E-bike optionSmall Groups
France · Spain · Western Europe · Mediterranean
Trip code: CFSCycle Marseille to Barcelona
8 daysCyclingCycling grade: ModerateMinimum age 16Max group size 16
From
£1,695
Prices and availability are confirmed by our regional travel experts.
View dates & prices Call to bookYour adventure
Cycle Marseille to Barcelona
Cycle from Marseille to Barcelona on an eight-day adventure exploring the wild beauty of the Camargue, the Canal du Midi and the beaches of Catalonia. Along the way, discover medieval villages, vineyards and rolling countryside. Travel by train and bus as we cycle the most picturesque sections between the port cities.
Trip highlights
Why we love this trip
Catalan EmpordaExplore the lush nature and ancient history of this beautiful region.
Camargue wetlandsDiscover the regional park and natural reserve of the largest wetland in France.
Mediterranean cultureFrom traditional cuisine to wine to hospitality, witness the contrasts between the French and Catalan cultures.
Day by day
Itinerary
Select an option to view its itinerary. Contact us to confirm which itinerary applies to your departure.
Our trip starts in Marseille. An exuberant multicultural port city in southern France with a mix of grit and grandeur, Marseille was originally founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and has been a crossroads of immigration and trade ever since.
Our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and, slightly later, our first group dinner to get to know your fellow travellers. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), which is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
There are no included excursions today and if you miss the briefing, the tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
There is no cycling today.
Hotel Carré Vieux (or similar) · Marseille, FranceComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
After breakfast we plan an orientation walk around old Marseille - including the old port, Place de Lenche, Place de Moulin, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica and the historic Panier district. Later this morning we leave the city in our bus and drive for just over an hour to Porte-Saint-Luis-du-Rhone where we take a short Rhone river ferry crossing. It is here that we commence our first cycle ride into the protected lowlands of the Rhone delta alongside dikes and saltwater lakes, always close to the sea until we reach Saintes Maries de la Mer where we spend the night in the heart of the Camargue. All the cycling today is on good gravel roads. Our support vehicle has limited access to us today due to the cycle route. Strong Mistral winds can affect the region we are cycling in today and tomorrow. Please note that it may therefore be necessary to adjust, shorten or change the rides if the weather is bad.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 31 kilometres/19.2 miles on the flat on good gravel roads.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Lou Marques (or similar) · Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, FranceComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Today we continue cycling on a mixture of paved and unpaved roads through the rivers, lagoons and canals of the Camargue and Rhone Delta. The area has rich birding opportunities and we will keep our eyes peeled for wildlife including the evocative white horses and Flamingos (seasonal). On our route we will visit the fortified medieval town of Aigues Mortes. Finally we reach Villeneuve-les-Maguelone where we end our ride today. We continue by train to Sete where we check into our hotel in the new part of town and you have a chance to swim in the Med. Sete is an ancient port and the old part of town is just 20-30 minutes away by foot. Our support vehicle has limited access to us today as it cannot access our cycle route.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 67 kilometres/41.6 miles (100 metres/328 feet total accumulated ascent and descent).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Citotel Imperial (or similar) · Sete, FranceComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
We leave the Camargue today and cycle to Bezier along back roads and a stretch of the famous Canal du Midi. Today's cycling ends in historic Bezier where we get on a train (a 90-minute journey) to the medieval port town of Collioure. This picturesque town has a backdrop of the Pyrenees and is set around a quiet Mediterranean bay. It is known for the impressive Chateau Royal de Collioure which dominates the waterfront.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31 miles (220 metres/721 feet total accumulated ascent and descent).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Princes de Catalogne (or similar) · Collioure, FranceComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
Our cycle ride today involves some longer climbs and there are a few busier sections of road to be covered in the first 11 kilometre/6.8 miles. We then cycle inland on quiet back roads over the Banyuls pass, which marks the border between France and Spain. Entering Spain, we cycle south to Figueres, where we spend the night. The afternoon is left free for you to explore the town and you may choose to visit the famous Salvador Dali theatre-museum.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 50 kilometres/31 miles (670 metres/2198 feet total of ascent and 630 metres/2,067 feet descent). The climb to cross the border is the only challenging one on this trip but very rewarding.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Pirineo (or similar) · Figueres, SpainPremium · HotelSingle-room option available
After breakfast we cycle from our accommodation off across the rolling hills of the Emporda region of Catalonia. We will take a rest stop in Empuries where you have the chance to visit the remains of one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain, where the ruins of a Greek and a Roman city lie side by side. (entrance payable locally). The beaches here are inviting and you have the chance for a swim. We continue by bike to our hotel in L'Estartit, a short walk from the Med.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 60 kilometres/36 miles (200 metres/656 feet total accumulated ascent and 230 metres/755 feet descent).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Santa Anna (or similar)Comfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
This morning we cycle from our hotel through diverse scenery including stops at the lovely medieval villages of Peratallada and La Bisbal. Our route continues across low hills covered with oak tree forests before reaching the port town of Palamos. Our bus ride to Barcelona should take 90 minutes, arriving in the late afternoon. The Leader will arrange a final group meal to celebrate the end of the trip in this marvellous city.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 55 kilometres/32 miles (370 metres/1,213 feet total accumulated ascent and descent).
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Sant Pau (or similar) · Barcelona, SpainComfortable · HotelSingle-room option available
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Barcelona.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN), which is a 30-45 minute drive away.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Route overview
Trip map
![cfs[1]](https://pims.explore.co.uk/storage/assets/9119/derived/f405f509732d4fbdad32fffe86405c7c.webp)
Activity information
Cycling information
Cycling
Grade: Moderate
On this trip we cycle 302 km/190 miles over six days. We usually use backroads with little car traffic with the occasional need to use busier roads for short sections. Overall 65% of the trip is cycling on tarmac and 35% on gravel roads (on days 2-4 in the Rhone Delta and along the Canal du Midi). The cycling starts on very flat sections in France and gradually becomes hillier towards the border. Day 5 features some longer uphill sections. The Explore leader cycles with the group each day and there is a support vehicle throughout (limited vehicle access to cycle route on days 2-4). We have graded the route as moderate.
It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance for cycling and to ensure that you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your policy. Please note that some travel insurance policies do not provide cover for the use of e-bikes. If you are hiring an e-bike, it is important to verify that your policy provides appropriate cover, as an additional premium may be required.
It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance for cycling and to ensure that you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your policy. Please note that some travel insurance policies do not provide cover for the use of e-bikes. If you are hiring an e-bike, it is important to verify that your policy provides appropriate cover, as an additional premium may be required.
Your bike
Electric bikes are available for a supplement of £199 per bike, subject to availability. The e-bikes provided are typically a Stevens E-Lavena or Stevens Triton, with pedal assistance. Bikes are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
E-bikes are available in the following frame sizes:
Size 46: suitable for riders between 1.53m and 1.74m
Size 52: suitable for riders between 1.70m and 1.88m
If an e-bike is essential to your booking, please request one at the time of booking. Contact us for availability and further details.
Any £ amounts shown are in the source currency (GBP) and may not reflect current regional pricing. Please contact us to confirm the latest cost.
Included in your trip
What's included
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
Staff
- Driver(s), Explore Tour Leader
Transport
- Bicycle
- Ferry
- Train
- Bus
Accommodation
- 6 nights Comfortable Hotel
- 1 nights Premium Hotel
During this tour, we stay in comfortable-grade accommodation. Our accommodation is chosen based on location and authenticity.
In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star equivalent with good amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, WiFi and air-conditioning. Hotels will often offer other amenities such as a swimming pool or restaurant.
Accommodation and service levels in France and Spain are generally very good. We try to use smaller, family-run hotels and pensions that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome, a comfortable place to stay and the chance to gain a better understanding of local life. One thing to be aware of in Spain is that breakfast tends to be a small affair, usually with fruit juice or coffee and a pastry.
For some departures, you will be staying at the Hotel Marsiho in Marseilles, please check your final documents for the exact name of your hotel.
In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star equivalent with good amenities such as en-suite bathrooms, WiFi and air-conditioning. Hotels will often offer other amenities such as a swimming pool or restaurant.
Accommodation and service levels in France and Spain are generally very good. We try to use smaller, family-run hotels and pensions that might not offer the same luxuries as larger chain-style hotels, but they do provide a warm welcome, a comfortable place to stay and the chance to gain a better understanding of local life. One thing to be aware of in Spain is that breakfast tends to be a small affair, usually with fruit juice or coffee and a pastry.
For some departures, you will be staying at the Hotel Marsiho in Marseilles, please check your final documents for the exact name of your hotel.
Suitability
Is this the trip for you?
- We've graded the cycling on this tour as moderate. You don't need to be a pro to take part but you should have a basic level of fitness and enjoy being in the saddle.
- In France our cycling routes are generally along well - maintained pathways separate from the roads, however, on our way in and out of towns or cities, we will encounter traffic. Although typically light, traffic can on some sections be moving relatively quickly, so you should have a basic road awareness.
- Our tour leader will highlight any such sections in advance.
- Spain has fewer bike paths and we spend more time riding on country roads.
Plan your departure
Dates & prices
Choose a date below, then contact our team to confirm the latest price, availability and booking details.
| Departure | Return | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 May 2027 | 09 May 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 09 May 2027 | 16 May 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 13 Jun 2027 | 20 Jun 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 12 Sept 2027 | 19 Sept 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 19 Sept 2027 | 26 Sept 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 26 Sept 2027 | 03 Oct 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
| 03 Oct 2027 | 10 Oct 2027 | £1,695 Solo room£370 | Call to book |
Departure
02 May 2027
Return 09 May 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
09 May 2027
Return 16 May 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
13 Jun 2027
Return 20 Jun 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
12 Sept 2027
Return 19 Sept 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
19 Sept 2027
Return 26 Sept 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
26 Sept 2027
Return 03 Oct 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Departure
03 Oct 2027
Return 10 Oct 2027
From
£1,695
Solo room£370
Practical information
Your questions answered
Information for: 2027
Barcelona - Entrance to the Sagrada Familia from €21 pp, Picasso Museum €12 pp, La Pedrera (Casa Mila) €22 pp, Casa Battlo €25 pp
Note that the Sagrada Familia is very popular and queues can be long to buy entrance tickets. It is possible to book your tickets on line and thus avoid the queue. If doing this, we advise planning your visit for either the day of arrival or departure depending on meeting times and your flight timings.
http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tiquets/
Empuries - Roman Ruins €7 pp
Note that the Sagrada Familia is very popular and queues can be long to buy entrance tickets. It is possible to book your tickets on line and thus avoid the queue. If doing this, we advise planning your visit for either the day of arrival or departure depending on meeting times and your flight timings.
http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tiquets/
Empuries - Roman Ruins €7 pp
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £20 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.
Tour leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
France
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.
Where to change: Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.
ATMs: In cities and most major towns
Card notes: In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)
Credit cards accepted: No
Spain
Currency: Euro (EUR)
We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.
Where to change: We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports.
ATMs: In cities and most major towns.
Card notes: Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.
Credit cards accepted: No
When cycling: quick drying cycle tops, padded cycle shorts, lightweight wind and water proof jacket and warmer breathable layers where local conditions require.
General: Pack essentially for warm weather depending on the time of the year. The area is known for it's strong winds so we recommend a warmer light jacket as well as a rain jacket.
General: Pack essentially for warm weather depending on the time of the year. The area is known for it's strong winds so we recommend a warmer light jacket as well as a rain jacket.
If you are not bringing cycle shoes then try to bring stiff-soled shoes as these are better for cycling - transmitting your energy into the pedals more efficiently. This becomes more relevant and recommended the more demanding the grade and distances to cover. SPD cycle shoes are not well suited to trips that combine sightseeing with cycling.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.
Comfortable shoes, trainers, sandals or flip flops are useful when not on the bike.
It is compulsory to wear a cycling helmet on all Explore cycling holidays. As we cannot guarantee the quality or structural integrity of locally hired cycling helmets, it is a requirement that you bring your own helmet with you. Most insurance providers require helmets to be worn whilst cycling, so in the event of an accident, it is likely that any insurance claim will be invalidated if you are not wearing a helmet.
Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.
Cycle glasses to protect against dust, pollen and the sun, padded cycle gloves and a water bottle or water delivery system (e.g. camelback or platypus) are also useful. You may choose to bring your own gel seat cover for added comfort. If a handle bar bag or pannier is not provided (check bike details) then you may like to bring a small rucksack to wear while cycling. Other items to consider bringing are a sunhat and sun cream, torch, earplugs and insect repellent. Please carry some or all of your cycling equipment e.g. helmet as part of your hand luggage.
Luggage on tour
We recommend you bring a daypack and one main piece of luggage (total allowance: 44lb/20kg) which will be transported between hotels while you cycle. Check the bike details section to see if a pannier or handlebar bag is provided on the bike.
Luggage limit: 20KG
France
Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. Winds can be strong all year around. The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of. The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juras and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall. Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.
Spain
Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a Spanish trip - though the weather varies enormously from region to region. The high central plains suffer from fierce extremes, stiflingly hot in summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm virtually all year round. Spain's Islands, the Canaries and Balaerics, experience very mild winters and warm summers, making them ideal year round destinations.
A single-room option is available for every night of this itinerary. Subject to availability for your departure. A single-room supplement applies.
France: Visas are not required by UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, US, New Zealand, US or Canadian citizens.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
France
Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Spain
Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before traveling.
France
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Spain
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.