Bike and Barge
Paris and the heart of northern France
from Lagny-sur-Marne to Soissons
- FR277 / 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.
- English-speaking
-
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.
- Aug, Sep, Oct
- on Thursday
- 8 days
-
- linear from Lagny-sur-Marne to Soissons
- Some meals included
Are you interested in other variants of this trip?
France
Family tours
Loire Valley for families
Cycling / self-guided / 7 days
To know
Highlights
A bike and boat tour that takes you to discover Paris and the surrounding river regions, past elegant châteaux, peaceful forests and historic towns along the way. Step aboard your floating hotel and let the waterways of northern France carry you along. This itinerary offers you the best of both worlds: you cycle through the landscapes that inspired Monet and Renoir, while enjoying the comfort of a hotel that travels with you along the river.
- Paris seen from the Seine
- Fairytale castles: Chantilly, Pierrefonds and Champs-sur-Marne
- Auvers-sur-Oise and the Île des Impressionnistes, among Van Gogh and Monet’s haunts
What awaits you
The itinerary follows the waterways of northern France, passing through a region rich in art and history. The route is mostly flat. You cycle on mostly paved and lightly-traveled secondary roads, rarely on bicycle paths. Some stages include a choice between a shorter and a longer ride. If one day you don’t feel like cycling, you can stay on board.
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...
moreOvernight 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.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read moreItinerary
1. Embarkation at Lagny-sur-Marne, near Paris
Individual arrival at Lagny-sur-Marne, a historic river town on the eastern edge of Paris, and boarding at 2:00 pm.
After a welcome meeting and an initial briefing, the evening is yours to settle into your floating hotel and meet back on board for dinner. Are you ready for a week of cycling past castles, Impressionist landscapes and Paris?
2. Along the Marne to Paris, through green expanses and castles
Everyone in the saddle! The first ride follows the course of the Marne toward Paris, through tree-lined suburbs, quiet riverside paths and stretches of green countryside.
Along the way, you pass the elegant Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the finest country residences in the Île-de-France, which, with its furnished salons and formal gardens, offers a taste of eighteenth-century French aristocratic life.
Where the Marne meets the Seine, the landscape becomes increasingly urban, and then there it is, unmistakable: Paris! The boat docks right in the heart of the city, for an unforgettable arrival.
3. From Paris to Bougival, via the Île des Impressionnistes
In the morning, the boat sails along the Seine, offering a unique view of Paris. Some of the city’s most famous monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, glide past you.
Then, back on your bikes, you will ride from Bougival through the western part of Paris, passing the Île des Impressionnistes, which inspired great painters such as Monet and Renoir. Even today, many of the views preserve the atmosphere and landscapes captured in their paintings. In the evening, relax in Bougival, a charming town nestled in a bend of the Seine.
* Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 12 km.
4. In the footsteps of Van Gogh, from Bougival to Auvers-sur-Oise
Today’s route runs along the Seine toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where you can admire a splendid view of Paris.
You then continue to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, an important inland shipping hub and river junction with a warm, authentic atmosphere.
In the afternoon, follow the Oise to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village of Vincent van Gogh, where he spent the last days of his life.
After dinner, if you like, you can take an evening stroll to his grave, set in a peaceful, leafy spot.
5. The elegant Château de Chantilly and arrival in Pont-Sainte-Maxence
During breakfast, the boat sails to Beaumont, where today’s ride begins. From there, you head upriver along the Oise, surrounded by peaceful rural scenery made up of river views, fields and charming small villages.
The star of the day is the elegant Château de Chantilly, one of the most impressive in France, famous for its rich history, extraordinary art collection and refined architecture.
Today’s destination is Pont-Sainte-Maxence, whose name comes from a medieval bridge that was once an important crossing point on the route between Flanders and Paris.
6. From Pont-Sainte-Maxence to Compiègne, on the edge of the royal forest
A short stage, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the Oise valley. From Pont-Sainte-Maxence, you ride through fields, small villages and along the southern edge of the Compiègne forest, once a hunting preserve of French kings and emperors.
Today’s destination is Compiègne, a town with splendid architecture and an important royal past: don’t miss the gardens of the town’s château, which reflect its rich historical heritage!
Dinner is not included this evening: all that’s left to do is explore the old town and choose one of its many inviting restaurants.
7. The fairytale castle of Pierrefonds and arrival in historic Soissons
The last bike stage crosses the wide landscapes of northern France, starting from the beautiful Compiègne forest, with shaded paths and quiet avenues. Further on, you reach the fairytale castle of Pierrefonds, with its towers, battlements and drawbridges.
Finally, you arrive in Soissons, one of the oldest cities in France and the capital of the Frankish kingdom under the Merovingian king Clovis. Today it is known for its imposing cathedral, traditional markets, small squares and cozy cafés: a worthy final stop on your journey!
* Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 15 km.
1. Welcome to Soissons!
Individual arrival in Soissons, one of the oldest cities in France, set on the Aisne river, and boarding at 2:00 pm.
After a welcome meeting and an initial briefing, the rest of the evening is yours to discover the cathedral, small squares and cafés of the town centre, before meeting back on board for dinner. Ready to ride?
2. From Soissons to Compiègne, via Pierrefonds castle
Your first day on the bikes takes you through the open countryside of northern France, past small villages, fields and peaceful landscapes.
The most striking moment is Pierrefonds castle, with its towers, battlements and drawbridges: it looks like something out of a fairy tale and is the castle many people picture when they think of historic France! From here, you continue toward Compiègne, with a lovely final stretch through the Compiègne forest.
* Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 14 km.
3. Through the Compiègne forest to Pont-Sainte-Maxence
Today a short ride along the Oise river awaits you, through the southern part of the Compiègne forest, once a hunting preserve for kings and emperors. Even today, you can feel the elegant, peaceful atmosphere along the forest trails!
Today’s destination is Pont-Sainte-Maxence, a small historic town named after a medieval bridge, an ancient crossing between Flanders and Paris.
4. To Auvers-sur-Oise, via Chantilly castle
During breakfast, the boat sails toward Creil, where today’s ride begins. You reach Chantilly castle, famous for its refined architecture, royal stables and splendid art collections.
After the visit, you continue through the greenery of the woods. Depending on the route you choose, you either return to the boat at Beaumont or ride all the way to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Van Gogh spent his last days. In the evening, you can walk to his grave, a moving moment for anyone who loves art and history.
* Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 13 km.
5. From Auvers-sur-Oise to Bougival, via Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
Today’s stage brings you ever closer to Paris, along peaceful river landscapes. In the morning, you reach Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise flows into the Seine: a town that has always been tied to river navigation, with narrow streets, cafés and a church that give it a warm, genuine character.
In the afternoon, you continue to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which offers a lovely view of the Paris skyline. From there, the route runs alongside the Seine again as far as Bougival, a riverside village the Impressionists loved for its light, its views over the water and its relaxed atmosphere.
6. Paris and the Île des Impressionnistes
Today is the day for Paris and its most elegant surroundings.
Choose how you want to experience it: you can explore the city freely by public transport, or ride with a guide through the western outskirts of the capital. The route passes the Île des Impressionnistes, where Monet and Renoir found inspiration: a wonderful way to find the paintings you’ve seen in museums in the real landscapes.
The evening is all yours, and dinner is not included: a neighbourhood bistro, a classic brasserie or a table by the Seine, you choose!
* Possibility to shorten the stage of ca. 12 km.
7. Along the Marne to Lagny-sur-Marne
The last stage in the saddle: leave Paris and follow the Marne river, on quiet routes through green suburbs and glimpses of water.
Along the way, you come across the Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most beautiful country residences in the region. With its furnished salons and formal gardens, the château offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of eighteenth-century French aristocracy.
Today’s destination is Lagny-sur-Marne, a pretty town on the eastern edge of Paris.
Comfort Silver
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Claire d’Etoile
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Claire d’Etoile is a comfortable, elegant, and fully equipped boat.
There is a cozy lounge, restaurant, relaxation area and bar on the deck.
Outside is a sun deck with tables and chairs where you can enjoy the view while sailing. View more details
Cabins
- 10 twins with separate beds and windows that cannot be opened
- 2 doubles with opening windows
All cabins measure about 6.9 m², have private bathrooms, air conditioning, safe, and hair dryer.
Common areas
- cozy bar, restaurant and lounge area
- spacious bright living room with large panoramic windows
- large sun deck of 90 m²
Departures
Departures on Thursday
Calculate your quote online.
2027
seasons, availability, prices
Download info and prices
-
Tour information
(499 KB)Download all tour information
-
Prices 2027
(191 KB)Download price list and departure dates
calculate your quote
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning service
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
If you have any food allergies or follow a special diet, please indicate it at the moment of booking.
A supplement applies for gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
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.
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
- Visit to the Château de Chantilly
- Visit to the Château de Pierrefonds
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
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
- 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
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local rental partner on site: the rental bikes are always serviced and ready for another cycling holiday. Helmets are mandatory up to age 12. We always recommend wearing one, and bringing your own from home. You can’t bring your own bike on board.
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Bike helmet
Bike helmet
Comfortable bike helmet ideal for safe cycling.
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Practical information
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 275 km
- Terrain: secondary roads almost always paved and with little traffic, rarely on bike path
Embarkation is scheduled at 2.00 p.m. in Lagny-sur-Marne or Soissons. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
A) Direction Lagny-sur-Marne to Soissons
Lagny-sur-Marne 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.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) are the main airports.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- Train to Marne La Vallee Chessy station, then change and bus from Chessy Nord to Rue Roger (approx. 1 hour).
- Train to Marne La Valle Chessy, then change and train to Bussy-Saint-Georges. Finally, bus to Thuyas (approx. 1 hour).
- Bus to Gare de Meaux, then change and tram to Lagny-Thorigny. From there, bus to Foch (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).
From Paris Orly Airport:
- Metro to Châtelet, change and then metro to Gare De L’est. From there, train to Lagny-Thorigny (approx. 1 hour).
- Metro to Gare de Lyon, change and then train to Torcy. From Torcy station, bus to Roses (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
- Metro to Gare de Lyon, then train to Val d’Europe. Finally, from Centre Urbain, bus to Pouzol (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).
- Bus to Chessy Nord, then change and bus to Rue Roger (approx. 2 hours).
By train, the low-impact choice
Gare de Lagny – Thorigny is the main railway station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices and international rail connections.
By car
You can leave your car for the duration of the tour in the paid car parks near the boarding point.
B) Direction Soissons to Lagny-sur-Marne
Soissons 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.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly are the main airports.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- RER B train to Aulnay-sous-Bois, then change and Transilien line K to Dammartin-Juilly-Saint-Mard. From there, TER regional train to Soissons (approx. 1 hour 40 min).
- RER B train to Gare du Nord, then direct TER train to Soissons station (approx. 2 hours).
From Paris Orly Airport:
- Metro line 14 to Châtelet-Les Halles station, then RER B train to Gare du Nord. Here, change and TER train to Soissons (approx. 2 hours).
- Metro line 14 to Châtelet. Then metro line 4 to Gare du Nord, followed by TER regional train to Soissons (approx. 2 hours).
- Metro line 14 to Gare de Lyon, then RER D train to Gare du Nord. Change and TER regional train to Soissons (approx. 2 hours).
By train, the lowest-impact choice
Soissons is the main railway station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices and international rail connections.
By car
You can leave your car for the duration of the tour in the paid car parks near the boarding point.
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight times, we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show train and bus options, including for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend buying your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
How to return home
A) Direction Lagny-sur-Marne to Soissons
Soissons is the end point of the trip. From here, you can head home.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly are the main airports.
To reach Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- TER regional train to Gare du Nord, then RER B train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (approx. 1 hour 40 min).
- TER regional train to Crépy-en-Valois, then Transilien line K to Aulnay-sous-Bois. From there, RER B train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (approx. 2 hours).
To reach Paris Orly Airport:
- TER regional train to Gare du Nord, then metro line 4 to Châtelet. From there, metro line 14 to Aéroport d’Orly (approx. 2 hours).
- TER regional train to Gare du Nord, then RER D train to Gare de Lyon. From there, metro line 14 to Aéroport d’Orly (approx. 2 hours).
- TER regional train to Gare du Nord, then RER B train to Antony. From there, Orlyval shuttle to Orly 1,2,3 (approx. 2 hours).
By train, the lowest-impact choice
Soissons is the main railway station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices and international rail connections.
B) Direction Soissons to Lagny-sur-Marne
Lagny-sur-Marne is the end point of the trip. From here, you can head home.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY) are the main airports.
To reach Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport:
- Bus from Foch to Fontenelle. Then train from Montévrain Bruxelles to the airport (approx. 1 hour).
- Bus from La Gendarmerie to Chessy Nord. Change and take a train from Marne La Vallee Chessy to the airport (approx. 1 hour).
To reach Paris Orly Airport:
- Train to Paris L’est, then change and metro to Châtelet. Finally, change and metro to the airport (approx. 1 hour).
- Bus from Thuyas to Gare De Bussy-Saint-Georges. Change and then metro to Paris Gare de Lyon. Then metro from Bercy to the airport (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes).
By train, the lowest-impact choice
Gare de Lagny – Thorigny is the main railway station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices and international rail connections.
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.
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 and telephone
The international phone prefix for France is +33.
With a European SIM card, roaming is free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
If you’re travelling from outside Europe, we recommend purchasing an eSIM before departure so you’re connected as soon as you land.
Girolibero is a partner of Airalo: follow this link to purchase an eSIM with the data plan that best suits your needs, at a 10% discount. Please note that, depending on your destination, only data-only eSIMs may be available (no call or SMS plans) — in that case, you can purchase a physical SIM card locally for calls and texts.
You can also use this discounted eSIM link for future trips.
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.
The currency in France is the euro (€).
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
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
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
To travel with respect for the environment, the places, and the people who welcome us:
- always ask permission before photographing people
- dress appropriately when visiting places of worship
- leave no trace and do not litter along the way
- refill your water bottle at drinking water fountains (you can use Mapy to find them)
- do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural areas or archaeological sites
- stay on marked trails, respect wildlife and take care of the nature around you
- avoid wasting water and energy, precious resources for everyone
- respect the rules and spaces of the accommodations that host you
- reduce your ecological footprint while travelling and consider offsetting the emissions from your journey, here's how
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.
Other travelers also viewed
Browse the suggestions to discover other destinations and trips similar to this holiday.
Need advice? We are here to help
Contact us
Discover more
A slow journey through history and culture
France is home to nearly 8,000 km of navigable waterways, linking villages, châteaux and historic towns through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes
Bike and barge tours in France
In the daytime by bike...
in the evening on the boat! Holidays along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with cycling by day and overnight stays in a floating hotel that follows cyclists stage by stage
Bike and barge tours, how it works
Travelers’ tips and stories
Get inspired before your trip with advice and travel tales from fellow adventurers on our blog
Read the blog
Receive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!
