Bike and Barge
Paris and Champagne
- FR257 / France
-
Bike and Barge
For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
-
Guided
Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
- Silver
- May, Jun
- 7 days
-
- linear from Lagny-sur-Marne to Épernay
- Some meals included
Highlights
A splendid bike and boat trip in the heart of France, along the banks of the Marne River. Start your journey in Lagny-sur-Marne, an outskirt of 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
- Dom Pérignon, Veuve Cliquot 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, 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 treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The boat's cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Boarding in Lagny-sur-Marne and round your
Individual arrival in Lagny-sur-Marne and embarkation at 11 a.m.
After the welcome meeting, it’s time to take your bike and start cycling on the bike path along the Marne River. Continue pedaling to the 18th-century castle of Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most luxurious in the Ile-de-France region. The stage ends in Lagny, a small town along the Marne River, where the boat awaits you for the night.
2. Riding through a land of cheese, wine and cathedrals, all the way to Meaux
Today we continue cycling along the Marne Valley. You have a choice between a shorter and a longer (by about 20 kilometers) route variant, both hilly. The boat awaits you at the end of the stage in the quaint town of Meaux, known for its famous “Brie de Meaux” cheese and for the magnificent Saint Etienne Cathedral, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and remodeled over time to acquire its present Gothic appearance.
3. Cycling along the Marne Valley, amid the rhythms of the Middle Ages
Again on this day you have a choice of two hilly routes, one short and one longer (by about 15 kilometers). In the morning, you’ll leave Meaux and head for the hills of the Marne Valley. Peaceful forests and villages accompany you along the north and south banks of the river. A well-deserved tasting of Brie de Meaux and Brie Noir cheeses awaits you in Jouarre at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot.
The boat will be moored in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a nearby village.
4. On the trail of the Great War, up to Château-Thierry
Today’s ride is a bit more challenging. After an initial stretch along the river, you enter a valley, following bucolic country roads in hilly terrain, up to a plateau. The boat awaits you at Château-Thierry, the scene of the 1918 battle of the same name, one of the first actions in which the U.S. expeditionary force took part. Along the way, you can visit the American cemetery and the war memorial near Belleau.
5. Entry into Champagne toward Epernay
Leaving behind the ruins of the castle that gave its name to the town of Château-Thierry, you make your official entry into the Champagne region, known worldwide for the French sparkling wine of the same name. You can choose between two route variants: a short one and a longer one (by about 15 kilometers). When speaking of the history of Champagne, one cannot fail to mention the Grande Dame de la Champagne, the widow Clicquot. After her husband’s death in 1805, when she was only 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took over the business founded by her father-in-law and became one of the first female entrepreneurs of modern times. Your overnight stay is in Epernay, one of the main centers of the Champagne wine region. Tonight you are free to decide where to have dinner.
6. Discovering the champagne monk in Epernay
Today is dedicated to discovering the Champagne region and the origins of its best-known product. We start by pedaling along the canal parallel to the Marne to reach the Ay River and then, tackling a few climbs, reach the village of Hautvillers, where the famous Dom Pérignon, a monk in the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, discovered the method of making sparkling wine in the 18th century.
Return by bike to Epernay for a tour of the city center with its neo-Renaissance and classical style buildings. To celebrate the conclusion of this experience. enjoy a visit to a winery and an inevitable Champagne tasting. Santé!
1. Embarkation in Epernay, home of champagne
Welcome to Epernay, one of the main centers of Champagne wine production. The captain and crew welcome you aboard the riverboat at 11 a.m., and after an initial briefing, it’s time to get on the bikes and set off to discover the Champagne region and the origins of its best-known product. We start by pedaling along the canal parallel to the Marne River to reach the Ay River and then, tackling a few climbs, arrive at the village of Hautvillers, where the famous Dom Pérignon, a monk in the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, discovered the method of making sparkling wine in the 18th century.
Ride back to Epernay for a tour of the city center with its neo-Renaissance and classical-style buildings. To celebrate the beginning of this experience, enjoy a visit to a winery and an inevitable Champagne tasting. Santé!
2. Champagne and the castle of Château-Thierry
Today you’ll continue to explore the Champagne region, choosing between two cycling routes: a short one and a longer one (by about 15 kilometers). When speaking of the history of champagne, one cannot fail to mention the Grande Dame de la Champagne, the widow Clicquot. After her husband’s death in 1805, when she was only 27 years old, Madame Clicquot took over the business founded by her father-in-law and became one of the first female entrepreneurs of modern times. On your way, pedaling along the river, you’ll see the ruins of a castle appear, a sign that you are arriving at today’s destination, Château-Thierry. Always a place of strategic importance, important battles were fought here during the Napoleonic wars and the First World War.
3. Along the Marne Valley, amid the rhythm of the Middle Ages
Today’s ride is a bit more challenging: after the first stretch along the river on a plateau, characterized by vast cultivated fields, you’ll follow a small tributary, the Clignon, into the valley along country roads over mostly hilly terrain. On the way, you can visit the American cemetery and the war memorial near Belleau. Your final destination today is La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, home to a jazz festival held annually in the summer.
4. Pedaling through a land of cheese, wine and cathedrals, on the way to Meaux
This day is dedicated to discovering the region of Brie de Meaux, an AOC cow’s milk cheese nicknamed “the king of cheeses and the prince of desserts.” After a few uphill kilometers, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot.
Continue cycling through the hills of the Marne Valley, through forests and picturesque villages. If you like, you can choose route variant that’s about 20 kilometers longer. At the end of the day, you’ll reach quaint Meaux, where your boat welcomes you for the night. Tonight you are free to decide where to have dinner.
5. Countryside yes...but with class!
Before beginning your ride, you can visit the center of Meaux with its magnificent Saint Etienne Cathedral, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and remodeled over time until it acquired the Gothic appearance we can admire today. Today’s stage is mainly along the Marne and its side canal. At Chalifert, there’s a hill to cross, while the boat (and those who want to avoid the climb) goes through a tunnel. In the afternoon, the boat awaits you in Lagny-sur-Marne, a small town along the Marne.
*On this day you can opt for a longer route (by 20 kilometers), still hilly.
6. Round tour and the Château de Champs-sur-Marne
Today you continue cycling along the Marne Valley. After about 10 km you will pass the castle of Champs-sur Marne. The Château de Champs-sur-Marne, one of the most magnificently furnished châteaux in the Ile-de-France. The barge waits for you after the roundtour. If you wish, you also have time to take a transfer (not included) to Paris and explore the city.
7. End of tour in Lagny-sur-Marne
If you need to return to Epernay, you can go by train, which takes you back to the Champagne capital in about an hour and a half. For those who can indulge in a little more vacation time, you can reach La Ville Lumière and explore it at your own pace.
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Zwaantje
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
The Zwaantje, Dutch for “little swan,” 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
We are updating the itinerary, price and departures for this tour. Request info.
Accommodation
- 6 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Courtesy kit
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 6 breakfasts
- 5 self-made packed lunches
- 5 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.
Rental bikes and accessories
- Unisex E-bike
- Helmet
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
- Brie cheese tasting
- 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.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
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
Route profile
- Level: medium-easy
- Total length: 180/250 km
- Terrain: secondary roads almost always paved and with little traffic, rarely on bike path
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 11:00 AM in Lagny-sur-Marne or Epernay. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Lagny-sur-Marne - Epernay
Lagny-sur-Marne 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
Lagny-sur-Marne is connected with the following airports: Charles de Gaulle and Orly.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train until Marne La Vallee Chessy and then bus n. 23 till Lagny-sur-Marne
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- train until Chessy Nord and then bus n. 23 till Lagny-sur-Marne
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.
Public transport in Paris
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult: RATP and Transilien.
By train
Lagny-Thorigny is the closest station. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can park in the parking areas close to the embarkation point.
B) Direction Épernay- Lagny-sur-Marne
Épernay 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.
From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG):
- train RER B to Châtelet Les Halles. From here metro line 4 to Paris Gare de l’Est and then train to Épernay (approx. 2h30)
From Paris Orly airport (ORY):
- shuttle bus to Pont de Rungis station. From here RER C to Saint-Michel station, then metro line 4 to Gare de l’Est and train to Épernay station.
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.
Public transport in Paris
For further information on timetables and prices you can consult: RATP and Transilien.
By train
Épernay is the closest station. For further information on timetables and prices you can consult the SNCF official website.
By car
If you arrive by car, we suggest you to park near the port.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Lagny-sur-Marne – Epernay
Epernay is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Epernay is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Paris Beauvais.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Les Halles station. From here train RER B until the airport
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Saint-Michel station. From here train RER C until Pont de Rungis, then shuttle Go C Paris until the airport
To get to Paris Beauvais (BVA):
- train from Epernay to Paris Gare de l’Est, then metro line 4 until Châtelet. From here metro line 1 to Porte Maillot and then shuttle to the airport
B) Direction Epernay – Lagny-sur-Marne
Lagny-sur-Marne is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Lagny-sur-Marne is connected with the following airports: Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Paris Beauvais.
To get to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport:
- bus n.23 until Marne La Vallee Chessy and then train until the airport
To get to Paris Orly (ORY):
- bus n.23 until Chessy Nord and then train until the airport
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.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
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
Throughout Europe roaming services are free (if you have a European SIM card). Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before your departure.
The international phone prefix of France is +33.
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
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- 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
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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FR257 / France / Paris and Champagne
Linear from Lagny-sur-Marne to Épernay / Bike and Barge / Guided / Level 2/5 / includes 6 breakfasts, 5 self-made packed lunch, 5 dinners
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Your holiday
FR257 / France / Paris and Champagne
Bike and Barge / Guided
Level 2 / 5
Comfort aboard
includes 6 breakfasts, 5 self-made packed lunch, 5 dinners
(extra nights included) (extra nights 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.
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… Read more
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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