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France

Paris – Montargis or Montargis – Paris

Royal splendor of the Seine Valley
Paris One way tour. Possible in both directions. Montargis
From €1729 p.p.
Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
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Paris – Montargis or Montargis – Paris

Highlights of this tour

This 8 day bike & barge tour starts in Paris, where the barge Fleur is docked in the center of the city, not far from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Unlike other river cruise ships, you will follow the Seine upstream, in southern direction. This region has a rich, royal history and the castle of  Fontainebleau is a magnificent example of this past. The castle was much in favor among the French kings, because of the extensive possibilities to hunt in the surrounding forests. Just as impressive are the royal gardens, which the […]

Bike in the Forest of Fontainebleau

Royal history of Fontainebleau Castle

Impressionist Barbizon & Moret-sur-Loing

Barge with max. 20 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 2 Difficulty level 2
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

This 8 day bike & barge tour starts in Paris, where the barge Fleur is docked in the center of the city, not far from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Unlike other river cruise ships, you will follow the Seine upstream, in southern direction.

This region has a rich, royal history and the castle of  Fontainebleau is a magnificent example of this past. The castle was much in favor among the French kings, because of the extensive possibilities to hunt in the surrounding forests. Just as impressive are the royal gardens, which the French kings had their royal architects lay out for them.

You will cycle through the wonderful forests to the painters village of Barbizon, where since the first half of the 19th century many painters (Barbizon School) have lived and worked. Next stop is Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town, strategically situated on the banks of the Loing river, where painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful impressionist paintings.

From there you will follow the Canal du Centre to the beautiful medieval towns of Ferrières with its splendid monastery and Château-Landon with the Abbey of St. Severin. Your final destination is Montargis, a picturesque town with beautiful little canals. The canals are decorated with many flowers and give the town a lot of charm. The bicycle tours go mainly over quiet country roads, off the beaten track.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board.

Fully Guided
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

Preparation is half the fun, so why not start straight away?
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Day to day program Paris to Montargis

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Day 1: Paris – Evry

Embarkation and check-in at 1 p.m. at the mooring in the center of Paris. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader the ship will leave the harbor in Paris and sail along the river Seine to Evry, where you will spend the night.

We advise you to come to Paris one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover the city.

Day 2: Evry – Melun  (30 km/19 mi.)

After breakfast, the bicycle tour starts from the lock of Evry. You will stay along the banks of the Seine river for a while. The first stop is the typical French market of Corbeil-Essonnes. Destination of your first bicycle tour is Melun, a town which is known as “le domaine des reines blanches”, because in former years it used to be the domain of the widows of the French kings.

Day 3: Melun – Moret-sur-Loing (40 km/25 mi.)

Today you will cycle through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. First destination is the artistic village of Barbizon, where since the first half of the 19th century many painters have found inspiration. At the time, a group of landscape painters formed the “Barbizon School”. You can visit the local museum. After this, you continue your tour to the palace of Fontainebleau, much in favor among the French kings, because of the extensive possibilities to hunt in the surrounding forests. The castle itself houses a museum of Napoleon, among other things. Fontainebleau is also a pleasant town to walk around or to shop. You will find the Fleur again in Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town, strategically situated on the banks of the Loing river, where painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful impressionist paintings.

Day 4: Moret-sur-Loing – Nemours (38 km/23 mi. or 49 km/31 mi.)

You will stay in the valley of the Loing and visit Grez-sur-Loing, where many artist used to live in the early years of the 20th century. In the charming town hall of Bourron-Marlotte you can admire a few magnificent impressionist paintings. You will meet the Fleur again in Nemours. Nemours is supposed to derive its name from the woods (nemora) in the midst of which it formerly stood  and relicts of Gallo-Roman remains indicate its early origin. The castle, erected around 1120, now is a prehistoric museum of the Ile-de-France region.

Day 5: Nemours – Néronville (35 km/22 mi. or 45 km/27 mi.)

Breakfast during sailing. Today you will cycle through a wooded area with rugged rocks. Before lunch you will visit the sculpture garden “Jardin Bourdelle”. In this garden you can admire some 57 bronze monumental sculptures by the artist Antoine Bourdelle. Around lunchtime you will reach Egréville. This village has been an important commercial crossroads for hundreds of years. Its markets and fairs enjoyed great renown. Final destination of today is rural Néronville.

Day 6: Néronville – Montargis (31 km/19 mi. or 55 km/34 mi.)

Today you will first cycle to Chateau-Landon, a beautifully situated town, with the Abbey of St. Séverin from the 13th century. Your bicycle tour goes to the medieval town of Ferrières with its old town center, which has been preserved beautifully. And in the middle of the narrow streets you find a splendid monastery. Today’s destination is Montargis, even with 15000 inhabitants the biggest town of the Loiret, after Orléans. Unfortunately this former royal residence was destroyed by a fire in the 16th century. But the canals are still there. They are decorated with many flowers and give the town a lot of charm. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Montargis.

Day 7: Montargis (45 km/28 mi.)

From Montargis you will cycle to Château-Renard, where you can visit the ruins of a castle from the 10th century. You will also visit an Apiculture’s Living Museum. There you can see beekeepers and their bees at work, and you’ll be able to sample their delicious honey. Along the river Ouanne you will return to Montargis.

Day 8: Montargis

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Day to day program: Montargis - Paris

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Day 1: Montargis

Embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. in Montargis. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test ride.

After dinner your tour leader will take you for a walk through Montargis, the second-largest town of the Loiret region, after Orléans.  Unfortunately this former royal residence was destroyed by a big fire in the 16th century. But the canals are still there. They are decorated with many flowers and give the town a lot of charm.

Day 2: Montargis  (45 km/28 mi.)

After breakfast you will cycle from Montargis to Château-Renard, where you can visit the ruins of a castle from the 10th century. You will also visit an Apiculture’s Living Museum. There you can see beekeepers and their bees at work, and you’ll be able to sample their delicious honey. Along the river Ouanne you will return to Montargis.

Day 3: Montargis – lock of Cepoy | lock of Cepoy – Néronville (39 km/24 mi. or 46 km/28 mi.)

Breakfast while sailing to the lock of Cepoy. Your bicycle tour goes along the river Loing. First stop is the medieval town of Ferrières with its old town center, which has been preserved beautifully. And in the middle of the narrow streets you find a splendid monastery. After this you cycle to Egréville. This village has been an important commercial crossroads for hundreds of years. Its markets and fairs enjoyed great renown. You will also visit the sculpture garden “Jardin Bourdelle”. In this garden you can admire some 57 bronze monumental sculptures by the artist Antoine Bourdelle. Final destination of today is rural Néronville.

Day 4: Néronville – Nemours (29 km/18 mi. or 43 km/26 mi.)

Our route today is through an area that was already cultivated in the Gallo-Roman era. First stop is the old Gallic stronghold Château-Landon, a beautifully situated fortified  town on a rock. Its Abbey of St.-Séverin dates from the 13th century. Later on you find the rocks of Nemours on your way and you meet the Fleur again in Nemours. Nemours is supposed to derive its name from the woods (“nemora”) in the midst of which it formerly stood  and discoveries of Gallo-Roman remains indicate its early origin. The castle, erected around 1120, now is a prehistoric museum of the Ile-de-France region.

Day 5: Nemours – Moret-sur-Loing (32 km/19 mi. or 43 km/26 mi.)

Today you stay in the valley of the Loing river. First you will visit Grez-sur-Loing where many artist used to live in the early years of the 20th century. Then you will continue to Bourron-Marlotte. In the town hall you can admire a few magnificent impressionist paintings. You will stay overnight in Moret-sur-Loing. This is a charming medieval fortified town, strategically situated on the banks of the Loing, where painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful impressionist paintings.

Day 6: Moret-sur-Loing – Melun (40 km/25 mi.)

Today you will cycle through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. First destination is the city of Fontainebleau, with its magnificent palace, much in favor among the French kings, because of the extensive possibilities to hunt in the surrounding forests. The castle houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon. Fontainebleau is also a pleasant town to walk around or to shop. After this, you will continue to the artistic village of Barbizon, where since the first half of the 19th century many painters have found inspiration. A group of landscape painters founded  the “Barbizon School”. You can visit the local museum. Final destination of your bicycle tour is Melun, a town which is known as “le domaine des reines blanches”, because in former years it used to be the domain of the widows of the French kings. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants in town.

Day 7: Melun – lock of Evry  | lock of Evry – Paris (31 km/19 mi.)

You are getting near to Paris, which means you have to deal with a bit more traffic. In the morning you can enjoy short bicycle ride, following the river banks of the Seine river to the lock of Evry, from where you will join the Fleur, to sail  into Paris. Lunch on board. The mooring place of the Fleur is in the center of Paris, not far from the Notre Dame. After dinner you can join the tour leader for a city walk.

Day 8: Paris

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

Cyclists in a green landscape

Touring bikes

Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least eleven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

E-bikes

Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

Taking your own bicycle

Bringing your own bike/e-bike is not possible, due to lack of space on deck. Exceptions will be made for special bikes, but only after they have been notified and confirmed in advance.


Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

On selected departures you will receive a discount of up to 200 euro per person. Simply enter the discount code SPROLY (Spring offer) or RMSCC (Summer offer) when booking or give it to us when booking by phone. The discount is only valid for new bookings and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For all dates
Twin cabin 2 pers. € 1729 Twin cabin for single use (max. 1) 1 pers. € 2593.50
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Fully guided cycling tours (from 18 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
  • Some short walking tours
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a helmet
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Fees for ferries
  • Entrance garden Bourdelle
  • Entrance Apiculture’s Living Museum
  • Visit town hall Bourron-Marlotte
  • Guided visit Chateau-Landon
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • 1x dinner
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Additional options & information - 2024

2024:

  • Rental bicycle Premium: €104 per period
  • Rental E-Bike Premium: €256 per period (only on request, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
  • Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike on this ship, due to a lack of space on deck.

 

Transfer between Paris and Montargis:
There is a continuous train service between Paris (Gare de Lyon) and Montargis. Trains depart regularly and the trip takes approx. 1 hour.
If you wish we can reserve a taxi for you to take you from the barge to the station in Montargis, please inform the skipper/tour guide of the Fleur.
From the Gare de Lyon in Paris, a bus service is available every 30 minutes, Le Bus Direct nr. 4 (shuttle) to the airport Charles de Gaulle, which will bring you there in approx. 50 minutes.



Reviews

based on 34 reviews on
12 Oct 2023

Andy Zipser

This was my first boat-bike tour, although I’ve been on several hiking tours in different parts of the world. I had an exceptional experience: the cycling guides were attentive and accommodating, the Fleur was a well-appointed, clean and comfortable barge, and the food–well! Suffice to say that the chef was first class; as I told him, despite all the biking I not only didn’t lose weight, but probably gained some. I would unreservedly recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a moderate cycling experience in a scenic corner of Europe.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 13 Oct 2023

Thank you for your kind review! We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour. Hopefully, we can welcome you on board again soon. Best wishes, Boat Bike Tours.

4 Oct 2023

Linda Connors

Competent guides. Friendly staff. Good food.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 16 Oct 2023

Thank you for your kind review! We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour. Hopefully, we can welcome you on board again soon. Best wishes, Boat Bike Tours.

2 Oct 2023

Denise Maclatchy

This was my second trip with Boat Bike Tours. As before the boat was wonderful , meals amazing( thanx Steffie) the bike routes were beautiful and the e-bikes were life saving! The guides Janeka and Will were knowledgeable and fun. The crew especially Martin kept everything running smoothly and smiles on everyone’s faces. The Captain made it through all the locks and navigated a water tunnel through Paris, which was a thrill for everyone! One of the best parts of sharing a boat and bike journey is boarding the ship as strangers and leaving as friends!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 4 Oct 2023

Thank you for your kind review! We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour. Hopefully, we can welcome you on board again soon. Best wishes, Boat Bike Tours.

18 Sep 2023

Pam

The Montargis-Paris aboard Fleur was our 3rd tour and it was OUTSTANDING. Stefanie, who is both boat owner and chef, and her crew were wonderful, caring and responsive. Our guides Hilko and Williem were fantastic. All guides should be this good. Despite, this being a smaller boat, the cabins had an abundance of storage room and the bright decor made them feel roomy and comfortable. The bathroom also had great storage room. The food was incredible. Ample and delicious portions. We had a family group of 10 and the trip exceeded everyone’s expectations. I’ll soon be booking our fourth trip. We are so grateful

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 27 Oct 2023

We're thrilled to hear that yout time aboard Fleur was outstanding. We can not wait to welcome you for your fourth trip, thank you for choosing us! Best Regards, Boat Bike Tours


Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
The Fleur sailing
Boutique ship Fleur Belgium, France, Netherlands

Tours in France

Covered sundeck

Free coffee and tea 24/7

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 20 passengers
10 cabins
6 tours available with this ship

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Paris – Montargis or Montargis – Paris

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