Bike and barge in France
3 tours see all tours
IN BRIEF
A slow journey through history and culture
In France, nearly 8,000 km of waterways link villages, castles and beautiful towns in a landscape that invites slow travel by boat, but also by bike, thanks to the many bike paths that flank rivers and canals.
The perfect way to combine the two experiences is a bike and barge trip: you sleep in the cabin of a riverboat at night, and in the morning you disembark with your bike for a day on the pedals. On board, you’ll meet the captain, crew and other passengers, fellow travelers with whom to share the journey.
TO KNOW
Tailor-made bike and barge tours
From March to October, private groups can charter these “floating hotels” in their entirety, customize mooring points, and add on-board services and/or organized excursions to natural sites and art cities.
During winter, the L’Estello and Caprice boats in Provence and Camargue can become convenient floating hotels to discover Arles, Nimes, Avignon, and the rest of Provence. Contact us for information on tailor-made trips.
Tours
Provence and Camargue (1 tour)
This is one of the best-loved areas of France thanks to a fascinating landscape and numerous relics from Roman times. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, many treasures await you: Arles, Nimes, the expansive lavender fields, the wild horses of the Camargue, the places dear to Van Gogh… The Rhone valley and delta abound in beautiful places, easy to reach on a bike or to admire during the hours of navigation aboard the Girolibero riverboats.
Champagne (1 tour)
You can board a riverboat and follow the course of the Marne River, pedaling through the famous Champagne vineyards. This region amazes with its unexpected cultural treasures, bucolic landscape, and pretty villages where there is never a shortage of Brie and bubbly.
Northern Burgundy (1 tour)
A week in the Northern Burgundy region. also known as “The Land of Good Living”, and you will understand why. The bike tour mostly follows the Yonne river, but sometimes includes some ups and downs to reach the inner and hillier towns.
The barges
Comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, a dining room for breakfast and dinner, a sun deck to enjoy sailing: life on a boat is comfortable and relaxing, try it aboard these boats!
Caprice
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi in common areas
- 11 cabins
- 21 guests
Caprice
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi in common areas
- 11 cabins
- 21 guests in low beds
A small and cozy river boat that sails through the heart of Provence and Camargue. Caprice has it all: custom-designed furnishings, freshly varnished wood and bright colors, excellent on-board cuisine, and well-kept cabins and common areas make you feel at home. View more details
Bike and barge tours
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Cabins
- 8 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 2 lower deck double cabins 7-8 sq.m (C)
- 1 lower deck single cabin 7-8 sq.m (A)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage
Common areas
- cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing
L'Estello
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 20 guests
L'Estello
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- air conditioning in the whole barge
- WiFi in common areas
- 10 cabins
- 20 guests in low beds
L’Estello sails between Avignon and Aigues Mortes, with the Provençal landscape and the protected wilderness of the Camargue providing the backdrop. This river boat is a classic Dutch barge built in 1937 and then renewed in 2018. It is the ideal accommodation to spend a pleasant bike and boat vacation in nature and relaxation. View more details
Bike and barge tours
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Cabins
- 9 lower deck twin cabins 7-8 sq.m (B)
- 1 lower deck double cabin 7-8 sq.m (C)
Features
- Comfortable low beds (single: 1.90 m x 0.80 m | double: 1.90 m x 1.40 m)
- En-suite facilities
- Fixed portholes (forced ventilation)
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Safe deposit box
- Ample closet space in the cabin for storing luggage
Common areas
- cozy and bright restaurant hall with large panoramic windows
- sundeck with tables and chairs to enjoy sailing
Claire d’Etoile
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Claire d’Etoile
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Claire d’Etoile is a comfortable, elegant, and fully equipped boat.
There is a cozy lounge, restaurant, relaxation area and bar on the deck.
Outside is a sun deck with tables and chairs where you can enjoy the view while sailing. View more details
Bike and barge tours
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Cabins
- 10 twins with separate beds and windows that cannot be opened
- 2 doubles with opening windows
All cabins measure about 6.9 m², have private bathrooms, air conditioning, safe, and hair dryer.
Common areas
- cozy bar, restaurant and lounge area
- spacious bright living room with large panoramic windows
- large sun deck of 90 m²
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: easy, isn’t it? Touring bikes, electric bikes, tandems, accessories: our mechanics know them down to the last bolt, assemble them and continually overhaul them at our headquarters or at the nearest base of operations. The rental of Girolibero bikes includes insurance against theft and irreparable damage. See Girolibero bikes in detail.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
- the only one suitable with children’s accessories
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour. Furthermore, thanks to the step-through frame, getting on and off your bike is easier.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Bosch unisex e-bike
- 28” wheel
- 9 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Our e-bike is the right choice if you do not feel trained enough to spend more days on a saddle. You can easily adjust the assistance of the electric motor: from a mild pedaling support, to a more intense boost, which is especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. The battery charge covers an entire cycling stage, or even more if you don’t use it at full power all the time, and you can recharge it at the end of the day at the hotel .
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- frame lock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
- battery charger
- battery key
- repair kit
- lock
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Men's touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 27 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
- speedlifter twist T10 to easily adjust the handlebar height
Specifically assembled by our mechanics, our touring bikes feature components and accessories that make it reliable and easy to ride, a perfect companion for your bike tour.
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- Ortlieb rear side pannier (12,5 l)
- repair kit (1 per room)
- lock
- handlebar bag (1 per room)
On guided tours, the handlebar bag and repair kit are only provided to those who ride individually.
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
Repair Kit
Kit includes:
- 1 pump
- 1 inner tube
- 2 allen keys
- tyre levers
- patch
- glue
A repair kit (one for every two bikes) containing what is needed to change the inner tube in case of a puncture is provided for each reservation.
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Ortlieb bag
- material: PD620/PS490 waterproof
- dimensions: 30×25×14 cm. (HxWxD)
- weight: 1300 g
- capacity: 12,5 l
Waterproof side bag whose compact size makes it the ideal partner for short trips or shopping. Through the QL1 mounting system, it can be quickly and easily attached to the bike.
Assistance
Tour information
We’ll send you all the tour information before you set off on your adventure. It contains practical information, instructions on how to reach the starting point, a list of hotels, and answers to frequently asked questions. For our self-guided tours, we’ll also hand over detailed maps and roadbooks, in either physical or digital format, so you can follow the route on your own.
No need to worry about figuring out which turn to take if you opted for one of our group trips; in this case, your chaperone will gladly tell you where to go next!
Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but in case you need assistance, we’re available for support 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Discover more
The land of excellent bike paths
In recent years, France has developed an excellent network of bike paths, voie vertes (greenways), and other cycle routes. Bicycle tourism is a valuable resource here, with many dedicated two-wheel routes and hotels and accommodations ready to welcome bike tourists.
Bike tours in France
An ideal destination for a cycling holiday
There are many reasons to choose France as a cycling destination: easy routes for children and families, signage everywhere, incredible views of the sea, giant sand dunes, efficient transportation, mobility, and much more
Read more on our blog
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