This summer, you can borrow one of the low-carbon intermediate vehicles parked in front of the Tourist Office of Villeneuve-les-Avignon to explore one of the suggested itineraries.
Answering the challenges of the green transition
The Grand Avignon Tourist Office loves taking up the challenges of the green transition. After devising a series of microadventures starting out from the towns and villages in its area, it is now taking up the ADEME’s Extrême Défi (a challenge launched by the French Environment and Energy Management Agency), an initiative aimed at prototyping and testing new sustainable and economical vehicles, halfway between the bicycle and the car.
Although we have long since become accustomed to the triple alternative of bike/motorbike/car for getting around, recent developments in electric scooters, electrically assisted cargo bikes and other alternative vehicles illustrate just how much it is still possible to invent intermediate vehicles suited to urban and suburban travel.
Going on a « véli » excursion
So the idea was born to combine tourist exploration with technical experimentation. This summer, you’ll be able to borrow one or both of the intermediate vehicles available from the Villeneuve-lès-Avignon Tourist Office and follow one of the six itineraries on offer, ranging from 18 to 34km. You could, for example, choose the short, shady route through the orchards of La Barthelasse Island, Europe’s largest river island, a trip through the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône or a section of the ViaRhôna as far as the beautiful Himalayan footbridge at Sorgues. Each time, there’s advice on how to stop off at local producers along the way, have a bite to eat or a drink.
Intermediate vehicles or « vélis »
While the two mid-size vehicles have a family resemblance, with their light roof and pedals, a quick test drive of the machines will reveal their subtleties:
First of all, the Maillon, made in Toulouse, is a 3-wheeled vehicle that can be ridden much like an electrically assisted bicycle. Featuring chainless technology, it is designed using mainly recycled or recyclable materials, and its simplicity means that it can be easily repaired if necessary.
The Karbikes, developed in Strasbourg, is a four-wheeled vehicle that can be ridden in a less upright position, more like a pedalo! Most of the materials used come from near their place of production in Alsace or a bit further in France.
Both have a closed frame, which protects against both rain and sun, but which can also be opened wide to take full advantage of the scenery, the cicadas and the scent of the pine trees.
They can reach speeds of up to 25km/h, although they still require active pedalling and, before you start, a little familiarisation with the technical details (gears, brakes, etc.), which are similar to those of an electrically assisted bike. Two people can climb on it, or even three if the rear seat is occupied by two children. So if you’re planning a family outing, you’ll need to borrow both bikes.
Practical details
- The routes are provided in the form of GPX tracks, which can be downloaded to your phone before setting off, or to a tablet which can be supplied.
- The bikes are available from 2 June to 27 September 2025. Although they are free to borrow, you will need to complete a few administrative documents (contract, civil liability certificate, deposit cheque) and, in return, answer a few questions, as the aim is to test the use of these prototypes and see what improvements can be made. A small price to pay for a contribution to the transport of tomorrow and an adventure in the great outdoors!
Booking with the Grand Avignon Tourist Office:
Laetitia Bernard – T. 04 90 03 70 60
laetitia.bernard@grandavignon.fr
Press Contact:
Caroline Poirier – T. 04 88 54 56 18
caroline.poirier@grandavignon.fr
©M.Ripert-VPA ©Grand Avignon