Seine Valley Bike and Barge

Seine Valley Bike and Barge

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8 Days From

$2494

Seine Valley Bike and Barge

8 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Montargis, France

Visiting: Paris, Melun, Fontainebleau, Nemours, Néronville, Montargis

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

SVB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 20

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $2494

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Seine Valley with our "Seine Valley Bike and Barge" tour. This unique adventure combines the charm of cycling through France's stunning landscapes with the comfort of a barge cruise. Starting in the iconic city of Paris, you'll explore enchanting chateaus, royal gardens, and quaint villages. Highlights include visits to the Chateau of Fontainebleau, the artistic village of Barbizon, and the medieval town of Ferrières. Enjoy daily cycling routes ranging from 19 to 34 miles, with bikes and e-bikes provided. Relish 7 nights aboard a comfortable barge, complete with ensuite twin-share cabins, and savor delicious meals prepared on board. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Discovering the city of lights, Paris

  • Exploring chateaus, Royal Gardens, small villages and beautiful woodlands

  • Cycling through a fascinating region of France

  • Visiting the Chateau of Fontainebleau

  • Exploring the artistic village of Barbizon

  • Visiting the medieval town of Ferrières

  • Exploring Montargis and its charming canals

  • Visiting an Apiculture's Living Museum and sampling delicious honey

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Embarkation In Paris Early Afternoon

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Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at the barge in Paris, with embarkation at 1:00pm (on the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board from 11.00 am). There will be a welcome briefing with your guide and an introduction to the crew then the boat will depart Paris and travel along the Seine to Evry, where we dock for the night.

Day 2 : Morning Cruise And Cycle Along The Seine, Continue By Bike To Melun (30Km/19Mi)

Location: Melun

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we begin cycling from the lock of Evry. As we cycle we'll stay along the banks of the river for a while. The first stop is the typical French market of Corbeil-Essonnes. Our destination is Melun, known as ‘le domaine des reines blanches’, because in former years it was the domain of the widows of the French kings.

Day 3 : Cycle Through The Forests And Visit The Chateau Of Fointainbleau (40Km/25Mi)

Location: Fontainebleau

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we cycle through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. We head to the artistic village of Barbizon, where painters have found inspiration since the first half of the 19th century. At the time, a group of landscape painters formed the ‘school of Barbizon’. Here you can visit the local museum. Afterwards we continue towards the palace of Fontainebleau, which was much in favour among the French kings due to the extensive hunting possibilities in the surrounding forest. In the castle itself there is a museum dedicated to Napoleon, among other things. Fontainebleau is also a pleasant town to walk around or to shop in. We'll find the boat again in Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town, strategically situated on the banks of the Loing. The painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful Impressionist paintings here.

Day 4 : Cycle In The Loing Valley En Route To Nemours (38 Or 49Km/23 Or 31Mi)

Location: Nemours

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The cycle route continues along the valley of the Loing and visits Grez-sur-Loing, where many artists lived in the early years of the 20th Century. In the charming town hall of Bourron-Marlotte you can admire a few magnificent Impressionist paintings. We will meet the Fleur again in Nemours. Nemours is supposed to derive its name from the woods (nemora) in the midst of which it formerly stood, with Gallo-Roman relics indicate its early origin. The castle, erected around 1120, is now a prehistoric museum of the Ile-de-France region.

Day 5 : Morning Cruise, Bike Through Woods To Neronville (35 Or 45Km/22 Or 27Mi)

Location: Néronville

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we'll enjoy breakfast as the boat cruises. Today's cycle is through a wooded area with rugged rocks. Before lunch we will visit the sculpture garden Jardin Bourdelle, where you can admire some 57 bronze monumental sculptures by the artist Antoine Bourdelle. Around lunchtime we will reach the village of Egréville, which has been an important commercial crossroads for hundreds of years. Its markets and fairs enjoyed great renown. Continue to today's destination, the rural town of Néronville.

Day 6 : Visit The Abbey Of St Severin Before Continuing On To Montargis (31 Or 55Km/19 Or 34Mi)

Location: Montargis

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will first cycle to Chateau-Landon, a beautifully situated town with narrow streets, ramparts and wash houses, and the Abbey of St Séverin from the 13th century. The cycle continues to the medieval town of Ferrières with its old town centre, which has been preserved beautifully. And in the middle of the narrow streets you find a splendid monastery. Our destination is Montargis, the second largest town of the Loiret after Orléans. Unfortunately this former royal residence was destroyed by a fire in the 16th Century, but the canals are still there. They are decorated with many flowers and give the town a lot of charm. Today there is no dinner on board, you are free to dine in a local restaurant.

Day 7 : Explore Montargis And Surrounds By Bike (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Montargis

Accommodation Name: barge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Montargis we bike along the l’Ouanne to Château-Renard, where we can visit the ruins of a castle from the 10th century. We will also visit an Apiculture’s Living Museum to see beekeepers and their bees at work, and to sample some delicious honey. Return to the barge in Montargis.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Montargis

Location: Montargis

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast. Disembarkation is in Montargis by 9:30am.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    BARGE

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwich

  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a Comfort category barge in a cabin with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The compact cabins are configured with twin lower beds.

  • 2024: 11 speed trekking bike rental with pannier and helmet (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) 2025: This is an e-bike only tour - E-bike rental included plus helmet, pannier, lock

  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening

  • Daily coffee and tea until 4pm

  • Multilingual tour leader for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings (two for groups of 18 or more)

  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks

  • Entrance to Bourdelle garden and an Apiculture's Living Museum, guided visit of Chateau-Landon and visit of town hall Bourron-Marlotte

  • Daily cabin cleaning

  • Ferry fees

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What's Not Included

  • Drinks and other items of a personal nature

  • 1 dinner

Grading

The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 25 to 45km/15.5 to 28mi along usually well graded low traffic roads. There are some short stretches on some busier roads and off-road bike paths. The cycling is generally along virtually flat terrain, with about 4 hours of cycling each day. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. A good level of fitness and cycling experience is required to fully participate in this trip.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel along the Seine and Loing rivers aboard a comfortable barge, with daily cycling routes ranging from 19 to 34 miles. Bikes and e-bikes are provided, along with helmets and panniers for your convenience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights aboard a Comfort category barge in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are configured with twin lower beds, ensuring a cozy and comfortable stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is provided for the tour?

    For the 2024 tour, an 11-speed trekking bike with a pannier and helmet is provided. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement. For the 2025 tour, only e-bikes are provided, and the rental includes a helmet, pannier, and lock.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, typically consisting of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. At breakfast, you will prepare your packed lunch for the day, which will usually be a sandwich.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided aboard a Comfort category barge for 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are configured with twin lower beds.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily distances ranging from 25 to 45 km (15.5 to 28 miles) along usually well-graded, low-traffic roads. There are some short stretches on busier roads and off-road bike paths. The terrain is generally flat, with about 4 hours of cycling each day.

  • What should I carry during the cycling day?

    During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What happens on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive at the barge in Paris with embarkation at 1:00 pm. You can leave your luggage on board from 11:00 am. There will be a welcome briefing with your guide and an introduction to the crew. The boat will then depart Paris and travel along the Seine to Evry, where it will dock for the night.

  • What activities are planned for the last day of the tour?

    The tour concludes in Montargis after breakfast. Disembarkation is by 9:30 am.

  • Is there Wi-Fi available on the barge?

    Yes, Wi-Fi is available on the barge.

  • Is there a tour leader for the cycling routes?

    Yes, a multilingual tour leader is provided for fully guided cycling tours and daily briefings. For groups of 18 or more, there will be two tour leaders.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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