Bike and Barge
Paris and Champagne
- FR257 / 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.
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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.
- Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 8 days
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- linear from Paris to Épernay
- Some meals included
Highlights
A splendid bike and boat trip in the heart of France, along the banks of the Marne River. Start your journey in the mesmerizing Paris and discover the Champagne region at the pace of pedaling on an e-bike. In between glasses of Champagne, you can also visit farms where Brie cheese is produced. This vacation is a great opportunity to enjoy the rich local food and wine: all to try!
- Croissants and pain au chocolat in Paris, the Ville Lumière
- Dom Pérignon and the secrets of Champagne
- The exquisite Brie de Meaux
What awaits you
A week in the Champagne wine region. While largely following the Marne River or its tributaries, the bike route includes several ups and downs, some more challenging than others. 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° Boarding in Paris
Individual arrival in Paris and embarkation at 2 p.m.
After the welcome meeting, your tour begins with a cruise through Paris that will take you to Lagny-sur-Marne, a small countryside village on the outskirt of Paris.
After dinner you will have time to explore the town.
2° Round tour of Lagny-sur-Marne
It’s time to take your bike and start cycling through the french countryside along the Marne River. Continue pedaling to the 18th-century castle of Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most luxurious in the Ile-de-France region. The stage ends back in Lagny, where the boat awaits you for the night.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 20 km
3° Riding through a land of cheese, wine and cathedrals, all the way to Meaux
Today we continue cycling along the Marne Valley. You have a choice between a shorter and a longer route variant, both hilly. The boat awaits you at the end of the stage in the quaint town of Meaux, known for its famous “Brie de Meaux” cheese and for the magnificent Saint Etienne Cathedral, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and remodeled over time to acquire its present Gothic appearance.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 20 km
4° Cycling along the Marne Valley, amid the rhythms of the Middle Ages, to Jouarre
Again on this day you have a choice of two hilly routes, one short and one longer. In the morning, you’ll leave Meaux and head for the hills of the Marne Valley. Peaceful forests and villages accompany you along the north and south banks of the river. If you’ve opted for the longer route, you’ll cycle through the little villages of Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq.
A well-deserved tasting of Brie de Meaux and Brie Noir cheeses awaits you in Jouarre at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot.
The boat will be moored in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a nearby village.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 35 km
5° On the trail of the Great War, up to Château-Thierry
Today’s ride is a bit more challenging. After an initial stretch along the river, you enter a valley, following bucolic country roads in hilly terrain, up to a plateau. The boat awaits you at Château-Thierry, the scene of the 1918 battle of the same name, one of the first actions in which the U.S. expeditionary force took part. Along the way, you can visit the American cemetery and the war memorial near Belleau.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 15 km
6° Entry into Champagne toward Epernay
Leaving behind the ruins of the castle that gave its name to the town of Château-Thierry, you make your official entry into the Champagne region, known worldwide for the French sparkling wine of the same name. You can choose between two route variants: a short one and a longer one. When speaking of the history of Champagne, one cannot fail to mention the Grande Dame de la Champagne, the widow Clicquot. After her husband’s death in 1805, when she was only 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took over the business founded by her father-in-law and became one of the first female entrepreneurs of modern times. Your overnight stay is in Epernay, one of the main centers of the Champagne wine region. Tonight you are free to decide where to have dinner.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 20 km
7° Discovering the champagne monk in Epernay
Today is dedicated to discovering the Champagne region and the origins of its best-known product. We start by pedaling along the canal parallel to the Marne to reach the Ay River and then, tackling a few climbs, reach the village of Hautvillers, where the famous Dom Pérignon, a monk in the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, discovered the method of making sparkling wine in the 18th century.
Return by bike to Epernay for a tour of the city center with its neo-Renaissance and classical style buildings. To celebrate the conclusion of this experience. enjoy a visit to a winery and an inevitable Champagne tasting. Santé!
8° End of tour in Epernay
Check-out after breakfast, no later than 9:00 a.m. If you need to return to Paris, you can go by train, which takes you back to the capital in about an hour and a half.
1° Embarkation in Epernay, home of champagne
Welcome to Epernay, one of the main centers of Champagne wine production. The captain and crew welcome you aboard the riverboat at 2 p.m. for a short briefing.
After dinner, the tour leader will take you to explore Eperney, with its neo-Renaissance and classical-style buildings.
2° Eperney round tour
It is time to get on the bikes and set off to discover the Champagne region and the origins of its best-known product. You start by pedaling along the canal parallel to the Marne River to reach the Ay River and then, tackling a few climbs, arrive at the village of Hautvillers, where the famous Dom Pérignon, a monk in the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, discovered the method of making sparkling wine in the 18th century.
Ride back to Epernay for a tour of the city center. To celebrate the beginning of this experience, enjoy a visit to a winery and an inevitable Champagne tasting. Santé!
3° Champagne and the castle of Château-Thierry
Today you’ll continue to explore the Champagne region. Get lost in the panoramic view of the Champagne countryside in Châtillon-sur-Marne and cycle to Dormans. On your way, pedaling along the river, you’ll see the ruins of a castle appear, a sign that you are arriving at today’s destination, Château-Thierry. Always a place of strategic importance, important battles were fought here during the Napoleonic wars and the First World War.
When speaking of the history of champagne, one cannot fail to mention the Grande Dame de la Champagne, the widow Clicquot. After her husband’s death in 1805, when she was only 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took over the business founded by her father-in-law and became one of the first female entrepreneurs of modern times.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 15 km.
4° Along the Marne Valley, amid the rhythm of the Middle Ages
Today’s ride is a bit more challenging: after the first stretch along the river on a plateau, characterized by vast cultivated fields, you’ll follow a small tributary, the Clignon, into the valley along country roads over mostly hilly terrain. On the way, you can visit the American cemetery and the war memorial near Belleau. Your final destination today is La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, home to a jazz festival held annually in the summer.
5° Pedaling through a land of cheese, wine and cathedrals, on the way to Meaux
This day is dedicated to discovering the region of Brie de Meaux, an AOC cow’s milk cheese nicknamed “the king of cheeses and the prince of desserts.” After a few uphill kilometers, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot.
Continue cycling through the hills of the Marne Valley, through forests and picturesque villages choosing to cycle a shorter or a longer route. If you choose the longer version, you’ll visit the little villages of Trilport e Lizy-sur-Ourcq.
At the end of the day, you’ll reach quaint Meaux, where your boat welcomes you for the night. Tonight you are free to decide where to have dinner.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 20 km.
6° Countryside yes...but with class!
Before beginning your ride, you can visit the center of Meaux with its magnificent Saint Etienne Cathedral, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and remodeled over time until it acquired the Gothic appearance we can admire today. Today’s stage is mainly along the Marne and its side canal. Cycle along the Canal de l’Ourq, an artificial canal built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and water to Paris, and reach Lagny-sur-Marne, today’s destination.
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 20 km.
7° Welcome to the Ville Lumière
Today you continue cycling along the Marne Valley and reach Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most magnificently furnished châteaux in the Ile-de-France. Proceed along the Marne and Seine and finally reach mesmerizing Paris. Welcome to the Ville Lumière!
* Possibility of shortening the stage by 15 km.
8° End of tour in Paris
Check-out after breakfast, no later than 9:00 a.m.
If you need to return to Epernay, you can go by train, which takes you back to the Champagne capital in about an hour and a half.
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Zwaantje
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
The Zwaantje, Dutch for “little swan,” 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
2025
Departures on Thursday
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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
- Welcome drink
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 (to be paid in advance).
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
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
- Brie cheese tasting
- Champagne tasting at local producer
- Visit champagne cellar in Epernay
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”
- Drinks on board
- 1 dinner
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip. - Entrances to museums or not included attractions
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local supplier.
Helmet is not mandatory; however, we recommend that you wear it and bring your own.
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
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
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
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 290 km
- Terrain: secondary roads almost always paved and with little traffic, rarely on bike path
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 2 p.m. in Paris or Epernay. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Paris- Epernay
Paris is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
A few weeks before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are the closest airports.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- direct RER B train to Châtelet Les Halles station and from there metro line 14 to Bercy station, total duration approx. 1h.
- direct RER B train to Saint Michel Notre Dame station and from there RER C to Gare d'Austerlitz station, total duration about 1h.
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- direct Orlybus shuttle bus to Denfert-Rochereau station and from there metro line 6 to Bercy station, total duration about 50 minutes.
- Go C Paris shuttle bus to Pont de Rungis station and from there RER C train to Gare d'Austerlitz station, total duration about 30 minutes.
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
Paris Gare de Lyon is the closest station. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park in the parking areas close to the embarkation point.
B) Direction Épernay- Paris
Épernay is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
A few days before departure we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train RER B to Châtelet Les Halles. From here metro line 4 to Paris Gare de l’Est and then train to Épernay (approx. 2h30)
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- shuttle bus to Pont de Rungis station. From here RER C to Saint-Michel station, then metro line 4 to Gare de l’Est and train to Épernay station.
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
Épernay is the closest station. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, we suggest you to park near the port.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Paris – Epernay
Epernay is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Epernay is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Paris Beauvais.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Les Halles station. From here train RER B until the airport
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Saint-Michel station. From here train RER C until Pont de Rungis, then shuttle Go C Paris until the airport
To get to Paris Beauvais (BVA):
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Châtelet. From here metro line 1 to Porte Maillot and then shuttle to the airport
B) Direction Epernay – Paris
Paris is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are the closest airports.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- Direct RER B train from Châtelet les Halles or Gare du Nord station, duration about 30 minutes.
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- Orlybus shuttle bus from Denfert-Rochereau station, duration about 30 minutes. Alternatively, RER C train from Gare d’Austerlitz to Pont de Rungis station and from there Go C Paris shuttle bus, total duration about 30 minutes.
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.
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