Tour code: ZBESXX - year 2011 cycling in France CONTACTS GIROLIBERO TOUR OPERATOR Via Manin 14 36100 Vicenza Tel: +39 0444 330724 Mail: info@girolibero.com Office hours: from Monday to Friday 8.30-13; 15-18.30 Cellphone for emergencies: +33 620107869 (every day 8-20) BIKE AND BOAT: L ESTELLO Itinerary from Villeneuve-lés-Avignon to Aigues Mortes During the first three days you will enjoy the most typical Provence and Rhone Valley landscapes. The first day you will taste the vintage wines of Chateauneuf du Pape and then you will continue with the roman France of Pont du Gard and the Provenza of Van Gogh with St Remy and Les Baux. Arles is the tour turning point, by boat you enter the Camargue with its wild nature dominated by bulls and horses until you reach Saintes Maries de la Mer and the medieval rampart Aigues Mortes. 1st DAY Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Individual arrival at 18:00 and boarding in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. 2nd DAY Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Navigate up to Avignon, the city of popes, and then cycle in the direction of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, following roads with low levels of traffic surrounded by vineyards. You will cross the Rhone through Roquemaure and return to Villeneuve by following the course of the river. (42 km). 3rd DAY Villeneuve-lès-Avignon- Vallabrègues Today s stage brings you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a truly spectacular work of architecture. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, a pretty Provençal village on the banks of the Rhone. (65 km). 4th DAY Vallabreguès-Arles This stage brings you to Saint Remy de Provence, birthplace of Nostradamus. This village is also famous for having hosted Van Gogh in the days of his mental illness. Then, you move onto the Alpilles, with Les Baux de Provence, a village lodged in the rock itself. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees accompanies your journey. (55 km). 5th DAY Arles-Gallician Today, the whole morning is dedicated to visit Arles, the ancient capital of Gaul with beautiful Roman ruins. You will arrive by bike at the wooden bridge, which was masterfully portrayed by the great painter Van Gogh. Then on up to Saint Gilles from there you will sail to Gallician, where you will spend the night. (22 km) 6th DAY Gallician- Aigues Mortes You will cycle among cane fields, rice fields and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, flamingos and bulls, and arrive at Saintes Maries de la Mer and then Aigues Mortes. (64 km). 7th DAY Aigues Mortes, round tour Following the daily route, you will discover Camargue, where nature still prevails with defiance over the invasion of civilization.(45 km). 8th DAY Aigues Mortes. After breakfast, end of services. 1
L ESTELLO BIKE AND BOAT: CYCLING IN FRANCE Itinerary from Aigues Mortes to Villeneuvelés-Avignon During the first three days of the tour you will cycle through the wild Camargue nature with its bulls and horses. From the medieval fortress of Aigues Mortes you will reach Saintes Maries de la Mer and then gradually leave this land by boat toward Arles. In the following days you will visit the most typical Provence landscape, including the Rhone Valley, Van Gogh s Provence and the Roman France of Pont du Gard and finally toast with the precious wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. 1st DAY Aigues Mortes Individual arrival and boarding during the afternoon in Aigues Mortes, medieval town, ancient military and commercial ramapart on the Mediterranean. 2nd DAY Aigues Mortes, round tour First round stage to discover the Camargue, where nature still prevails over civilization. (45 km) with its cathedral, which is loved by the gipsies. You will spend the night moored in the village of Gallician. (64 km) 4th DAY Gallician-Arles! You will sail for a few hours up to Saint Gilles and then cycle to today s destination: Arles, known for the richness of its antique and roman patrimony. The city fascinates you with its hidden treasures. Getting lost among its small alleys will be like entering a picture by Van Gogh. By bike you will reach the wooden bridge masterfully portraied by the great painter. (22 km) 5th DAY Arles-Vallabreguès Breathtaking stage, which brings you to the Alpilles, with the perched village of Le Baux de Provence and then to Saint Rémy de Provence. A landscape of limestone cliffs, lavender and olive trees will accompany the trip. In the evening you will moor in Vallabrègues, pretty Provencal village on the banks of the Rhone. (55 km) will arrive in Avignon, the city of the Popes. You will be moored in Villeneuve lés Avignons on the opposite bank of the Rhone. (65 km) 7th DAY Avignon, round tour Navigation up to Avignon, and then cycle in the direction of Châteauneufdu-Pape, following low-traffic roads surrounded by vineyards. You will cross the Rhone at the height of Roquemaure and you will return to Villeneuve following the course of the river. (42 km) 8th DAY Avignon After breakfast, end of services. 3rd DAY Aigues Mortes-Gallician You will cycle among cane and rice fields and salt lakes, accompanied by horses, flamingos and bulls, and you will arrive at Saintes Maries de la Mer 6th DAY Vallabrègues-Avignon The stage today will bring you to the best preserved Roman aqueduct in Europe: Pont du Gard, a very spectacular work. In the afternoon you 42 Avignon. round tour Avignon-Vallabrégues Vallabregues-Arles Arles-Gallicien Gallicien-Aigues Mortes Aigues Mortes, round tour 65 55 64 45 70 60 50 40 Route profile The tour is totally in the lowlands during the three stages in Camargue, while the stages north of Arles present some ups ans downs, which are however quite easy to overcome. There is just one more demanding slope towards Baux de Provence, but you will be fully repaied with an extraordinary landscape. The itinerary is mostly on secondary roads with low traffic; some short stretches on more busy roads are however inevitable. There will also be a couple of navigation stretches to make the stages more enjoyable. Navigation on rivers and canals 22 20 10 0 30 The programme has been planned for navigation along the Rhone and the canal Rohne-Sète. High and low water issues as well as logistic obstacles can modify some of the daily stretches or embarkation points. These decisions are taken by the boat captain. Distance in Km 2
L ESTELLO: BIKE & BOATcycling in France The barge: l Estello The barge L Estello is 39 m long, it has 10 double cabins of about 8 sqm with ensuite facilities and air conditioning. Every cabin has two low beds, only one has a double bed. The barge has a large lounge with sofas and armchairs, which is separated from the restaurant. Accompanying material If you didn't receive the informative material by post yet, it will be given to you aboard the boat. The Information Pack contains: - the road book of your itinerary. - detailed maps. - general information on the villages and cities you will see during the tour. Welcome and bike delivery The meeting with the guide and the crew will be on Saturday at 7.00 pm, just before the welcome dinner. On Sunday morning you will get the rental bikes. The guide will always be present during breakfast and dinner and will cycle every day with those who want to exploit his knowledge. You are free to cycle individually using the road book. Your guide will answer the phone in case of an emergency (+33620107869) and also in case of a technical problem with your rented bike. Every evening after dinner the guide will present you the cycling program of the following day. To be on board The success of the journey depends of course on how every one of you respects the timetable of each single day: - day of arrival: from 18.00 the cabins are available. At 19.00 a meeting with the staff and the guide is planned. - day of departure: you will have to leave the boat after breakfast, not later than 09.00. - breakfast: from 08.00 until 08.30. - dinner: at 19.00. Other useful information: - it is strictly forbidden to smoke in the cabins (and in all common areas). It's possible to smoke on the deck outside. - we invite you to spare water on board, avoiding waste and too long showers. - we thank you in advance for not consuming in public areas (restaurant, bar, outdoor deck) beverages and food not directly purchased on board of the L Estello. - every cabin has a centralized air conditioning system. It is not possible to modify the temperature of the single cabins but only switch on or switch off the air conditionting. - when you leave the barge, it is important to close the portholes in order to avoid water entrance in the cabin because of the waves. - in Arles and in Gallicien the electricity is supplied by a current generator which will be switched off from 10.30 pm to 7.00 am of the following day. During that time you can not use electrical appliances or hot water. - at the check-out you must return the keys to the cabin crew and pay the extra drinks, you can pay only by cash, neither credit cards nor large bills are accepted. - at the end of tour you can leave a tip to the crew if you enjoyed the holiday. Luggage We would like to remind you that free space on the boat is limited so bear this in mind when you pack your bags. It is also strongly recommended to use bags instead of suitcases because they are more easy to put away. Luggage transportation is never included in case of extra nights before or after the standard tour. 3
L ESTELLO: BIKE & BOAT Cycling in France Kitchen aboard - breakfast is an international buffet: bread, sliced salami and ham, cheese, butter, marmalade, yogurt, cereals, milk, tea, coffee. - packed lunch: when you're having breakfast, you'll also find all that's necessary to make yourself a packed lunch (bread, sliced salami and ham, cheese) - at dinner you can enjoy typical dishes of the simple traditional Provencal cuisine. Dinner consists of a starter, a main course, and dessert. On the table there will always be bread and water. - drinks: in the dinner service is always included water in carafe. In the afternoon, when you come back from your trip, all guests will receive a snack, cake and coffee or tea. All other drinks are not included and have to be payed seperately (beer, soft drinks, sparkling water, wine, strong drinks). Questionnaires On the last page 2 pages of this dossier you will find a questionnaire (quality control comment sheet) to fill in, which you can hand over directly to the tour leader at the end of the tour. We thank you in advance for your courtesy and for any useful information you can give us. French law Here below are some points to be observed on French legislation concerning the movement of bicycles: Helmet, cycling trousers and gloves are advisable but not essential. Cyclists have to: - wear a reflective vest out of the towns by half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise and in tunnels Climate L Estello's journey will cover two French regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'azur and Languedoc-Roussillon. Generally you will find fresh and mild temperatures in spring and autumn with low probability of rain, while in summer (July- August) the climate is definitely hotter and dry with high temperature range between day and night. Clothing We advise you to wear comfortable shoes and various layers of practical clothing to be prepared for sudden changes of climate and temperature; don t forget a K-Way or a poncho, both indispensable in the event of rain, besides a light jacket for cold days and evenings. Sunglasses, hat, protective suntan cream and insect repellent sprays are important, especially in summer. Helmet, cycling trousers and gloves are advisable but not essential. Remember to bring a swimming suite and a towel for the ring stage on Aigues Mortes. During the tour you will have the chance to visit various religious sites, such as churches and convents, where you must be appropriately dressed (covered shoulders, shoes or sandals, etc...). French law does not require cyclists to wear a helmet, but we consider it important to wear one for safer travelling. Also remember to bring a first aid kit with you. Opening hours shops and restaurants The opening hours of the shops is from 9 am to 7 pm, from Monday to Saturday; some shops have a lunch break from 12 am to 2 pm. Normally shops are closed on Sunday, but it depends from the place and the period of the year. Shopping centre are open until 8 pm, some until 10 pm. Electricity In every cabin you will find normal sockets. The French electrical net is 220V - 50Hz und you will find the same on the barge when the current generator is on. The sockets are Schuko bipolar. Telephone To phone in France: dial 0033 + local prefix without the initial 0 + the desidered number. Check with your operator the prices of your phones to call or send sms. 4
BIKE RENTAL L ESTELLO: BIKE & BOAT cycling in France We have carefully chosen our bicycles and accessories in order to be able to satisfy the requests and wishes of our customers! Bicycle Girolibero s Citybikes are available in various sizes in unisex models: - City bike 27-gear Shimano Deore Features: - aluminium frame - mudguard - rack - comfort gel saddle www.lookin.it - anti-puncture Schwalbe Marathon 700 x 35 tyre Accessories: - 5-function cycle computer - ORTLIEB 100% waterproof side saddlebag (12 lt.) - Front handlebar bag - a water bottle (0.75 l) - repair kit (inner tube, glue, patch, pump) - combination lock We remind you that you are responsible of the rental bikes during the whole tour. We suggest you therefore to lock them even in case of short breaks. Mechanical problems During the tour, if the bicycles should have any type of technical problem that prevents you from continuing, please contact the tour leader at the emergency numbers +33620107869 and try to describe the occurred issue. The tour leader will try to solve as soon as possible the problem and, if necessary, he/she will suggest you a mechanical where it is possible to repair the failure. If a reparation by a mechanical will be necessary, keep the receipt and give it to the tour leader at the end of the tour, so that he/she can refund you the charges. Bicycle return At the end of the journey you have to bring back your bikes (with all accessories) to the guide on board the L Estello. Your own bikes The use of your own bikes for this tour is not recommended only for reasons of costs and logistical difficulties to reach or leave the boat with public transport for the connections between Aigues Mortes and Avignon. This option is however available. Tips for your own bike: before you depart we suggest you to verify that all parts of the bike are functioning properly. A cycle computer is necessary to follow the road book. We also highly recommend you to bring a repair kit because the emergency number in case of breakdown cannot be used if you are using your own bike. Don t forget to bring a padlock and always lock your bike. Trains with bike transportation Trains with bike transportation are all regional trains and they are marked with the symbol of the bike both on the wagons that on timetable boards in the station.! For further information on timetables and prices you can consult www.trenitalia.com. The connections Train + Bike between Aigues Mortes and Avignon are the following: - in direction Aigues Mortes - Avignon the first train available with bike transport is at 11.58 am and it arrives at 1.45 pm; the following is at 4.28 pm and it arrives at 6.14 pm (for both trains you have to change in Nimes) - in direction Avignon - Aigues Mortes the first train available is on 11.57 am and it arrives at 1.40 pm; the following is at 5.01 pm and it arrives at 6.25 pm (always with change in Nimes). The price is " 14. On Ter Trains the bike transport is free. From Aigues Mortes the train station is behind the boarding, while starting from Villeneuve lés Avignon the train station is 3,5 km away and you have to reserve a private transfer in order to carry luggage and bike. 5
ARRIVAL AIRPORTS L ESTELLO: BIKE & BOAT cycling in France Connections to AVIGNON - Marseille Provence (MRS) www.marseille.aeroport.fr From the station Vitrolle Aeroport Marseille (it is only 5 min far from the airport with the bus, departure 10 min before every train from Quai No. 2) there are direct trains to Avignon about every hour. It takes from 60 to 90 min; the tickets cost about " 16 and you can buy them directly in the airport at the SNCF. For private transfers ask directly to www.taxis-aeroport.com with the possibility to reserve the ticket in advance. - Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL) www.montpellier.aeroport.fr The bus connects the centre of Montpellier with 10 daily rides from 8.30 am to 11.00 pm (Ligne 120) and it costs " 1.50 or you can take a taxi to the train station. It costs about " 25. From Montpellier there are direct train to Avignon (from 60 to 100 min, direct or with change in Nimes, price " 16). - Avignon Caumont (AVN) www.avignon.aeroport.fr The airport is 8 km far from the centre. A bus service connects the airport to the station or you can take a direct taxi to the boarding in Villeneuve lés Avignon. Price about " 35. Avignon Taxi Service: Tel: +33 (0)4.90.82.20.20. - Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS) www.lyonaeroports.com From the airport (Gare Lyon St Exupery TGV) you can take a direct train to Avignon, but there are only three connections every day (90 min, tickets from " 36 to " 48). As alternative you can take the bus Rhone Experss to the station Lyon Part-Dieu (departures every 15 min, journey about 30 min, price " 13 www.rhonexpress.fr). From the station Part Dieu leave trains every hour to Avignon (about 60 min, price from " 28 to " 34). - Nimes Garons (FNI) www.nimesairport.com Bus to the centre in connection to the arrival of Ryanair flights. It costs " 5 to be paid on bord. The train station SNCF is the first bus stop after about 20 min. As alternative a taxi costs about " 20. From the station there are direct trains to Avignon about every hour (about 30min, price " 9). A direct taxi to Villeneuve lés Avignon costs about " 90. Trains: The timetable and prices can change. We recommend to check the train connections visiting the websites www.voyages-sncf.com e www.bahn.de. Connections to AIGUES MORTES - Marseille Provence (MRS) www.marseille.aeroport.fr From the station Vitrolles Aeroport Marseille the connections to Aigues Mortes are only two: at 6.44 am and at 8.22 am. It is better to go to the Central Station Marsiglia Saint Charles (bus every 20 min, journey about 25 min, " 8,50). From Marseille Saint Charles the connections to Aigues Mortes are at 9.10 am or at 2.06 pm (3h 30min, " 25). As alternative there are trains every hour and a half to Lunel (direct or with change innimes or Avignon). The journey varies depending on the changes from 90 min to 3h20min and the price is from " 23 to " 28. From Lunel you can taxi to Aigues Mortes. For private transfers ask directly www.taxisaeroport.com with the posibility to reserve the ticket in advance. - Montpellier Mediterranée (MPL) www.montpellier.aeroport.fr There are no connections with public transport from Montepellier to Aigues Mortes but you are quite close and it is better to take a taxi from the airport; it costs about " 45/50. For private transfer you can contact Eric +33 06 22 93 64 80. - Avignon Caumont (AVN) www.avignon.aeroport.fr The airport is 8 km far from the centre. A bus service connects the airport to the station Avignon Centre or you can take a taxi to the station and then with the train until Aigues Mortes. The taxi costs about " 20. Avignon Taxi Service: Tel: +33(0) 4.90.82.20.20. - Nimes Garons (FNI) www.nimesairport.com Bus to the centre in connection to the arrival of Ryanair flights. It costs " 5 to be paid on bord. The train station SNCF is the first bus stop after about 20 min. As alternative a taxi costs about " 20. From the station there direct trains to Aigues Mortes about every hour (about 45min, price about " 8). A direct taxi to Aigues Mortes costs about " 70 - Lyon Saint Exupéry (LYS) www.lyonaeroports.com Take the bus Rhone Experss to the station Lyon Part-Dieu (departures every 15min, journey 30min, price " 13 www.rhonexpress.fr). From the station Part Dieu there are 3 connections to Aigues Mortes, at 7.11 am, at 9.37 am, at 3.07 pm with change in Nimes (journey from 3h to 4h30min, price from " 42 to " 60). To Lunel there are trains about every hour with change in Nimes or Avignon (journey from 2h to 3h30min, price from " 36 to " 55). From Lunel taxi until Aigues Mortes. Trains: The timetable and prices can change. We recommend to check the train connections visiting the websites www.voyages-sncf.com e www.bahn.de. 6