Bike barge tours France: tips, routes + things to consider

Part 1: Is a bike barge tour in France right for you?

Why go on a bike and barge cruise in France?

France has an extensive network of canals and rivers. In total, there are 5,132 kilometres of navigable waterways (source).

This makes it an ideal destination for bike and barge tours and enables guests to experience some of France’s lesser-visited corners.

Authentic French countryside

Many guests are surprised by how much more there is to France beyond the major cities such as Paris.

A bike and barge cruise in France offers the chance to experience the country’s picturesque countryside.

These tours are ideal for those who appreciate the little, special details of a place and are looking for a more authentic travel experience in France.

Some standout landscapes include:

• The wild Camargue wetland region is home to abundant wildlife including flamingos and wild horses. You can experience this on our Provence and Camargue tour.
• The forest of Fontainebleau: Fontainebleau is the former hunting grounds of French kings and a key place of inspiration for many famous French painters. We cycle this forest on our Paris to Montargis tour.
• The green vineyards and rolling hills of Burgundy and Champagne: These vineyards can be experienced on our Northern Burgundy tour and Paris to Epernay tour.

Cultural treasures

The ability to travel on smaller waterways means you can access many lesser-known regions and towns that are untouched by mass tourism.

Some noteworthy places Bike Boat Tours include on our itineraries are:

• Montargis: This pretty town in the Seine Valley has many little canals. You stay here on our Paris to Montargis boat bike tour.
• Moret-sur-Loing: A medieval, fortified town found on the banks of the Loing River, about an hour away from Paris. This town famously inspired the impressionist painter Sisley. You stay here on our Paris to Montargis boat bike tour.
• Sens: Sens is one of the oldest towns in France and home to the impressive Gothic Cathedral of St.Etienne. You stay here on our Northern Burgundy boat bike tour.
• Villeneuve: Home to medieval gate towers and romantic gardens. You stay here on our Northern Burgundy boat bike tour.
• Les-Baux-de-Provence: An impressive village located on a rock plateau in Provence boasting panoramic views, it’s often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. You visit this village on our Provence and Camargue boat bike tour.

Travel at a slower pace

One of the great advantages of bike and barge holidays in France is the opportunity to slow down and truly take in the gorgeous surroundings.

A guest on a Boat Bike Tour once remarked that they had spent 20 years speeding through this landscape at 130 kilometres per hour on their way south on the train. During that time, they said they never realised how beautiful it really was!

A bike and barge tour allows travellers to experience France in a way that simply isn’t possible in a car or on a train.

A deeper connection to local culture

Travelling close to the land, meeting local people, and experiencing the culture first-hand are key highlights of these trips.

On Boat Bike Tours in France, there is a French-speaking guide on board. So even those who don’t speak the language can gain insights into local traditions, history, and everyday life.

Who is a bike barge tour in France best suited for?

Cyclists looking for a slow travel experience

Bike barge tours in France are ideal for those who want to explore a specific region of France in depth, rather than cover the entire country in a short time.

The pace of travel on France’s canals is slow. This allows for a more immersive experience and a deeper connection with the landscapes and local culture.

Leisurely riders looking for gentle cycling

The terrain you ride through is gentle on bike barge tours in France, but in any event, all of our France bike tours are by e-bike.

If a guest needs a short break during the day’s ride, they can simply inform the guide.

For those wanting a full rest day, staying on board the barge is always an option. Watching the landscapes drift by from the barge is a lovely and relaxing way to spend the day.

For more information about e-bikes take a look at this article.

Cosy, comfortable accommodation

On Boat Bike Tours you can expect comfortable accommodation with modern amenities, including air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, comfortable beds, storage space, Wi-Fi, and more. See more information below.

Be aware! Due to the width restrictions of the canals, traditional barges are narrower than your typical cruise ship.

This means cabins are compact but well-equipped. While the rooms may not be as spacious as a hotel, they provide everything needed for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

An overview of a typical day on a France boat bike tour

This is what the day tends to look like on a Boat Bike Tour:

Breakfast

The day starts with breakfast at 8:00 am. This allows guests plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed meal before preparing for the ride.

We offer a continental breakfast with daily variations to keep things interesting. You can expect French classics like croissants, pain au chocolat, and pain aux raisins, alongside cooked options such as scrambled eggs, fried eggs, crêpes, and waffles. During our 15-day trips, we also serve a traditional English breakfast at least once. Breakfast is always presented buffet-style.

Morning ride

Cycling typically begins at 9:00 am.

The daily ride covers between 30 and 60 kilometres, depending on the route. Guests ride with one of the two experienced guides, who lead separate groups based on distance or pace preference.

Stops and sightseeing

Each day there is plenty of time for breaks.

This includes at least one major cultural or scenic stop, such as a cheese farm, château, museum, or beekeeper visit. In addition, there are two to three shorter breaks, often including a coffee stop, depending on the group’s pace.

Lunch

Guests have two options for lunch.

Each morning, they can pack their own lunch box for a scenic picnic break. Guests receive a reusable lunchbox and a reusable water bottle that can be refilled. Guests are welcome to pack whatever they like from the breakfast buffet. In addition, we provide a fresh salad each day in a separate, reusable container. Lunchboxes are collected and cleaned in our dishwasher every afternoon. Guests can also pack fruit, muesli bars, juice boxes, and small chocolate treats.

Alternatively, they can eat at a local restaurant, many of which offer a reasonably priced lunch menu.

Afternoon ride

After lunch, the group continues cycling, exploring the scenic French countryside at a leisurely pace.

Riders typically return to the barge between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. This leaves plenty of time to relax onboard before dinner.

Dinner

Guests gather for dinner on board each evening. A three-course dinner is served at 6:30 pm.

Seating is open, encouraging guests to socialise and share their experiences from the day’s ride.

Evening

Every evening after dinner, the tour guide delivers daily briefings explaining the itinerary for the next day. It’s an opportunity for the group to ask any questions.

Be aware! There is no set entertainment program on board. The group decides how to spend the evening, which can involve retreating with a book, taking a walk, or playing games together.

There is also a guitar on board, and many guests love to play this and often even enjoy singing together. Tour guides sometimes organise a quiz night or a guided evening walk.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for France bike and and barge tours?

We’ve been running bike barge France cruises since 2002 and would love you to join us.

Our French tours explore some of the country's best waterways and scenic countryside, from Champagne and Northern Burgundy to Provence. Each night you stay on board a comfortable barge.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

Part 2: How to pick a tour in France

What are the best parts of France for barge bike tours (and why)?

Boat Bike Tours operates various different tours exploring a range of regions in France.

See below for what makes them special for cycling and why we’ve picked them for what we think are the best bike and barge tours in France.

We’ve ordered this list starting in the far northeast of the country, then working our way south:

Hauts-de-France

Where is it?

Hauts-de-France is a region in northern France, directly south of Belgium.

It stretches from the English Channel in the west to the Belgian border in the east. The region is a merger of two former provinces, Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais.

It includes many famous historic battlefields, rolling farmland, and scenic river valleys. It is a gateway between France and northern Europe, making it an important cultural and historical area.

What is the cycling like?

You ride through open fields, small villages, and historic market towns.

Expect rolling hills, especially around Artois. There is generally more elevation in this region than in neighbouring Flanders but nothing mountainous. There is a mix of quiet country lanes, greenways (voies vertes), and rural roads combined with some longer stretches of open road.

WWI history is also ever-present with many cemeteries, memorials, and battlefields.

What are the highlights?

• Cycling along the rivers Scheldt, Somme, Oise, and Seine, through forests, farmland, and charming villages, discovering regions untouched by mass tourism.
• Admiring the Château de Chantilly’s world-class art collection offers a glimpse into France’s aristocratic past.
• See Van Gogh’s final resting place in Auvers-sur-Oise.
• France’s alluring capital, Paris.

Tell us about your tours

Bruges to Paris: This 15-day bike and barge tour offers a deep dive into the heart of Belgian Flanders and Northern France, offering a cross-country adventure. Your journey begins in the UNESCO city of Bruges and continues through beautiful Ghent and Belgium’s Oudenaarde, home to legendary tapestry weavers. Crossing into France, the landscapes shift from rolling farmland to the historic battlefields of the Somme, where you’ll visit memorials of World War I and the fascinating “Grande Guerre” museum in Péronne. The tour ends in Paris, where you’ll have time to explore the highlights of the City of Lights. Find out more information.

Bruges to Abbeville: This 15-day bike and barge tour explores the rich shared heritage of Belgium and Northern France,  combining medieval cities, tranquil countryside, and powerful wartime history. You ride flat, peaceful paths through historic Bruges and Kortrijk, then cross into France to discover the city of Lille’s Flemish flair. From here, you continue south through the Somme region, where battlefields, riverside villages, and wide farmlands reveal a poignant past. Highlights include UNESCO-listed sites, the Thiepval Memorial, the floating gardens of Amiens, and local flavours from goat’s cheese to French whisky. Find out more information.

Champagne

Where is it?

Champagne is located in northeastern France, about 150 kilometres east of Paris. The region is best known for producing the world-famous sparkling wine that bears its name.

Its rolling vineyards stretch across the Marne, Aube, and Ardennes departments, with key towns including Reims, Épernay, and Troyes.

What is the cycling like?

The area is characterised by gently undulating hills, historic cellars, and picturesque villages. These are found dotted along the beautiful River Marne.

This is a fantastic destination for foodies who like to indulge and will appeal to both wine lovers and cyclists.

Be aware! The rolling hills mean there are some moderate slopes on the rides.

What are the highlights?

• Cycling in the scenic Champagne wine region, particularly around Épernay, which is home to endless vineyards and boutique wineries. These are known for their production of sparkling white wines and are a great place to try a spot of wine tasting.
• The historic town of Meaux is known for its production of delicious brie cheese and the impressive Cathedral St.-Etienne.
• An overnight stop in the town of Château-Thierry. This town is famous for two important battles, including the Battle of 1918 during World War One.

Tell us about your tour

Champagne: Paris – Epernay (or vice versa): This eight-day bike and boat tour takes you from the vibrant city of Paris to the idyllic Champagne region. You cycle along the scenic Marne Valley, ride through rolling hills, visit charming towns, and experience culinary delights like world-renowned Champagne and the brie cheese from Meaux. Historic sites such as Château-Thierry and the UNESCO-listed Champagne vineyards offer fascinating insights into the region’s rich culture and history. Find out more information.

Seine Valley

Where is it?

The Seine Valley is located in Northern France and follows the course of the Seine River.

The valley passes through some of France’s most famous regions, including Île-de-France, Normandy, and the outskirts of Champagne.

Notable cities along the Seine include Paris and the section upstream from this city is known as the Seine Amont.

But the valley is also known for its charming villages, historic châteaux, and scenic countryside. The region offers a mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular area for cycling, river cruises, and sightseeing.

What is the cycling like?

Cycling in the Seine Valley offers a mix of scenic riverside routes, sprawling forests, historic towns, and rolling countryside. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, making it suitable for cyclists of all abilities.

What are the highlights?

• This region has a rich, regal past. The renowned Château de Fontainebleau was a popular Royal retreat for French kings and boasts magnificent gardens. Other historic sites found here include the medieval town of Ferrières, home to a beautiful monastery and the Abbey of St. Severin in Château-Landon.
• The picturesque canal town of Montargis has over 131 bridges and canal crossings.
• Cycling through the beautiful Fontainebleau Forest on the way to the famous painter’s village of Barbizon.
• The medieval beauty of the historic town of Moret-sur-Loing.

Tell us about your tour

Paris to Montargis: This eight-day barge and bike France adventure from Paris to Montargis takes you from Paris through the Seine Valley. It blends royal history, artistic heritage, and serene river landscapes. The route follows the Seine and Canal du Loing, passing through scenic forests and charming villages that once captivated painters and kings alike. Find out more information.

Northern Burgundy

Where is it?

Northern Burgundy is located in central-eastern France, just south of the Île-de-France region and Paris.

It includes the northern part of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, covering areas such as the Yonne, Côte-d’Or, and Nièvre departments.

This region is home to a treasure trove of medieval towns, Gothic cathedrals, and charming villages that immerse you in Burgundy’s deep heritage. The region is also famous for its world-class wines and picturesque canals, making it a fantastic destination for cycling, wine tasting, and cultural exploration.

What is the cycling like?

The terrain in Northern Burgundy varies from gentle canal paths to rolling hills through vineyards and forests. It’s a great option for a variety of cycling abilities and will particularly appeal to cyclists who love wine and history.

What are the highlights?

• The historic town of Auxerre is home to magnificent Gothic architecture and half-timbered houses.
• The historic town of Sens is home to the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, one of France’s first great cathedrals.
• Cycling alongside Burgundy vineyards, including a visit to the famous Caves Bailly wine cellar.
• Indulge in locally produced fine wines, ciders and cheeses. There are many opportunities for tastings at renowned vineyards, cider museums, and traditional markets.

Tell us about your tour

Northern Burgundy Boat Bike Tour: This eight-day bike and barge France tour starts in Auxerre. The daily cycling routes takes you through picturesque rolling countryside, and along scenic river paths, with stops at renowned wine regions like St Bris and Irancy. Along the way, you’ll discover Joigny’s Renaissance townhouses, the medieval churches of Saint-Julien-du-Sault, and the grand Gothic Cathedral of Sens. This tour also includes wine tastings, local cheese experiences, and a visit to a cider museum. The journey ends in Moret-sur-Loing. Find out more information.

Provence and Camargue

Where is it?

Provence is a region in southeastern France. It stretches from the Rhône River in the west to the Italian border in the east, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the south to the foothills of the Alps in the north.

It includes famous cities such as Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. Provence is known for its rolling vineyards, lavender fields, historic towns, and Mediterranean coastline.

The Camargue is a unique wetland area located in the Rhône Delta, south of Arles in western Provence. It is famous for its salt marshes, wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. The region has a completely different landscape from the rest of Provence, offering a mix of open plains, coastal lagoons, and protected nature reserves.

What is the cycling like?

Cycling in Provence and the Camargue offers two very different but equally fantastic experiences. Provence is known for its rolling hills, vineyard routes and famous climbs such as Mont Ventoux.

In contrast, the Camargue provides flat plains and open landscapes with scenic coastal and wetland trails.

Bike Boat Tours cover mostly flat and gentle terrain which makes it accessible to all cycling abilities. The route takes in tranquil roads, rolling vineyards, and picturesque river valleys at a relaxed pace. More on this below.

What are the highlights?

• Admiring the Roman ruins of the Pont du Gard, one of the best-preserved aqueducts in Europe
• Scenic cycling through the wild natural beauty of the Camargue wetland region, home to flamingos, wild horses and many other bird species.
• The gorgeous coastal city of Arles. This is a city deeply connected to Van Gogh’s artistic legacy and is filled with well-preserved Roman monuments.
• Riding past Provence’s beautiful vineyards, orchards, lavender fields and hilltop villages.

Tell us about your tour

Provence to Camargue: This eight-day France bike and barge tour takes you through the heart of Provence and the wild landscapes of Camargue. Your adventure begins in the medieval fortress town of Aigues-Mortes, a gateway to the beautiful Camargue region. The route takes you to Arles and then deep into Provence. You’ll also visit the Rhône Valley, home to the iconic Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, and other iconic sites that reflect Provence’s deep Greek, Roman, and medieval heritage. Find out more information.

How should we choose between bike barge tours in France?

All Boat Bike Tours in France share several key features. For example, each tour is fully guided, with daily rides covering 30 to 60 kilometres a day. These rides are generally suitable for all abilities.

Guests also stay on comfortable, high-quality barges, and selected excursions are included in the itinerary.

However, there are also some key differences between the tours. Some things to consider include:

Experiences

Food and wine

For foodies looking for vineyard landscapes, the following tours are best:

• Champagne
• Seine Valley
• Northern Burgundy
• Provence and Camargue

Culture and history

For cyclists looking to combine great culture, all of our tours are jam-packed with historically fascinating places. But these tours are particularly impressive:

• Bruges to Paris
• Northern Burgundy
• Provence and Camargue

Coast and wildilife

For cyclists seeking coastal scenery and/or wildlife, our bike and boat tour in Provence and Camargue is best.

Multi-country riding

For those that want to experience both Belgium and France, our Bruges to Paris tour is a must.

Price and duration

The cost of each tour is relatively consistent across most of our France tours.

However, the exceptions to this are:

• Provence and Camargue: Operating costs in Provence are generally lower, making this our cheapest eight-day bike and barge tour in France.
• Bruges to Paris: This is a longer tour at 15-days so the overall cost is a lot more than our typical eight-day tours.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for France bike and and barge tours?

We’ve been running bike barge France cruises since 2002 and would love you to join us.

Our French tours explore some of the country's best waterways and scenic countryside, from Champagne and Northern Burgundy to Provence. Each night you stay on board a comfortable barge.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

Part 3: Things to know before booking a boat bike tour in France

Practicalities of bike and barge trips in France

When to cycle

Bike trips in France are best undertaken between May and October (which is the period during which we run our tours). At this time of year, you can more reliably ensure you will see some sunshine and not too much rain and/or wind.

Some of the seasonal highlights you can expect include:

• From May to early August, the countryside comes alive with blooming poppies, sunflowers, and golden grain fields—perfect for scenic cycling.
• July and August are popular months for local festivals and cultural events across many towns. Interestingly, Paris tends to be quieter during this time, as many Parisians head off on holiday. Bastille Day (July 14th) is a highlight, with fireworks and festivities on the 13th or 14th in many places.
• In August and September, depending on the region, guests might witness the grape or garlic harvest—an authentic taste of French rural life.

Top tip! While some guests worry that July and August may be too hot, recent years have shown that temperatures during these months have been quite manageable for cycling.

Be aware! Northern France has a mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, meaning winters are generally not too harsh, and summers remain comfortable for cycling. However, cycling is not recommended from November to April, as the regions where tours operate can be cold and wet during this period.

Difficulty level

Be aware! Alongside flat terrain, then unless you stick only on the canal paths, the French landscapes tend to also include some hilly terrain and uphill stretches.

This is why from 2025, our bike and barge tours in France are e-bike only. From previous years’ experience, this makes it easier to get people with different fitness levels to bike at the same pace. A lot of regions in France are also quite hilly, and therefore, it is convenient to have an e-bike for these days.

While some routes have dedicated cycle paths, there are also sections where cyclists ride on roads shared with cars and trucks, so it is important to have some experience and confidence when cycling.

However, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can complete the daily rides. Each tour is guided, and there is always a French-speaking guide leading the group. To accommodate different abilities, there is usually a choice between a shorter and a longer route each day.

Top tip! For those who don’t cycle regularly, some training is recommended before the trip. Also, some padded shorts! This will ensure a more comfortable cycling experience.

Despite France’s popularity as a travel destination, bike paths and ports do not tend to be overly busy. This allows for a relaxed and enjoyable riding experience.

Suitable bikes

If you are arranging your own bike holiday in France of course you could ride these routes on a regular hybrid touring bike or gravel bike. A road bike would be a bit limiting if you want to ride on some of the canal paths and bike paths that can be rough in sections.

All Boat Bike Tours in France are e-bike only.

Do note though that while the e-bike provides assistance, pedalling is still required, and cyclists should be prepared for daily riding.

The barge takes care of charging e-bike batteries overnight, so there is no need to worry about finding charging stations. Bike rental is available for all guests who book a tour for an additional charge, with bikes provided directly from the boat.

Be aware! Due to limited space on board the barge, bringing a personal bike is not possible.

What to pack

It’s best to pack for all weather conditions, as the climate can vary throughout the trip. So don’t forget your suncream, sunglasses and a reliable, lightweight waterproof jacket.

Top tip! Specialist cycling gear is not required. But comfortable clothing suitable for biking is essential. Choose breathable clothing that allows for ease of movement.  If you prefer, you’re welcome to bring cycling-specific clothing such as padded shorts, gloves, or jerseys, but it’s entirely optional.

As for saddles, we don’t provide customised options. But guests are very welcome to bring their own. We can temporarily install personal saddles on the rental bikes—this is often the best way to ensure comfort based on individual preferences and needs.

Tips for getting the most from your bike barge tours France

Cash

Carrying some cash in euros is recommended, as not all shops and restaurants accept credit or debit cards, especially in smaller towns. We suggest bringing enough cash to cover your bar tab and crew tips which are all paid for in cash.

While many places do take card payments, having cash on hand can be useful for small purchases.

Staying hydrated

Yes, there are shops, restaurants, and water fountains along the way.

If you’re on one of our tours, the guides know the best places to stop for water refills and snacks.

Toilets

Public toilets tend to be available in towns (sometimes, you need to pay a small sum in cash to use them). Restaurants will also often let you use their facilities, especially if you buy something.

On one of our tours, guides can direct riders to toilets. However, in more remote areas, facilities may be limited, and a nature stop may be necessary.

Language

Knowing some basic French phrases can be helpful, but it is not essential.

If you’re on one of our tours, these are led by a French-speaking guide, ensuring communication is never a problem.

Highway code and travel information

As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for France are here.

You should also read and follow France’s highway code.

Safety

Even the most bike path focused route will cross roads and sometimes require you to ride on a road into a town or city.

Our routes typically involve riding on roads shared with traffic at some points, so it’s sensible to ensure you’re comfortable riding in these conditions.

Boat Bike Tours guides provide support and advice to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for France bike and and barge tours?

We’ve been running bike barge France cruises since 2002 and would love you to join us.

Our French tours explore some of the country's best waterways and scenic countryside, from Champagne and Northern Burgundy to Provence. Each night you stay on board a comfortable barge.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

Part 4: What does Boat Bike Tours offer?

Boat Bike Tours have been running barge trips in France with biking since 2002.

These barge and bike holidays in France offer the best of both worlds; the freedom of cycling combined with the comfort of a floating hotel. Guests experience each destination from both land and water, riding through scenic countryside by day and relaxing aboard a boat on historic rivers and canals in the evening.

These tours also offer a sustainable way to travel. We minimise emissions while supporting local businesses along the route.

With group sizes of 20-40, there is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where international guests can connect and share experiences.

Our bike and barge trips in France are also designed for all fitness levels, with e-bikes enabling everyone to cycle at the same pace. Each ride has two guides to set two different paces, splitting the group into slower and faster bikers and sometimes a shorter or longer biking route.

This makes these active holidays accessible to both active cyclists and casual riders, with flexible itineraries and e-bikes ensuring an enjoyable journey for everyone. If you want to do some more exercise, you can just turn the power down (or even off). Feeling tired? Dial it up!

What we include

Accommodation on a comfortable barge

• Well-planned daily guided cycling routes led by experienced tour leaders
• Meals on board, including breakfast and evening meals
• Electric bike rental, including cycle helmet, water resistant bike bag and refillable water bottle
• Cultural and historical highlights, including visits to wineries, UNESCO sites, windmills, and bustling local markets.

Group size

Barge Bike Tours can accommodate a maximum of 20 to 24 guests.

Top tip! It’s common for people to meet on board and get along so well that they plan to travel together again the following year. Over the years we’ve seen many new friendships formed.

Barge accommodation

On a barge, the cabins are located below the deck. They mostly have two single beds and a private bathroom with a shower. But there are also one and three-bed options.

The communal areas are all located on the upper deck and include a dining room, lounge, and outdoor seating on the sun deck. They are a great place to socialise with other guests, relax and unwind each day.

Each boat is furnished slightly individually and has a different atmosphere.

On Barge Fleur there are six staff members for 20 guests on board. So, we ensure a very personalised service and can accommodate individual needs. There is a very family-like atmosphere on board between guests and crew. For example, even though I am the barge captain, I don’t wear a uniform and will help carry luggage on board when needed.

Meals

Our bike and barge tours in France include breakfast, a packed lunch and a three-course dinner. These are all made with fresh ingredients.

Special dietary needs and preferences can also be catered for. Guests just need to let us know in advance.

On board the Fleur, we tailor the menu to the country we’re in. In France, we serve mainly French recipes; in Belgium, we focus on Flemish and Walloon dishes; and in the Netherlands, we offer traditional Dutch cuisine.

Mechanical assistance

Boat Bike Tours guides are trained in bicycle maintenance and can handle most minor repairs during the ride. They carry spare parts and are equipped to fix common issues on the spot. For more complicated mechanical problems, repairs can usually be carried out on the barge once the group returns.

Be aware! There is no support vehicle following the group. But in the rare event of a complete bike failure, a taxi is arranged to bring the guest back to the boat. The guides speak French and can organise assistance if needed.

Solo cycling

Solo travellers are welcome, with single-use cabin options available. This ensures that guests do not have to share a room with someone they don’t know. Most cabins have two single beds, and it is common for friends to share, particularly women who feel comfortable travelling this way.

Top tip! Solo travellers often quickly connect with others and are never left eating alone. The group dynamic is important, and seating is sometimes rearranged at meals to encourage interaction and ensure everyone feels included.

Group cycling

Groups can choose to book several cabins. Or, if you are a large group, you could book the entire barge.

Top tip! If you plan to book the full boat for your group, the itinerary can be customised to suit your group’s preferences. However, the journey must end at the designated location for the next scheduled tour.

Family cycling

Our barge and cycling holidays in France are suitable for families, provided that children are able to cycle the daily distances. However, there is always the option to take a break from cycling and stay aboard the barge during the day, whether for a day or even the entire trip.

Multi-generational travel is common, with families of three generations often joining our French tours. The flexible format makes it a great option for couples or families with different interests. For example, one guest once participated in every ride, while his wife, who didn’t enjoy cycling, chose to stay on the boat. Normally, this would have been a challenge, but on this tour, both had an amazing holiday – each in their own way.

Be aware! These trips aren’t designed for families with young children and due to limited space, we cannot accommodate bike trailers or child bikes. There is also the chance that your child may be the only one on board. For a more enjoyable experience, we suggest coordinating with another family to travel together.

Be aware! All members of the group must ride an e-bike, including children. They should be at least 145 centimetres tall.

How can you find out more?

Head to our website for full details about what we offer, including availability.

Don’t miss our interviews with Islandhopping about their bike and boat tours in Greece, Turkey and Croatia!

What’s next?

A huge thanks to Steffie for sharing these insightful tips to help you bike and barge in France.

We think a barge cruise in France is a great option for anyone who wants to experience gentle bike rides in the French countryside along meandering rivers and with the opportunity to stay on a comfortable boat.

Looking for more cycling in France? Here are some other articles we think might be of interest:

• For more wine-inspired tours in France, don’t miss these wine and bike tours.
• For more scenic river routes in France, check out this article.
• Fancy exploring more iconic river routes in France? Don’t miss this article on the Loire Valley
• Looking for more easy cycling options in France? Don’t miss this article.
• And for other great destinations in France, check out these 7 best regions for cycling in France.

Considering a bike and barge tours in Europe? Don’t miss these useful FAQS.