice by VBT

Day 1: Welcome to Nice

We'll meet at around 5 p.m. at our hotel for a short "bienvenue á Nice" meeting. Then we'll take an orientation walk through our seaside neighborhood, followed by time to get acquainted over dinner together. Sleep in Nice (6 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Old Nice

This morning we'll take a walking tour across Nice, starting with the busy Cours Saleya, the city's main market square since the Middle Ages. We'll then follow the narrow streets of the Italianate Old City to the spacious boulevards and shopping promenades of the city's newer side. Here, in the late 19th century, visitors from the north seeking the elixir of warm, fresh sea air, created Europe's first tourism boom. Your afternoon will be free to visit Nice's beautiful Chagall and Matisse Museums, prowl the promenades, or relax on the famous beach. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Monaco

Today we'll visit the jewel-box principality of Monaco. As we travel by train, we'll be treated to some of the best and most dramatic Riviera coastline views. Once in Monaco, your guide will lead you on an orientation tour of Monaco-Ville, home to most of Monaco's key sights. Your afternoon is free to visit the Cousteau Aquarium, Cathedral of Monaco (where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier now rest) and the Prince's Palace, where you can see the changing of the guard. Tonight we'll have dinner in Nice. Train 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Antibes and the Picasso Museum

Our destination is the town of Antibes, a short 30-minute train ride from Nice. Upon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour of this easygoing beach town. We'll start our tour at the Harbor of Antibes where some of Europe's largest yachts are moored. We'll continue on, meandering through Antibes' medieval streets past covered markets to the town's cultural claim to fame — The Picasso Museum. Serenely set where the old town meets the sea, Picasso's former home is filled with his paintings, sketches and ceramics. After the visit you'll be free to explore more of Antibes or make your way back to Nice. Train: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Hill Towns and Perfume

We'll head for the hills that start at Nice's back door and drive through brilliant scenery just miles from the Mediterranean as we make our way up to one of the most photogenic hill towns in France — St-Paul-de-Vence — where we'll visit its museum of contemporary art — the one-of-a-kind Fondation Maeght. After joyriding through deep canyons, past waterfalls and teetering hilltop villages, we'll spend our late afternoon in Grasse, perfume capital of the world. We'll follow our noses and tour a local perfume factory, then have time to wander the old city before returning to Nice. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 6: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat

This morning we'll set out for the nearby peninsula of Cap Ferrat where we'll tour the classy Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This pastel-pink mansion with sweeping views and perfectly-tended gardens also features a well-furnished belle époque interior — giving us a hint of what it might be like to wake up rich and famous. Afterward we'll make our way to seaside Villefranche-sur-Mer where your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the village. This afternoon you're free to soak in more of the peninsula's sights, walk its cliff-side trails or return to Nice. Tonight we'll regroup for a farewell dinner together in Nice, where we'll share travel memories and toast to our next voyage. Bus: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast

For those staying longer, your guide will be happy to send you off in the right direction and help with any trip planning needs.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

DAY 1: Lyon / Embark ship

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.

The ship will be docked either at Quai Claude Bernard, between the bridges Pont Gallieni and Pont de l’Université, or at Port Rambaud (37 Quai Rambaud, Lyon). VBT will confirm the location in your final guest documents. As the exact location of the ship may change, please call the ship upon your arrival in Lyon for directions.

Your cabin may not be ready for you until 3:00 p.m. However, you are welcome to enjoy lunch on board, served between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., relax in the ship’s common areas, stretch your legs, or explore town.

After lunch, meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers on board for introductions and a safety orientation, followed by an introductory walk through Lyon. Later, enjoy dinner on board. The ship sails for Chalon-sur-Saône this evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

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What to Expect:

Non-biking day

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2: Chalon-sur-Saône / Burgundy vineyards / Visit Beaune

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 winemaking 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 local restaurant, you will visit this finely preserved example 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 (16 – 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Lyon city walking / Afternoon loop to nature reserve

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.

After lunch on board, head out on the bikes to the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage on the outskirts of Lyon, beyond its city gates. This 5,400-acre (2,185-hectare) 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 cycle 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 day of riding.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon: Lyon to Grand Parc — 23 km (14 miles) | Grand Parc to Lyon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

This 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 your bike route follows packed gravel roads. You may return to the ship either by shuttle or by bicycle.

Cumulative Distance Range: 23 – 37 km (14 – 23 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Tournon

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. Later, enjoy a wine tasting of local vintages and a delicious barbeque lunch on board (eather permitting). This evening, you sail towards Viviers.

Today’s Ride Choices

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

Afternoon: Beaumont to Tournon — 14 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

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 follows small vineyards and quiet country roads.

Cumulative Distance Range: 24 – 38 km (15 – 24 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Viviers

Disembark in Viviers, a historic town on the Rhône, you return to the scenic bike paths of the Via Rhôna and cycle toward Bourg-Saint-Andéol, home to handsome patrician houses, churches, chapels, and grand clerical residences. The second part of the ride leads you past some of the Rhône’s religious treasures, tracing lovely greenways, quiet roads, and the Iles des Dames islands, along your way back to Viviers.

Settled by Romans, Viviers 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. After lunch on board the ship, a stroll through Viviers’ cobbled streets is a journey back in time. You may also choose to cycle an out-and-back ride along the Rhône, instead of the walking tour.

A delicious dinner with your trip leaders and a music-request evening on board are still in store, as you sail to Avignon later in the evening.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Viviers to Bourg-Saint-Andéol — 17 km (11 miles) | Bourg-Saint-Andéol to Viviers — 18 km (11 miles)

Afternoon: Optional afternoon ride — 31 km (19 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

DAY 6: Avignon / Bike to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

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. Bénzet, a medieval bridge 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 enclose a rich repository of architecture that spans the ages. There’ll be free time here before lunch on board.

Alternatively, cycle a scenic loop around Avignon, discovering small, countryside roads and small villages.

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 production 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 whom we have invited on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Independent Avignon loop — 26 km (16 miles)

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. You ride on quiet roads with very limited traffic. After a tour of a former olive-oil mill and free time in town, you have the option to ride back following a slightly different route. The optional morning loop follows small, countryside roads through small villages.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 50 km (12 – 31 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Arles / Bike to Pont du Gard / Farewell 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 (50 km) 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 lunch to enjoy by the river, with a magnificent view of the aqueduct. After lunch, your bike invites you 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 to continue cycling, you will follow quiet, paved country roads 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 glass to an unforgettable week.

Today’s Ride Choices

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

What to Expect:

Begin the day with a short walk in the historic center of Arles, followed by a 45-minute shuttle to the 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

DAY 8: Disembark / VBT Bicycling Vacation ends

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 three-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 $160-200 USD per car.

Included Meals: Breakfast