The Camargue by bike
Have you always dreamt of immersing yourself in the nature of Camargue? What better way to explore this wild region than by bike! This original cycling itinerary starts along the coast of the Mediterranean before joining up with the ViaRhôna in Port-Saint-Louis, where the Rhône River flows into the sea. Discover the wild nature of Camargue with a backdrop of farmhouses, marshes, and ponds and you ride through ranches, herds of free-roaming horses, and exceptional bird reserves. Immerse yourself in the fauna and flora between two typical Camargue towns during a week of cycling.
Highlights of your itinerary
- A week of cycling
- Wild nature far from civilization
- Crossing natural parks and bird reserves
- Experience Camargue as you've always imagined it
Day 1 : Sète - Le Grau du Roi
Be sure to have your towel and swimsuit close at hand for this stage! Starting in the port of Sète, you'll ride along the Mediterranean with the typical scrublands of the Gardiole Mountains as a backdrop. In Frontignan, you can take a quick break to taste some muscat wine before continuing the winding route between lagoons and beaches. Near Montpellier, be sure to visit Saint-Pierre de Maguelone Cathedral in Villeneuve-les-Maguelone or stop for a bit of refreshment at a beachside hut in Palavas or Carnon. You'll then follow the beautiful coastal bike path towards the pyramids of La Grande-Motte, recognised as a "20th century heritage" site, before continuing along the Mediterranean to the seaside resort of Le Grau-du-Roi.
- Distance : 58km
- Elevation gain : + 40m / - 36m
- Elevation : 15m
Day 2 : Le Grau du Roi - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
You'll follow the bike path through ponds and marshes on your way to Aigues-Mortes, along a canal dotted with "camelles", the characteristic salt mounds of the Camargue. You can take a break in Aigues-Mortes to see the ramparts of the town and take in the views of its purple-hued salt flats. The itinerary then continues along the banks of the canal to a shared path that runs alongside farmhouses, ranches, and herds of horses. You’ll then cross the Pont de Gau bird park: keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of flamingos, herons, or egrets! You'll finish the day in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer where you can enjoy the sunset in this charming little typically Camargue seaside resort.
- Distance : 35km
- Elevation gain: +2m
- Elevation : -1m / 4m
Day 3 : Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Port-Saint-Louis du Rhône
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the capital of the Camargue, a welcoming land of traditions, pilgrimage, and legends. At the dawn of Christianity, its shores welcomed Marie Jacobé, Marie Salomé, and their servant Sara, persecuted Christian women who were fleeing Palestine aboard a rudderless boat. Every May, gypsies from all over Europe come on a pilgrimage to honour the saints. You'll set out from this emotionally-charged village with the wind in your hair under an ever-changing light. The route heads towards the wide-open spaces of the Camargue Nature Park, passing by beaches, marshes, the lighthouse of La Gacholle, and the legendary seawall. The route takes you by the Salin de Giraud, the heart of Camargue's salt production and the largest salt flats in Europe. You'll take the Barcarin ferry and arrive at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, the official end of the ViaRhôna! Ideally located at the mouth of the mighty Rhône, between the river and the sea, this edge-of-the-world town is known for its port and its famous Napoleon Beach.
- Distance : 37km
- Elevation: -1m / 4m
Day 4 : Port-Saint-Louis du Rhône - Arles
1 night in Arles
You'll leave Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and its Saint Louis Tower, built in 1737, and head towards Arles along the greenway. A stop at the marshes of the Marais du Vigueirat is a must. This national nature reserve boasts nearly 1,200 hectares, with themed nature trails, guided nature tours, as well as carriage rides and horseback riding. As you continue along the canal, signs of civilisation will gradually appear. You can take a break to admire the Pont Langlois bridge, better known as the Van Gogh Bridge. It's the perfect introduction to the city of Arles that greatly inspired the famous painter! Arles enchants visitors with its impressive architectural vestiges left by successive generations of Celtic, Roman, and contemporary cultures. The town is brimming with cultural visits, including the amphitheatre, ancient theatre, St Trophime cloister, Van Gogh Museum, and Fondation Luna.
- Distance : 41km
- Elevation gain : +5m
- Elevation : -1m / +7m
Day 5 : Arles - Beaucaire
1 night in Beaucaire
This short stage means you can continue your visit of Arles in the morning before hopping back on your bike. After the cultural buzz of Arles, you'll pedal towards Fourques, a small town with a thousand-year-old castle and arena. Then, you'll ride through a vast alluvial plain, with canals crisscrossing through scrublands, vineyards, Provençal farmhouses, and orchards. A first short section on a greenway continues onto a shared road to Beaucaire. The town owes much to its river activities, especially its impressive heritage including its castle, private mansions, and medieval fortress. If you arrive early, you can take a detour to Tarascon and discover the legend of the Tarasque, the Provençal Souleiado fabric museum, and other Provençal traditions.
- Distance : 20km
- Elevation : 1m / 10m
Day 6 : Beaucaire - Saint Gilles
1 night in Saint Gilles
You'll start the day with a few kilometres on the same route as yesterday, but in the opposite direction. From Beaucaire, you'll take the shared path to the short greenway that crosses the canals and vineyards. North of Fourques, the ViaRhôna® splits. You'll follow the path toward Sète that leads to Saint-Gilles. Plan to arrive early enough for a leisurely visit of this charming little town, with its façades, narrow streets, museum, abbey, port, and wineries.
- Distance : 32km
- Elevation gain : +4m
- Elevation : 1m / 10m
Day 7 : Saint Gilles - Aigues-Mortes
You'll set out from Saint-Gilles for the last day of your journey. One more chance to experience the shimmering sunlight on the marshes, canals, and ponds on your way to Aigues-Mortes. You'll be familiar with the town now, so if your schedule allows it, you can take a tour of the salt flats! You could even stay an extra day for a trek through wild fauna and flora of the Camargue marshes.
- Distance : 31km
- Elevation gain : + 4m / - 8m
- Elevation : - 1m / 6m