Discover our limited seasonal offers and travel Europe at its most beautiful

Show all 25 photos

Home › Tours › France › Paris & the heart of northern France

Paris & the heart of northern France Châteaux, rivers, and Impressionist charm

Premium

Difficulty
Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain

2 Difficulty level 2
Duration
The duration of the tour

8 days
Guidance
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

Guided

On this 8-day premium E-bike and boat tour, you’ll discover Paris and the beautiful river regions just beyond the city: a world of elegant châteaux, quiet forests, historic towns, riverside cafés, and landscapes once painted by the Impressionists. Traveling by E-bike and boat gives you the best of both worlds: active days in the fresh air, followed by relaxed evenings on board your floating hotel. The route follows the waterways of Northern France, through a region rich in beauty, art, and history. You’ll visit grand French landmarks such as the Château de Chantilly, the storybook Château de Pierrefonds, and the graceful Château de Champs-sur-Marne. You’ll also spend time in places closely connected to beloved artists, including Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final …

Quickly jump to

Paris & the heart of northern France

Traveling by E-bike and boat gives you the best of both worlds: active days in the fresh air, followed by relaxed evenings on board your floating hotel.

The route follows the waterways of Northern France, through a region rich in beauty, art, and history. You’ll visit grand French landmarks such as the Château de Chantilly, the storybook Château de Pierrefonds, and the graceful Château de Champs-sur-Marne. You’ll also spend time in places closely connected to beloved artists, including Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final days, and the Île des Impressionnistes, which inspired painters such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

And then there is Paris. Elegant, iconic, and endlessly fascinating, the French capital is one of the great highlights of this journey. Whether you choose to explore by bike, stroll along the Seine, enjoy dinner in a classic brasserie, or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere, Paris adds a memorable touch of romance and sophistication to the tour.

Comfort, culture, and time to enjoy it all

This journey brings together many of the pleasures people dream of when they imagine France: Paris, châteaux, riverside towns, café terraces, art, history, and beautiful countryside. What makes it special is the pace. You are not rushing from one landmark to the next. You travel slowly, comfortably, and with time to take in the places around you.

Throughout the week, the experience is designed to feel effortless. Your ship carries you from place to place, your guide brings the region to life, and each day offers a comfortable balance of activity, culture, scenery, and downtime. The boutique-style ship experience with a maximum of 24 guests adds a personal touch, with a welcoming atmosphere on board, easy interaction with fellow travelers, and the feeling of discovering France at a more intimate pace. It’s France at an easygoing rhythm, with just the right amount of adventure.

The ship – Your floating 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.

Itinerary

Lagny-sur-Marne to Soissons Soissons – Lagny-sur-Marne

Open all days Collapse all days

Day 1 Welcome aboard in Lagny-sur-Marne, near Paris

Your journey begins in Lagny-sur-Marne, a historic riverside town on the eastern edge of Paris. After embarkation from 2:00 PM, the captain and crew welcome you on board. You’ll receive an introduction to the ship, the week’s program, and your e-bike, with time for fitting and a relaxed first ride.
In the evening, gather for your welcome dinner on board and settle into your floating hotel. Ahead lies a week of easygoing cycling, elegant châteaux, Impressionist landscapes, and one of the world’s most beloved cities: Paris.

Day 2 Along the Marne to Paris: Lagny-sur-Marne – Paris

46km28 mi

Your first ride follows the Marne River toward Paris, leading through leafy suburbs, quiet river paths, and green stretches that reveal a gentler side of the French capital.
Along the way, you pass the elegant Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most beautiful country estates in the Île-de-France region. With its furnished salons and formal gardens, it offers a graceful glimpse into 18th-century French aristocratic life.
As the Marne meets the Seine, the landscape gradually becomes more urban — and then, unmistakably, Paris appears. Your ship is moored in the heart of the city, giving you an unforgettable arrival in the French capital.

Day 3 Paris from the Seine: Paris – Bougival

42km26 mi or 54km33 mi

This morning begins with one of the most memorable perspectives on Paris: from the water. As the ship cruises along the Seine, famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower pass by. A beautiful way to take in the city without the crowds or rush.
After arriving in Bougival, you set out by e-bike through the elegant western surroundings of Paris. The route includes the Île des Impressionnistes, where artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir found inspiration in the river, light, and everyday scenes along the Seine.
Many of these places still carry the atmosphere that made them so appealing to the Impressionists. In the evening, enjoy time in Bougival, a charming riverside town known for its peaceful setting on a bend of the Seine.

Day 4 In the Footsteps of Van Gogh: Bougival – Auvers-sur-Oise

59km36 mi

Today’s ride follows the Seine toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where sweeping views open toward the Paris skyline. It is a wonderful moment to look back at the city from a quieter, more elevated perspective.
You continue to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise flows into the Seine. This historic river town has long been connected to inland shipping, yet its narrow streets, cafés, and church give it a warm, local character.
In the afternoon, the route follows the Oise to Auvers-sur-Oise, a village forever linked with Vincent van Gogh. The artist spent his final days here, and many travelers find the atmosphere deeply moving. In the evening, you may wish to walk to his grave: a quiet and memorable moment for anyone with a love of art and history.

Day 5 Grandeur at Chantilly: Auvers-sur-Oise – Beaumont – Pont-Sainte-Maxence

46km28 mi

While you enjoy breakfast, the ship takes you to Beaumont, where today’s cycling begins. From here, you ride upstream along the Oise through a calm, rural landscape of river views, fields, and small towns.
One of the great highlights of the day is the Château de Chantilly, among the most impressive châteaux in France. Known for its elegant architecture, royal stables, equestrian heritage, and the Musée Condé with its important art collections, Chantilly brings together culture, beauty, and aristocratic French style.
Your destination is Pont-Sainte-Maxence, named after a medieval bridge that was once an important crossing on the route between Flanders and Paris. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the old streets of this picturesque small town before returning to the ship.

Day 6 Royal Forests and Riverside Calm: Pont-Sainte-Maxence – Compiègne

15km9 mi

Today’s short ride leaves plenty of room to enjoy the atmosphere of the Oise Valley. From Pont-Sainte-Maxence, you cycle through a varied landscape of fields, small villages, and the southern edges of the Forest of Compiègne.
This forest was once a hunting ground and retreat for French kings and emperors, and its quiet avenues still create a feeling of space and calm. Wide views over the river landscape add to the relaxed pace of the day.
Your destination is Compiègne, a town with elegant architecture and a notable royal past. A walk through the palace gardens is especially rewarding, with their peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere. The evening is yours to enjoy — perhaps with a stroll through the old town or dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Day 7 A Fairytale Castle and Historic Soissons: Compiègne – Soissons

37km22 mi or 52km32 mi

Your final cycling stage leads through the open landscapes of Northern France. The day begins with the beautiful Forest of Compiègne, where shaded paths and quiet avenues make for a memorable last ride.
Later, you reach the storybook Château de Pierrefonds, with its towers, battlements, and drawbridges. It is the kind of castle many travelers picture when they imagine historic France — dramatic, romantic, and almost cinematic.
Your destination is Soissons, one of the oldest cities in France. Under the Merovingian king Clovis, it was once the capital of the Frankish Kingdom. Today, the city is known for its impressive cathedral, traditional markets, small squares, and welcoming cafés — a fitting final stop on your journey through Northern France.

Day 8 Farewell to France: Soissons

After breakfast, your bike and boat journey comes to an end at 9:30 AM. You say goodbye to the crew and begin your trip home with lasting memories of a week shaped by rivers, art, history, châteaux, and the gentle pleasures of French life.
From Paris on the Seine to Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise, from royal forests to fairytale castles, this journey offers a relaxed and distinctive way to experience France — close up, comfortably, and at just the right pace.

Day 1 Welcome aboard in Soissons

Your journey begins in Soissons, a historic town on the Aisne River. Embarkation starts at 2:00 PM, followed by a warm welcome from the captain and crew. You’ll receive an introduction to the ship, the itinerary, and your e-bike, with time for bike fitting and a relaxed first test ride.
Soissons is one of the oldest towns in France and offers an atmospheric beginning to the tour. Its cathedral, small squares, local markets, and cafés give you an immediate taste of French town life.
In the evening, enjoy your first dinner on board and settle into the rhythm of the week ahead: relaxed cruising, scenic cycling, and effortless discovery.

Day 2 A Fairytale Castle and Historic Soissons: Soissons – Compiègne

37km22 mi or 51km31 mi

Your first full cycling day leads through the open countryside of Northern France, passing small villages, fields, and peaceful rural scenery.
One of the day’s highlights is the fairytale-like Château de Pierrefonds, with its towers, battlements, and drawbridges. It feels like the kind of castle many travelers imagine when they picture historic France. From there, the route continues toward Compiègne, with a beautiful final stretch through the Forest of Compiègne.

Day 3 Royal Forests and Riverside Calm: Compiègne – Pont-Sainte-Maxence

15km9 mi

Today’s ride is short and relaxed, following the Oise River through the southern part of the Forest of Compiègne. This area was once used by French kings and emperors as a hunting ground, and the quiet forest paths still create a sense of elegance and calm.
Your destination is Pont-Sainte-Maxence, a small historic town named after a medieval bridge that was once an important crossing on the route between Flanders and Paris. In the evening, enjoy a gentle stroll through the old streets before returning to the ship.

Day 4 Grandeur at Chantilly: Pont-Sainte-Maxence – Creil – Beaumont – Auvers-sur-Oise

35km21 mi or 48km29 mi

While you enjoy breakfast, the ship brings you to Creil, where today’s cycling begins. From there, you ride to one of the great highlights of the tour: the Château de Chantilly.
Known for its refined architecture, royal stables, equestrian heritage, and important art collections, Chantilly offers the kind of grand French setting that makes this journey feel special. After your visit, continue through peaceful forest scenery.
Depending on the route, you either rejoin the ship in Beaumont or continue to Auvers-sur-Oise, forever linked with Vincent van Gogh. This is where the artist spent his final days, and in the evening you may wish to walk to his grave — a moving moment for anyone who loves art and history.

Day 5 In the Footsteps of Van Gogh: Auvers-sur-Oise – Bougival

46km28 mi

Today’s ride brings you closer to Paris, while still following the quiet river landscapes.
Around midday, you reach Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise meets the Seine. The town has long been connected to inland shipping and its narrow streets, cafés, and church give it a warm, local character.
In the afternoon, continue to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where you can enjoy a beautiful view toward the Paris skyline. From there, the route follows the Seine to Bougival, a riverside town loved by Impressionist painters for its light, river views, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6 Paris from the Seine: Bougival – Paris

42km26 mi or 54km33 mi

Today is all about Paris and its elegant western surroundings.
You can either explore the city independently using public transportation or join the guided bike ride through the suburbs west of Paris. The cycling route includes the Île des Impressionnistes, where artists such as Monet and Renoir found inspiration. It is a beautiful way to connect the art you may know from museums with the real landscapes that inspired it.
By evening, Paris is yours to enjoy. Dinner is on your own tonight. A wonderful opportunity to choose a neighborhood bistro, a classic brasserie, or a restaurant near the Seine.

Day 7 Along the Marne: Paris – Lagny-sur-Marne

46km28 mi

Your final cycling stage leads out of Paris along the Marne River. The route follows quieter paths through green suburbs and riverside scenery.
Along the way, you pass the elegant Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most beautiful country estates in the region. Its furnished salons and formal gardens offer a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the French aristocracy in the 18th century.
The day ends in Lagny-sur-Marne, a charming town on the eastern edge of Paris — a fitting finale to a journey shaped by art, history, rivers, and French elegance.

Day 8 Farewell to France: Lagny-sur-Marne

After breakfast, your bike and boat tour comes to an end.
You leave with a collection of lasting impressions: Paris from the water, quiet cycling routes along French rivers, grand châteaux, Impressionist landscapes, small-town cafés, and the pleasure of experiencing France at a relaxed and comfortable pace.

Good to know

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.
With 18 guests or more, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by two knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days, the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) cycling option. The option for a long tour is also depending on weather conditions and wishes of the group.
When there are less than 18 guests aboard, the tours will be accompanied by one knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leader. During days when two bicycle options are possible, the tour leader will make a choice to guide the longer or the shorter option after consultation of the group. Not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the short cycling option.
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.
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.

E-bikes

The E-bike is a Flyer Go Tour6 3.40 with Shimano Nexus 5 gears, 5 support modes and hand brakes. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is integrated into the frame. The E-Bike is also equipped with frame and seat suspension.

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

Thursday

Aug 5, 2027

Thursday

Aug 12, 2027

Paris, Lagny sur Marne

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,919.00 p.p.

Thursday

Aug 12, 2027

Thursday

Aug 19, 2027

Soissons

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,979.00 p.p.

Thursday

Aug 19, 2027

Thursday

Aug 26, 2027

Paris, Lagny sur Marne

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,979.00 p.p.

Thursday

Aug 26, 2027

Thursday

Sep 2, 2027

Soissons

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€2,329.00 p.p.

Thursday

Sep 2, 2027

Thursday

Sep 9, 2027

Paris, Lagny sur Marne

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€2,329.00 p.p.

Thursday

Sep 23, 2027

Thursday

Sep 30, 2027

Soissons

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€2,329.00 p.p.

Thursday

Sep 30, 2027

Thursday

Oct 7, 2027

Paris, Lagny sur Marne

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,979.00 p.p.

Thursday

Oct 7, 2027

Thursday

Oct 14, 2027

Soissons

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,979.00 p.p.

Thursday

Oct 14, 2027

Thursday

Oct 21, 2027

Paris, Lagny sur Marne

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,919.00 p.p.

Thursday

Oct 21, 2027

Thursday

Oct 28, 2027

Soissons

Guided

Clair d'Etoile

Available

Prices from

€1,919.00 p.p.

Practical information

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 guest: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Entrance to Château de Chantilly
Entrance to Château de Pierrefonds
Entrance to The Armistice Carriage
Wi-Fi
The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.

Show all Show less

Excluded from this tour

1x dinner
Drinks
Rental E-Bike
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 (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

Show all Show less

Loyalty Discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

Discover more

Ride through Burgundy’s vineyards, Provence’s lavender fields, or along the Seine to Paris and beyond, and discover more tours in France.

Media (25)

Huge sunflower field

La Seine in Paris

Chatillon sur Marne

Chateau Champs

Sossoins

Pont Sainte Maxence

Cycling route near Jaulgonne

Chantilly drone shot

Chateau Chantilly

Group picture at Chantilly

Vincent van Gogh in Auvers

Church in Auvers

Van Gogh painting of church

Ship Fleur sailing the Seine

Arc de Triomphe

De Louvre

View from the ship in Paris

Notre Dame

Cyclists along la Seine

Sunflower field in France

Champagne Marne river

Cathedrale Saint Etienne de Meaux

Guests at Chateau Perriefonds

Chapel in Chateau Perriefonds

Show more media Show less media

Can we help you?

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

USA: +1 203 814 1249

Monday to Friday
New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

Send us an email

We will respond within 48 hours
‎

1 Ship available for this tour

Premium
˙

˙

˙

˙

˙
Clair d’Etoile

Tours in France

Spacious sundeck

Free coffee and tea 24/7

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 24 passengers 12 cabins
More info

Questions or advice

Our Tour Advisors are here to assist you: Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400
USA: +1 203 814 1249

Secure payment

with Visa, Bancontact, American Express & Mastercard

Follow us for inspiration

About tours, cities and countries.

Boat Bike Tours

© 2026 Boat Bike Tours B.V. All information on this website is subject to change. Any typographical and/or graphical errors are unintentional but cannot be excluded; only your travel confirmation is legally binding. Our General Traveller Terms and Conditions for package tours apply to all trips, programs, offers and travel confirmations.

Boat Bike Tours B.V. does not participate in a dispute resolution procedure before a consumer arbitration board.

Texts and images: copyright owned by Boat Bike Tours B.V. Images: Intellectual property rights may be held by various organizations.

This website is owned and operated by Boat Bike Tours B.V. Our contact details (head office): Aambeeldstraat 20, 1021 KB Amsterdam, The Netherlands, [email protected], Chamber of Commerce number: 37147084, VAT number: NL8203.26.513.B01

Your selected tour:

Paris & the heart of northern France

Request a quote

Please fill out the form below to receive tailored offers according to your preferences and availability. After completing the form, you will receive your personalized offers via email. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days. Please enter your information. The required fields are marked with an * .

"*" indicates required fields

Quickly jump to

Paris & the heart of northern France

Itinerary

Good to know

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

E-bikes

Taking your own bicycle

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

Excluded from this tour

Loyalty Discount

Discover more

Media (25)

Can we help you?

1 Ship available for this tour

Clair d’Etoile

France: Northern Burgundy, Auxerre – Moret sur Loing or vv Premium

Paris – Montargis or Montargis – Paris

Questions or advice

Secure payment

Follow us for inspiration

Your selected tour:

Request a quote

Your data

Get in contact

Get in contact

Quickly jump to

Paris & the heart of northern France

Itinerary

Good to know

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

E-bikes

Taking your own bicycle

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

Excluded from this tour

Loyalty Discount

Discover more

Media (25)

Can we help you?

1 Ship available for this tour

Clair d’Etoile

Related tours

France: Northern Burgundy, Auxerre – Moret sur Loing or vv Premium

Paris – Montargis or Montargis – Paris

Questions or advice

Secure payment

Follow us for inspiration

Your selected tour:

Request a quote

Your data