Compare Cycle Provence by Intrepid Travel vs French Art Voyage: Paris, the Rhône and the French Riviera by Road Scholar

Day 1 Avignon

Bonjour! Welcome to France. Your adventure begins in Avignon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the historic Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon or explore the leafy streets and the massive Palais des Papes (Popes' Palace) at your own pace. You could also flop down on the grass of the Jardin des Doms with a fresh fougasse (French bread often sculpted to resemble a head of wheat) and some cheese. Tonight, ask your new local leader for the best dinner spot.

Day 2 Orange

After breakfast today, there will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone's equipment has been set up properly. Then, you’ll leave Avignon and cycle along quiet and flat country roads to Orange. Along the way, pass through the famous wine region of Chateauneuf du Pape and maybe make a stop at a local vineyard. Sample some of the red wine this region is famous for, then continue the road to Orange. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of the town, visiting the Arc de Triomphe d'Orange and the outstanding Roman Theatre – one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe. The rest of the afternoon is free.

Day 3 Uzes

Leave Orange behind and ride the quiet roads south to the walled Provencal commune of Caderousse. Here, cross the mighty Rhone River passing the medieval village of Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and cycle past the vineyards that produce Lirac wines – the favourite wines of kings and the papal community in Avignon. Continue west through wine country to the legendary Pont du Gard – widely considered to be one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a Roman Aqueduct. Towering high above the Gardon River, this three-tiered stone masterpiece never fails to impress. On a quiet day, there may even be an opportunity to ride across it! After visiting the Pont du Gard, continue west to the small town of Uzes with its graceful circuit of boulevards and cute cafes.

Day 4 Saint Remy

Today is a long day in the saddle, but you’ll be rewarded with impressive sights along the way. Hopefully, the infamous mistral wind will be blowing from the northwest, providing a tailwind all the way to Saint Remy. Winding back across the Rhone, travel beneath the old city gate and into the small town of Tarascon. Take a short break from cycling to visit the imposing medieval castle, before sitting on the riverbank to learn about the legend of the Tarasque, the namesake of the town. After lunch, continue to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. In distinct contrast to the surrounding larger cities and towns, Saint Remy displays a typically Provencal way of life. Visit the serene gardens of Saint-Paul Asylum where Vincent van Gogh was a self-admitted patient and where he painted many works of art, including ‘Irises’ and the famous ‘The Starry Night’.

Day 5 Saint Remy (& optional Mont Ventoux ride)

Today is a free day off the bike to explore charming Saint Remy at your own pace. Indulge your inner Van Gogh and chill out in a Provencal cafe, or if you’re still keen for a ride, your crew can suggest the best route in the local area. You can also take on the legendary Mont Ventoux on a carbon road bike. Driving from Saint Remy to Bedoin early, you’ll be riding on the mountain as the sun rises to beat the infamous Ventoux winds and summer heat. The unguided ride should take about 4 hours, leaving enough time to grab a coffee and croissant before you rejoin your driver in Bedoin for the drive back in Saint Remy.

Day 6 Les Baux & Arles

Hit the road again after breakfast. Today, you start with a short ride to the hilltop commune of Les Baux-de-Provence. Although the distance is short, this is also one of the more difficult rides. For those not wanting to ride uphill, your support vehicle is always available. The first climb through the forest is rewarded with a short but beautiful descent on possibly the smoothest road in all of France. Carry on through olive groves and vineyards before arriving at Les Baux – declared ‘one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France’ thanks to its narrow, cobbled streets and surrounding countryside. Visit Chateau des Baux, which sits perched on a limestone cliff offering 360-degree views. After, ride through the Val d’Enfer’s (Valley of Hell) white limestone rock formations. From here, it is a downhill ride to Fontvieille, where you’ll follow the Canal d'Arles alongside the Rhone River all the way into Arles. Park the bikes and take a leader-led walk, passing the Place de la Republique, Van Gogh’s Cafe Terrace and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman Amphitheatre.

Day 7 Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer/Arles

Swap vineyards for waves on a ride south to the capital of the Camargue – Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, which sits on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Set on the Rhone River delta, the lakes of Camargue are a bird spotters paradise, home to more than 400 species of birds. The area is also known for its famous white Camarguais horses, often seen running free around Camargue. After lunch, return to Arles by vehicle. You also have the option to ride back to Arles (but this optional ride will not be supported by either the leader or your vehicle). Tonight, maybe get the group together to enjoy a final dinner.

Day 8 Arles

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Nice, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Nice

Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Aeroport Nice Côte d’Azur — Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE), about 7 miles (12 km) from the hotel in Antibes. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. On “Chartered Exclusively for Road Scholar” programs there will be other Road Scholar group(s) aboard the vessel. If another group is having a lecture during the voyage when your group does not have planned activities, please feel free to attend the lecture. When a program is not “Chartered Exclusively,” you are invited to take advantage of activities and events aboard ship that are separate from the Road Scholar program. All port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions may affect the itinerary. River conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Therefore, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Additionally, the time available in each port is set by the cruise line and the cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice. When possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times. Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase. French restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons expect to take their time, savor every bite, and set the pace of the meal, requesting “l’addition” — the check — only when they are ready. Meals are accompanied by complimentary “pain” (bread) and “eau” or “l’eau” (water), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered, it is customary to fill your glass only half way so the wine can breathe and to be sure everyone has a share. Servers wait until everyone at the table has finished their dish before clearing and bringing the next course. To indicate that you have finished your meal, place your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate.

Day 3 Nice, Matisse & Chagall Museums Nice

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestone streets, even and uneven terrain.

We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on 19th- and 20th- century artists who painted on the French Riviera. Nice, informally known as the capital of the French Riviera, is a city of history, art, culture, colorful local life, tasty cuisine, and joie de vivre. We will set out by motorcoach from the ship and later on foot with a local expert to see and explore some of the city’s highlights. We will drive past the exotic Russian Orthodox Church, stop at Mont Boron Hill for a panoramic view of the city from more than 300 feet (92 meters) above the sea, and drive along the Promenade des Anglais — with one of the most iconic vistas in France — called La Prom by residents. Next, we will ride to the Cimiez neighborhood for a walk around the Monastery Gardens that feature the old ruins of Nice’s Roman past and the Matisse Museum. At the museum, we will see a comprehensive collection of Henri Matisse’s artwork from all periods of his life: from the first paintings made in 1890 to the famous gouache cutouts. There are 236 drawings, 218 engravings, and a complete presentation of the books illustrated by the artist at this museum.

We will ride down Cimiez Hill to the Musée national message biblique Marc Chagall (National Museum Marc Chagall Biblical Message). It features scenes from Genesis, Exodus, and the Song of Songs illustrated in 17 large paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, mosaics, and tapestries, along with preparatory sketches, gouaches, engravings, and lithographs — all housed in a museum built especially for these works and opened by the artist in 1972.

At leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, cheese, breads, butter and jam, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Flower Market, Matisse Chapelle, Fondation Maeght Nice

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; gravel paths, cobblestone streets, even and uneven terrain. Expect crowds at the flower market.

We will board the motorcoach, ride into Vieux Nice — Old Town — and stroll along streets vibrant with activity. We’ll visit the flower market, Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, that has also been ranked as one of the country’s most exceptional markets by the Conseil National des Arts Culinaires (National Council for the Culinary Arts). We will also savor local flavors at famed local food markets and artisan shops featuring local specialties.

We will regroup at a designated time and place, reboard our motorcoach, and ride to the Matisse Chapel in Vence on a hillside above Nice. The Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence was a labor of love by Matisse out of gratitude to Monique Bourgeois, the nurse who cared for him after cancer surgery in 1941. They became devoted to one another. Later, Monique entered the religious order of the Dominicans and asked Matisse to advise her in the decoration of their chapel. Instead, the artist took it on as a far greater project. For four years, Matisse dedicated himself to designing every element of the building, regarding the finished chapel as his masterpiece. Next, we will explore the Fondation Maeght, an exceptional example of modern cultural achievement. It was founded by art lovers Marguerite and Aimé Maeght to present modern and contemporary art in all its forms. The building was designed by master Catalonian architect Josep Lluís Sert, and the collection includes works by Bonnard, Braque, Calder, Chagall, Giacometti, Miró, and more. Altogether, the Maeght Foundation boasts one of the largest and finest collections of 20th century art in Europe.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

We will provide meal vouchers known as “tickets restaurant” that can be used at restaurants, bakeries, brasseries, and cafés displaying a TR sticker on the window with messages such as this: “Nous acceptons les Tickets Restaurant.” (Change is not given back if the meal cost is less than the value of the voucher.) The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Aix-en-Provence, Cezanne Studio, Embark ship Martigues

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 128 miles (295 km), approximately 2.5 hours over the course of the day with a stop in Aix-en-Provence. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to an hour at a time; cobblestone streets, even ground.

We will check out of the hotel, board a motorcoach, and ride to Aix-en-Provence. A local expert will introduce Aix focusing on its history, culture, and architectural heritage. Once the provincial capital, it became known as the Florence of Provence for the nobility and grandeur of its public and private edifices. From the outside, we’ll see the Saint Sauveur Cathedral, the Musée du Viele Aix in the Estienne de Saint-Jean mansion, the Archbishop’s place, Town Hall, Albertas Square, and the Palace of Justice. This is also the birthplace of Paul Cézanne and the landscapes that inspired many of his paintings.

We will walk to the atelier of Paul Cézanne. His house in Aix is one of the most remarkable artists’ studios in the world. Preserved as he left it, it is filled not just with the objects he painted but also — with his hat still sitting on its peg and a glass of wine on the table — a sense of the man himself. We will then ride to Martigues, northwest of Marseille, to embark the ship and complete boarding procedures. After some time to get our cabins and freshen up, we’ll gather for a brief orientation led by the crew on ship and safety regulations.

At leisure. The ship will overnight in Martigues.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

In the restaurant on the upper deck, there is open seating. We will have a 3-course plated set meal with beverage choices of table wine (red and white), beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, mineral water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 St Rémy de Provence, Lecture and walking tour of Martigues Arles

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, unavoidable steps at certain historic sites, even and uneven ground.

We will step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and ride to the Provençal village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh spent the penultimate year of his life after being forced to leave Arles. We’ll visit Maison de santé Saint-Paul de Mausole, the mental hospital where Van Gogh committed himself from 1889-90. It became for him an island of serenity and source of creativity where he made 143 oil paintings and more than 100 drawings over a period of 53 weeks. Some of his most important were paintings — “Cypresses,” “Irises,” and “Starry Night” — were inspired by local vistas. The building itself is considered a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque architecture and still functions as a psychiatric hospital. We’ll return to the ship after our field trip.

After lunch, We will enjoy a lecture on Vincent Van Gogh and his stay in Provence We will then set out on a walking field trip to explore Martigues.

At leisure. The ship will overnight in Arles.

Aboard ship in the restaurant, the self-serve buffet offers hot and cold choices with beverage choices of milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Aboard ship in the restaurant, we will order plated meals with choices of main course with beverage choices of table wine (red and white), beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, mineral water; other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard ship.

Day 7 Arles Old Town, Avignon, Palais des Papes La Voulte

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, unavoidable steps at certain historic sites, even and uneven ground.

We will set out on a walking field trip to explore the old city of Arles. With its Roman and Romanesque monuments, Arles is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest — the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) — date back to the 1st century BCE. During the 4th century, Arles experienced a second golden age as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence’s major Romanesque monuments.” A local expert will lead our exploration of the old town and point out a few of these special sites. We will also learn about some of the picturesque places that inspired Van Gogh and the works he created while he lived in Arles. We will rendezvous with the ship in Arles.

We will set out on a walking field trip into the center of Avignon and explore the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). It was built during the so called “Babylonian Captivity” — the period from 1309-1376 when the seat of the papacy was transferred to France. The magnificent palace was constructed in only 20 years and was the largest Gothic palace in Europe. We will learn about its history from the days of grandeur to near destruction and restoration before returning to the ship. Returning to the ship, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard the ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 8 Grottes Chauvet, Wine Regions, Tain l’Hermitage Wine Tasting Lyon

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to an hour at a time; even and uneven terrain.

We will board a motorcoach for a field trip to Caverne du Pont-d’Arc, a true facsimile of La Grotte Chauvet-Pont d’Arc — the Chauvet Grotto — a cave containing some of the best-preserved cave paintings in the world. It is also a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Located in a limestone plateau of the Ardèche River in southern France, the property contains the earliest-known and best-preserved figurative drawings in the world, dating back as early as the Aurignacian period (30,000–32,000 BP), making it an exceptional testimony of prehistoric art.” The cave has been sealed off to the public since 1994. Caverne du Pont-d’Arc is a facsimile of Chauvet Cave on the model of the so-called “Faux Lascaux”, was opened to the general public on April 25, 2015. It is the largest cave replica ever built worldwide, ten times bigger than the Lascaux facsimile. The art is reproduced full-size in a condensed replica of the underground environment, in a circular building above ground, a few miles from the actual cave. The conditions of silence, darkness, temperature, humidity, and acoustics have been carefully reproduced. En route to the Grotto, you will enjoy a lecture on the pre-history of Provence. Next, we will ride to Tain L'Hermitage and rendezvous with the ship.

As we glide towards Lyon, we will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture on important people in the history of Lyon.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 9 Historic Lyon Macon

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to an hour at a time during field trips; cobblestone streets, even and uneven terrain, inclines. Much of Lyon is on a large hill.

We will set out by motorcoach on a field trip of Lyon where we will learn about urban development in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Lyon, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, sits at the confluence of two great rivers: the Saône and Rhône. Long at the center of European trade due to its strategic location, the city serves as a midway point of France. We will take the funicular down to Old Lyon for further exploration of the architecture and traboules — hidden passageways — of one of the greatest Renaissance sites in France.

We will gather for a lecture on the history of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy and the history of France from the fall of the Roman Empire until 1477, when the last duke was killed in battle and Burgundy was absorbed into France

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard the ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 10 Beaune, Dijon and wine tasting Lyon

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; even and uneven terrain.

We will board a motorcoach for Beaune for a field trip in this fortified city that has taken the title of “capital” of the Burgundy wine trade. We will visit the Hospices de Beaune with its distinctive glazed tiles. Founded as a hospital in 1443, it became associated with wine when a devout winemaker contributed a gift of vineyards only a few years later. The tradition continued for centuries and today the Hospices de Beaune vineyards cover about 150 acres (60 hectares).

We will set out with a local expert for a walking field trip to explore Dijon with a focus on the Dukes of Burgundy and the musée des Beaux Arts. We will also have an opportunity to taste some Burgundy wines before returning to the ship.

At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and transfer in the morning.

Aboard ship.

Picnic lunch.

Aboard ship. We’ll celebrate our final evening together on the ship.

Day 11 Disembark Ship, Lyon, TGV to Paris Paris

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off TGV high speed train; climbing 3-12 steps with railings to reach reserved seat on train; restrooms aboard. Participants are responsible for handling their own luggage. Approximately 2 hours to Paris. Walking up to 2 miles; even and uneven terrain.

We will disembark the ship at Lyon, board a TGV train to Paris. Upon arrival to Paris we will transfer to the hotel.

Join the Group leader on a walking field trip of Montmartre.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Paris. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a restaurant in Paris, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Musée Jacquemart-André, Musée de l’Orangerie Paris

Use of Paris Métro, accessed by walking up/down flights of stairs; elevators/escalators not available in most stations; be prepared to stand on Métro if seats are not available; crowded conditions. Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestone and paved streets, even and uneven ground.

We will walk to the Métro station for an expert-led field trip to the Jacquemart André Museum, housed in the former home of Édouard André (1833–1894) and Nélie Jacquemart (1841–1912). The collection they assembled during their lifetimes is regarded as one of the finest private holdings in Paris. Construction on the Second Empire mansion began in 1869 and concluded in 1875. The opulent interiors provide a backdrop for exceptional and rare paintings, furniture, frescoes, and tapestries of Italian, French, Flemish, and German schools.

Next, we’ll take the Métro to explore the collections of the Musée de l’Orangerie and view Monet’s magnificent “Les Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) with an expert. Situated in the heart of Paris at the corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the museum was constructed in 1852 as an actual orangery (shelter for orange trees), with a variety of uses in subsequent eras. When it was repurposed and refurbished after 1921, the great Impressionist artist Claude Monet began work on eight huge panels that are regarded as the ultimate expression of his artistic ideas. They were installed here after his death. The museum also contains works by Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, and other great artists of Impressionism and Modern Classicism. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel. Those who would like to stay out and return independently are welcome to do so.

At leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, cheese, breads, butter and jam, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.

On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 13 Le Marais, Musée National Picasso-Paris Paris

Use of Paris Métro, accessed by walking up/down flights of stairs; elevators/escalators not available in most stations; be prepared to stand on Métro if seats are not available; crowded conditions. Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestone and paved streets, even and uneven ground.

We will be joined by a local expert for lecture on Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). He first visited Paris in 1900 and ultimately became one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century. We will then set out on foot with an expert to explore the renowned district known as Le Marais — the Marsh — hearkening back to its medieval identity. This area was once called the Jewish Quarter because it was the most populous Jewish community in Europe. It has more intact pre-Revolutionary structures and streets than anywhere else in the city. This is what much of Paris resembled before the vast 19th century reconstruction designed by Baron Haussmann that transformed a mostly working-class and immigrant neighborhood into one of the most affluent and prestigious areas in the city today.

We will regroup at a designated time and place, then take the Métro to the Picasso Museum. We will learn more about Pablo Picasso, his work, and his time in France. The museum’s collection includes more than 5,000 works comprising different artistic periods that trace Picasso’s creative process as well as more than 200,000 personal archives, and his own collection of some 150 works by Cézanne, Le Douanier (Henri Rousseau), Matisse, and others.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to have what you like in the Marais.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, soft drink, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 14 Program Concludes, In Transit From Program In Flight

Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.