Bike and Barge
Paris and Champagne
from Paris to Soissons
- FR257 / France
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
- English-speaking
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Aug, Oct
- Oct 8, Oct 15 2026
- 8 days
-
- linear from Paris 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 splendid bike and boat trip in the heart of France, along the banks of the Marne River. Start your journey in the mesmerizing Paris and discover the Champagne region at the pace of pedaling on an e-bike. In between glasses of Champagne, you can also visit farms where Brie cheese is produced. This vacation is a great opportunity to enjoy the rich local food and wine: all to try!
- Croissants and pain au chocolat in Paris, the Ville Lumière
- Dom Pérignon and the secrets of Champagne
- The exquisite Brie de Meaux
What awaits you
A week in the Champagne wine region. While largely following the Marne River or its tributaries, the bike route includes several ups and downs, some more challenging than others. You’ll ride on mostly paved and lightly-traveled secondary roads, rarely on bicycle paths. Some stages include a choice between a shorter and a longer ride. Of course,...
moreA week in the Champagne wine region. While largely following the Marne River or its tributaries, the bike route includes several ups and downs, some more challenging than others. You’ll ride on mostly paved and lightly-traveled secondary roads, rarely on bicycle paths. Some stages include a choice between a shorter and a longer ride. Of course, you can always take a day off and stay aboard the riverboat.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, the chefs and crew...
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 more1° Boarding in Paris
Individual arrival in Paris and embarkation at 2 p.m.
After the welcome meeting, there will be a short bike safety briefing.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to take a stroll along the Seine, explore the surroundings near the ship, or settle into a cozy Parisian café.
2° Paris – Bougival | Bike tour around L’Île des Impressionnistes
Early in the morning, the ship departs Paris for a scenic cruise along the Seine. Sailing right through the heart of the city is a unique experience, with panoramic views of famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower from the water.
In Bougival, time will be taken to properly fit the bikes for all guests. Afterwards, you will enjoy a round tour around L’Île des Impressionnistes. This island inspired famous Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Even today, many places still reflect the atmosphere and scenery captured in their paintings.
3° Riding from Bougival to Auvers-sur-Oise
Today’s cycling route follows the Seine towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where you can enjoy a beautiful view over Paris.
You then continue via Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, an important junction of rivers and inland navigation. In the afternoon, the route leads towards Auvers-sur-Oise, a village closely connected to art and history.
As you approach Auvers-sur-Oise, you cycle through landscapes that recall the world of Vincent van Gogh, who spent his final days here. After dinner, there may be an opportunity to take an evening walk to his grave, peacefully located among the greenery.
4° Cycling from Beaumont to Pont-Sainte-Maxence
During breakfast, the ship cruises to Beaumont. From there, you follow the Oise River upstream by bike.
In the afternoon, you will visit the impressive Château de Chantilly, renowned for its elegant setting, rich history and exceptional art collection.
The route then continues through the historic town of Senlis and the beautiful Halatte Forest before reaching today’s destination: Pont-Sainte-Maxence.
5° Through the Compiègne Forest, up to the elegant Compiègne
Today you cycle through peaceful countryside and the vast Compiègne Forest, once a royal hunting ground.
Your ride ends in Compiègne, a city known for its elegant architecture and royal connections. Be sure to visit the gardens of the local château, which reflect the city’s rich historical character.
Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to choose one of the many inviting local restaurants in town.
6° Through the landscapes of northern France to Soissons
Today’s route takes you through the varied landscapes of northern France. Starting in or near the Compiègne Forest, you cycle along quiet roads through open fields, small villages and peaceful rural scenery.
Along the way, you pass through Pierrefonds, where you can admire the fairytale-like château from the outside.
Your destination is Soissons, located on the Aisne River. As one of the oldest cities in France, Soissons has a rich history as a royal city. Its impressive cathedral and the remains of historic abbeys are reminders of its important past.
7° Excursion to Épernay and Hautvillers
Today is dedicated to Champagne.
A comfortable coach takes you to the region around Épernay, the sparkling heart of Champagne. Your first stop is Hautvillers, a picturesque wine-growing village on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims.
Here, you will visit the chapel with the tomb of Dom Pérignon, the monk closely associated with the development of champagne-making methods. Afterwards, you will enjoy a tour of one of the major champagne houses.
After a relaxed lunch in Épernay, the coach returns to Soissons for your final evening on board.
8° End of tour in Soissons
After breakfast, the tour ends at 9:30 AM.
We hope you leave with lasting memories, inspiring stories and a week full of cycling, discovery, art, history and Champagne.
1° Embarkation in Soissons
Welcome to Soissons!
Embarkation and check-in start at 2:00 PM in the center of Soissons, located on the Aisne River. After a warm welcome from the captain and crew, there will be a short safety briefing.
Today, there is also time to properly fit the bikes and take a short test ride. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore Soissons, a historic town with deep roots in French history.
2° Coach excursion to Épernay and Hautvillers
Today is dedicated to Champagne.
A comfortable coach takes you to Épernay, the sparkling heart of the Champagne region. You will also visit Hautvillers, a charming wine-growing village where Dom Pérignon lived and worked.
During the day, you will enjoy a tour of a renowned champagne house. There will also be time for lunch in Épernay before returning to Soissons for the night.
3° From Soissons to the elegant Compiègne
Your first full cycling day takes you through the gently rolling countryside of northern France. Open fields, quiet roads, small villages and peaceful rural views accompany you along the way.
The route passes through Pierrefonds, where you can admire the fairytale-like château from the outside. You then continue towards Compiègne, a city on the Oise River with royal flair and a rich history.
French kings once hunted in the surrounding forest, and the local château was a favorite retreat for royalty and emperors. The final stretch leads through the vast Compiègne Forest, along quiet roads and wide forest paths.
Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to choose one of the many inviting local restaurants in town.
4° Through the Compiègne Forest to Pont-Sainte-Maxence
Today’s route starts in the southern part of the Compiègne Forest and follows the Oise River downstream towards Pont-Sainte-Maxence.
Pont-Sainte-Maxence owes its name to a medieval bridge that was once one of the few crossings in the area. Because of this, the town became an important stopover for merchants and royalty travelling between Flanders and Paris.
5° From Creil to Auvers-sur-Oise
During breakfast, the ship sails to Creil. From here, you cycle to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, known for its equestrian history, royal stables and the Musée Condé, which houses one of France’s finest art collections.
After the visit, the route continues through the forest. Guests choosing the shorter cycling option will meet the ship in Beaumont. The longer route crosses the Oise and follows the river to Auvers-sur-Oise, where the ship awaits.
Auvers-sur-Oise is closely connected to Vincent van Gogh, who spent his final days here. In the evening, there may be an opportunity to walk to his grave, located in the local cemetery. The area was also loved by many Impressionist painters.
6° Through Van Gogh’s landscapes, up to Bougival
This morning, you can discover more of Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise before setting off towards Paris.
The route leads through landscapes that recall the world of the painter, including rural scenery and fields that inspired many artists. You will have lunch in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise meets the Seine. This town has been an important inland shipping hub since the 19th century.
In the afternoon, you cycle to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where sweeping views of the Paris skyline await. From there, you continue along the river to Bougival, where the ship is waiting.
7° Bike tour around L’Île des Impressionnistes and arrival in Paris
Before returning to Paris, you will enjoy one final bike tour on the outskirts of the city.
The route takes you around L’Île des Impressionnistes, an island that inspired famous Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Even today, many places still reflect the atmosphere and scenery captured in their paintings.
Afterwards, you return to the ship for one last scenic cruise along the Seine into the heart of Paris. Although the distance is not far, the river winds widely, offering beautiful views along the way. As you sail into the city, you can enjoy iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower from the water.
8° End of tour in Paris
After breakfast, the tour ends at 9:30 AM.
We hope you travel home with wonderful memories, inspiring encounters and a truly French adventure to remember.
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 Silver
8
Oct
Start Soissons - End Paris
Thu 8 Oct - Thu 15 Oct 2026
15
Oct
Start Paris - End Soissons
Thu 15 Oct - Thu 22 Oct 2026
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Tour information
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Prices 2026
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Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find maps and route description, to follow for unaccompanied cycling.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Visit Château de Chantilly
- Champagne tasting at local producer
- Visit champagne cellar in Epernay
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- 1 dinner
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip. - Entrances to museums or not included attractions
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local supplier.
Helmet is not mandatory; however, we recommend that you wear it and bring your own.
Own bicycles are not allowed on board.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
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
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
Bike helmet
Bike helmet
Comfortable bike helmet ideal for safe cycling.
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 290 km
- Terrain: secondary roads almost always paved and with little traffic, rarely on bike path
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 2.00 p.m. in Paris or Soissons. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Paris-Soissons
Paris is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
A few weeks before departure, we will send you the instructions on how to reach the embarkation point.
By plane
Paris is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- direct RER B train to Châtelet Les Halles station and from there metro line 14 to Bercy station, total duration approx. 1h
- direct RER B train to Saint Michel Notre Dame station and from there RER C to Gare d’Austerlitz station, total duration about 1h
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- direct Orlybus shuttle bus to Denfert-Rochereau station and from there metro line 6 to Bercy station, total duration about 50 minutes
- Go C Paris shuttle bus to Pont de Rungis station and from there RER C train to Gare d’Austerlitz station, total duration about 30 minutes
Public transport in Paris
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult: RATP and Transilien.
By train, the low-impact choice
Paris Gare de Lyon is the closest station.
B) Direction Soissons-Paris
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
Soissons is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY).
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train RER B to Aulnay-sous-Bois. From here Transilien line K to Dammartin-Juilly-Saint-Mard, then train to Soissons (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).
- train RER B to Gare du Nord, then direct TER train to Soissons (approx. 2 hours).
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- Metro line 14 to Châtelet-Les Halles, then RER B train to Gare du Nord. Here change and TER train to Soissons station (approx. 2 hours)
- Metro line 14 to Châtelet. Then metro line 4 to Gare du Nord; here change and regional TER train to Soissons station (approx. 2 hours)
- Metro line 14 to Gare de Lyon, then RER D train to Gare du Nord. Change and regional TER train to Soissons station (approx. 2 hours).
By train, the low-impact choice
Soissons is the closest station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices, and international rail connections, integrating the main European operators.
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Paris – Soissons
Soissons is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Soissons is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- regional TER train to Gare du Nord, then RER B train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).
- regional TER train to Crépy-en-Valois, then Transilien line K to Aulnay-sous-Bois. From here, RER B train to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (approx. 2 hours).
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- regional TER train to Gare du Nord, then metro line 4 to Châtelet. From here, metro line 14 to Aéroport d’Orly (approx. 2 hours).
- regional TER train to Gare du Nord, then RER D train to Gare de Lyon. From here, metro line 14 to Aéroport d’Orly (approx. 2 hours).
- regional TER train to Gare du Nord, then RER B train to Antony. From here, Orlyval bus to Orly 1,2,3 (approx. 2 hours).
By train, the low-impact choice
Soissons is the closest station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices, and international rail connections, integrating the main European operators.
B) Direction Soissons – Paris
Paris is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) are the closest airports.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- Direct RER B train from Châtelet les Halles or Gare du Nord station, duration about 30 minutes.
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- Orlybus shuttle bus from Denfert-Rochereau station, duration about 30 minutes. Alternatively, RER C train from Gare d’Austerlitz to Pont de Rungis station and from there Go C Paris shuttle bus, total duration about 30 minutes.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa.
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language
The official language is French.
France is in the Central European Time (CET) Zone, 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time zone (GMT), and observes Daylight Saving Time.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
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.
Currency
The currency in France is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Sustainable traveler
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
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
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