Bike and Barge
Northern Burgundy
from Auxerre to Moret-sur-Loing
- FR107 / France
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
-
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- May, Jun, Jul
- 8 days
-
- linear from Auxerre to Moret-sur-Loing
- Some meals included
To know
Special discount
200€ discount per person on the following departures: July 1, 8 and 15, 2025
Book online, the discount is given to you when we confirm your reservation.
Highlights
A bike and barge tour in Northern Burgundy, also known as “The Land of Good Living”, and you will understand why. The area is rich in beautiful countryside, ancient medieval villages, serene, meandering rivers and of course, some of the best wines, cheeses and ciders the world you will have ever tasted! You will experience the visits of cultural wonders such as the gothic cathedral of Sens, or the cities of Auxerre and Joigny, and easy cycling stages alongside the river Yonne and more challenging uphill sections that lead to spectacular views, that will leave you feeling enriched and recharged.
- the enchanting town of Auxerre
- the Cathedral of Saint Etienne, a gothic marvel
- the beautiful vineyards and tasty wines of Burgundy region
What awaits you
A week in the Northern Burgundy region. The bike tour mostly follows the Yonne river, but sometimes includes some ups and downs to reach the inner and hillier towns. You'll ride on mostly paved and lightly-traveled secondary roads, rarely on bicycle paths. Some stages include a choice between a shorter and a longer ride. Of course, you can always take a day off and stay aboard the riverboat.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, the chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The boat's cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1° Individual arrival in Auxerre and embarkation
Welcome to Auxerre! Your epic tour of Burgundy begins with embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. After a delicious dinner onboard, you have plenty of time for a stroll through the beautiful river town of Auxerre: her majestic church spires, streets lined with 16th century timber houses and the cathedral of Saint-Etienne will enchant you.
2° Round tour from the beautiful Auxerre
On your second day, you have the option to either stay, relax and take in more of the sights of Auxerre, or begin your cycling adventure with your guide, leading you along the Yonne river en route to “Caves de Bailly”. This vineyard is famous for its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and limestone caves. The nearby vineyards of St Bris and Irancy are also well worth a visit, as are the paintings of George Hosotte in the Chapelle de Bailly.
3° On the saddle from Auxerre to Joigny
This morning you will cycle along the Yonne river valley. It is possible to choose between a longer cycling route, that gives opportunity to see the charming countryside of Brienon sur Armencon. The shorter option instead (30 km), will follow the river Yonne. You will reach Migennes, where the Burgundy canal crosses the river and you will meet the boat again. In the afternoon, you sail to Joigny, a picturesque with a long wine history, many historical monuments, ancient churches, Renaissance buildings.
4° From Joigny through vineyards to Villeneuve sur Yonne
Today you will enjoy a loop cycling stage through the local vineyards to taste the authentic local wines of Burgundy. Back on the saddle, you will reach Joigny again and then to Saint-Julien-du-Sault, where the 13th century Saint-Pierre church with its magnificent stained-glass windows awaits you. The barge is docked for the night in the lovely, lesser-known French town of Villeneuve, where you are free to explore the medieval gate towers and romantic string of gardens as the sun sets over the countryside.
5° From Villeneuve sur Yonne to Sens and its imposing Cathedral
From Villeneuve, also this time you can choose between two options. The longer one will take you in the hills, where you can taste the fine cider produced at the museum “de Pomme et de Cidre”. With the shorter option instead, will always follow the Yonne river (30 km). Sens is your destination of today: here a must is the Cathedral of St. Etienne, the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France (guided tour on the next day). In the evening, after dinner, you can enjoy the town with some shopping, or just strolling around the wonderful old town.
6° From the medieval Sens to Pont sur Yonne
This morning the enchanting Cathedral of Saint-Etienne in Sens awaits you, with an included visit with a local guide. After that, you can choose between two cyclind stages. If you decide to brave the longer cycle route, it leads through the beautiful valley of the Oreuse. However, the shorter option (20 km) affords you more time to explore Sens at your leisure before you cycle through to Pont-sur-Yonne, a charming riverside town.
7° Last cycling stage from Pont sur Yonne to Moret-sur-Loing
From Pont sur Yonne, during your last cycling stage you will be surrounded by forests, till you reach Moret-sur-Loing, a quaint medieval town known for its simple charm. The famous painter Sisley once found inspiration here. Explore its historic streets and the 12th-century Church of Notre-Dame, a pleasant ending to your cycling journey.
1. Arrival and embarkation in Moret-sur-Loing
Welcome to Moret-sur-Loing! Embarkation is scheduled for 14:00. After dinner on board, you can enjoy a moonlit stroll through Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval walled town on the banks of the Loing, where the painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful Impressionist paintings.
2. From Moret-sur-Loing along the Seine and the Yonne
During breakfast, the boat sails to Montereau-fault-Yonne, at the confluence of the Yonne and the Seine. In Montereau, do not miss the church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Loup, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. From here you will reach Montmachoux and Pont-sur-Yonne, where you will spend the night.
3. Cycle to Sens, medieval jewel of Burgundy
Today you have two options: follow the river to Sens (shorter, 20km) or take a longer ride through the green countryside. Sens is one of the oldest towns in France and is home to the imposing Saint-Etienne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece. After dinner, take a stroll around the historic centre.
4. Ride from Sens to Villeneuve sur Yonne
Today you can choose between two different routes. The shorter one (30km) follows the Yonne river, while the longer one takes you through a hilly area where you can visit the “De Pomme et De Cidre” museum, where you can taste the fine and typical cider produced here. You will then reach Villeneuve with its towers, medieval gates and romantic gardens.
5. Through the vineyards to Joigny
Leaving Villeneuve this morning, you will reach Saint-Julien-du-Sault, where you can visit the 13th-century church of Saint-Pierre with its magnificent stained glass windows. Continue on to Joigny, where you can enjoy a quiet and pleasant walk through the vineyards. Your guide will then take you to taste some authentic local Burgundy wines. Joigny is your destination today: a picturesque town with a long wine history. But that’s not all: it is rich in historical monuments, 16th and 17th-century houses with Renaissance facades and old churches.
6. From Joigny to Auxerre, with its imposing cathedral
Today you disembark at Migennes. From here you cycle back along the river to Auxerre. The town, where you spend the night, is a real treat on this tour: the majestic spires of its churches, streets lined with 16th century wooden houses and Saint-Etienne Cathedral, a true masterpiece of Gothic art. Do not miss the beautiful old harbour area or a visit to the 15th century Clock Tower.
7. Round trip by bike from Auxerre
Today your base will be Auxerre. If you want a quiet day, you can stay in the town and enjoy it to your heart’s content! On the other hand, if you can’t wait to get back on your bike, you and your guide can explore the surrounding area. Ride along the Yonne to visit the Caves de Bailly, a vineyard famous for its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and its limestone caves. The nearby vineyards of St Bris and Irancy are also well worth a visit, as are the wonderful paintings by George Hosotte in the Chapelle de Bailly!
Comfort Silver
- 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
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
24
Jun 2025
24
Jun 2025
Continue to booking
1
Jul 2025
1
Jul 2025
Continue to booking
8
Jul 2025
8
Jul 2025
Continue to booking
15
Jul 2025
15
Jul 2025
Continue to booking
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
- Second tour leader with a minimum of 18 people
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
This tour offers also the opportunity to cycle alone. When booking the tour please specify the option chosen (guided or self-guided).
If you want to cycle independently, you are free to do it by following the App we will provide you. In case of an emergency you can contact the tour leader over the phone. If you change your mind during the week and you want to join the guided tour, please inform the tour leader the evening before.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find maps and route description, to follow for unaccompanied cycling.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Entrance to the Apiculture’s Living Museum
- Visit to the cathedral of Sens
- Wine tasting in the Caves de Bailly
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 265 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
Embarkation
The embarkation will take place on the first day of the tour, at 2 p.m. in Auxerre/Moret-sur-Loing on the barge Claire d'Etoile.
How to get there
A) Direction Auxerre – Moret-sur-Loing
Auxerre is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Auxerre is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
From Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG):
- train to Bercy (with 1 change in Chatelet les Halles), and then train TER to Auxerre (approx. 2hrs 30mins)
From Paris Orly Airport (ORY):
- train no. 14 to Bercy and then train TER to Auxerre (approx. 2hrs)
By train
Auxerre Saint-Gervais is the closest train station.
B) Direction Moret-sur-Loing – Auxerre
Moret-sur-Loing is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Moret-sur-Loing is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
From Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train RER to Gare de Lyon (with 1 change in Chatelet les Halles). From here train to Moret-sur-Loing (approx. 1h 45mins)
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- train no. 14 to Gare de Lyon. From here train to Moret-sur-Loing (approx. 1h 15mins)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons is the closest train station.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Auxerre – Moret-sur-Loing
Moret-sur-Loing is the city at the end of the tour.
By plane
Moret-sur-Loing is connected to the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- Train to Gare de Lyon. From there, take a train to the airport (with 1 change at Chatelet les Halles) (approx. 1h 40mins).
For Paris Orly Airport (ORY):
- Train to Gare de Lyon. From there, take the train to the airport (approx. 1h 20min).
B) Direction Moret-sur-Loing – Auxerre
Auxerre is the city at the end of the tour.
By plane
Auxerre is connected to the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
For Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- Train to Gare de Lyon. From there, take a train to the airport (with 1 change at Chatelet les Halles) (approx. 2h 40min)
For Paris Orly Airport (ORY):
• Train to Bercy (with 1 change at Laroche Migennes). From there, train to the airport (approx. 3 hours)
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa.
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is French.
France is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Throughout Europe roaming services are free (if you have a European SIM card). Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before your departure.
The international phone prefix of France is +33.
Emergency telephone numbers in France
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
15 – Medical Emergencies
17 – Police Help Number
18 – Fire Department
Electricity
The French electrical net is 220V – 50Hz.
Electrical sockets comply with European regulations. In most hotels you will find adaptors for different types of plugs.
Currency
The currency in France is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Similar tours
Browse the suggestions to discover other destinations and trips similar to this holiday.
Need advice? We are here to help
Contact us
Southern Dalmatia
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatian Islands
8 days, from Split to Dubrovnik
Dalmatian islands for families
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatia and Kornati Islands
8 days, round tour Trogir - Zadar - Trogir
Amsterdam and Flanders
8 days, from Amsterdam to Bruges
The Heart of Holland
8 days, round tour from Amsterdam
Holland tulips tour
5 days, round tour Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands
8 days, from Athens to Corfu
Athens and the Gulf of Aegina
8 days, round tour from Athens
Cyclades islands
8 days, round tour Athens - Sifnos - Athens
Ionian islands for families
8 days, round tour Corfu Island - Cephalonia - Corfu Island
Discover more
Bike and barge tours
Holidays along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with cycling by day and overnight stays in a floating hotel that follows cyclists stage by stage
All bike and barge tours
Receive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!
