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Find your tourLevel 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
The duration of the tour
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
The Champagne tour is a E-bike and barge touring classic that not only allows guests to explore the world famous city of Paris, but also the Champagne region, famous of course, for producing Champagne wines. From the time the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon invented the bubbly drink in 1670 at the Abbey of Hautvillers, the Champagne name has been synonymous worldwide with the very best of sparkling wines. Every day you will cycle small country roads (including a few un- or semi-paved roads and tracks) that go slightly up and down the beautiful slopes of the wide river valley, through the hills and the Champagne vineyards. Biking in the hills will not take too much effort, as a comfortable E-bike is available for all …
Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
The Champagne tour is a E-bike and barge touring classic that not only allows guests to explore the world famous city of Paris, but also the Champagne region, famous of course, for producing Champagne wines. From the time the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon invented the bubbly drink in 1670 at the Abbey of Hautvillers, the Champagne name has been synonymous worldwide with the very best of sparkling wines.
Every day you will cycle small country roads (including a few un- or semi-paved roads and tracks) that go slightly up and down the beautiful slopes of the wide river valley, through the hills and the Champagne vineyards.
Biking in the hills will not take too much effort, as a comfortable E-bike is available for all guests (not included in the price).
On a daily basis you will have the opportunity to cycle to boutique wineries, sample a variety of champagnes, taste delicious cheeses of the Brie region and generally discover all gems that the Champagne region, UNESCO world heritage, has to offer. But more than just visiting the Champagne region, you will also have the opportunity to explore Paris, one of Europe’s most beautiful and beloved cities. Other highlights of the tour include a visit to the city of Meaux, well known for its Brie cheeses and a stopover in Château-Thierry, scene of major battles in World War I. Along the way you will cycle through almost endless vineyards on the rolling banks of the Marne river and visit a local wine farmer. The tour ends in the city of Epernay, the real capital of the Champagne region, where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the town’s imposing champagne cellars.
The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like.
Fully Guided
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way.
Embarkation and check-in at 14:00 near the Seine. After a welcome from the captain, crew and tour guide, your tour will begin with a cruise through Paris as we make our way to Lagny-sur-Marne, located on the border between the bustling city and the French countryside. During the cruise, the guide will give a safety lecture and talk about the week ahead. After dinner there will be time to explore Lagny.
In the morning we will take time for an extensive bike fitting and once everyone is comfortable, you will set off on your first bike ride along the Marne River. There is one option that follows the river and one that is a bit more challenging. You will pass the castles of Champs-sur-Marne and cycle through the surrounding gardens. The Château de Champs-sur-Marne is typical of the residences built in the countryside in the 18th century, which gave rise to a new style of living. It is one of the most magnificently furnished castles in the Ile-de-France.
From Paris, Lagny-sur-Marne there are 2 bike options. The first kilometers of both options are uphill. In case you opt for the short ride, the first challenge is the hill near Chalifert. The barge will take the tunnel through the hill, but cyclists can test their fitness and muscles for the first time by climbing and crossing the hill by bicycle. Also on the longer option the first part is quite hilly, because you have to leave the valley of the Marne. Later you will follow the small Canal de l’Ourq that was built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and fresh water to Paris. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its “Brie de Meaux” cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. Night in Meaux.
There are a few cycling options today. The shorter option will lead you over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the south bank of the river through forests and small villages. The longer option stays in the valley of the river in the morning with a ride through Trilport and Lizy-sur-Ourcq. Later you will have to climb a few challenging hills, leaving the valley in the direction of Jouarre. In Jouarre, all cyclists can enjoy a very nice presentation and tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Dinner on board and night in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a village nearby.
Enjoy a somewhat challenging cycling tour from La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre to Château-Thierry. The first part of the cycling track leads you along the Marne river. After a few miles you will take a side valley and follow country roads through various small villages and hamlets. Continue riding uphill until you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are mainly covered with forest, on the plateau agriculture is predominant. Follow the valley of the small river Clignon. En route you can visit the large WW1 American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau on the D82. Start your descent to reach Château-Thierry. Dinner on board and night in Château-Thierry. Château-Thierry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne. You can still see some remnants. The town was the site of two important battles: the Battle of 1814 in the Napoleonic Wars between France and Prussia and the Battle of 1918 at the end of World War I. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the world-famous writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine.
During breakfast the ship will take us to the lock of Mont St. Pierre or even a bit further upstream to Dormans. Today we will enter the official Champagne area. Dormans is a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. During World War I this area was the scene of intense battles. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards the cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants in town.
The last half day’s cycling tour takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon (1638-1715). In charge of the wine cellars of a Benedictine abbey, Dom Pérignon pioneered a number of winemaking techniques, being the first to blend grapes in such a way as to improve regional wines into a wine of superb quality. Double fermentation, characteristic for the making of champagne, was introduced also by him. Return cycling to Epernay. After lunch, visit the center of Epernay. Together with Reims, Epernay is the major wine center of the Champagne region, where three extensive wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses dating in neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue the Champagne where prestigious champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier, are situated. Enjoy a Champagne tasting and take a tour in one of the major Champagne houses.
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.00 a.m.
Embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. in Epernay. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test ride. After dinner your tour leader will take you for a walk through Epernay, the major wine center of the Champagne region. Epernay has many town houses dating in neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue the Champagne, where many prestigious champagne houses are situated.
The first half day’s cycling tour takes you along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. Return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging first ascent of the slopes and through the vineyards (cyclists can test their shape and muscles for the first time) you will reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon (1638-1715). In charge of the wine cellars of a Benedictine abbey, Dom Pérignon pioneered a number of winemaking techniques, being the first to blend grapes in such a way as to improve regional wines into a wine of superb quality. Double fermentation, characteristic for the making of champagne, was introduced also by him. Return cycling to Epernay. After lunch, visit the center of Epernay. Together with Reims, Epernay is the major wine center of the Champagne region, where three extensive wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses dating in neo-renaissance style or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue the Champagne where prestigious champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier, are situated. Enjoy a Champagne tasting and take a tour in one of the major Champagne houses.
Start the first full day cycling tour along the canal and Marne river. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards the cyclist with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Today we will leave the official Champagne area. Cycle along the Marne river to Dormans, a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. During World War I this area was the scene of close battles. The short cycling tour ends in Dormans, where you can join the ship. The longer option ends at the lock of Mont St. Pierre. Today’s destination is Château-Thierry, that owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne. The town was the site of the Battle of 1814 in the Napoleonic Wars between France and Prussia and of 1918 in World War I. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the world-famous writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine.
Enjoy a somewhat challenging cycling tour from Château-Thierry to La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre . The first part of the cycling tour leads you along the Marne river. After a few miles you will take a small side valley and follow country roads through various small villages and hamlets. En route you can visit the large WW1 American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau. Follow the small river Clignon and continue riding uphill until you finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are mainly covered with forest, on the plateau agriculture is predominant. Start your descent to reach La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre in the Marne valley, where you will meet the barge and spend the night.
After breakfast you will start your cycling tour that will lead you over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley through forests and small villages on the southern and northern banks of the river. After just a few miles (uphill !) you will enjoy a very nice presentation and tasting of the famous Brie de Meaux and Brie noir cheeses at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Then you will hop on the bicycles again and you can opt for a longer or shorter ride to Meaux. The short option will lead you over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the southern bank of the river through forests and small villages. The long tour follows a few large curves of the river to Lizy-sur-Ourcq and Trilport. Today’s destination is the city of Meaux, famous for its “Brie de Meaux” cheeses and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. Visit the historical city center of Meaux. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants in town.
Visit the beautiful city center of Meaux. Then you can take your bicycle for a last ride, mainly along the Marne river and its parallel canal. The longer option leads along the Canal de l’Ourq, that was built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and drinking water to Paris. In the afternoon you will meet the barge in Lagny-sur-Marne, an outskirt of Paris, where you will stay for the night.
Today we will bike further along the river Marne. After about 10 km you will pass the castle of Champs-sur Marne. The Château de Champs-sur-Marne is characteristic of the residences of leisure built in the countryside in the 18th century, giving rise to a new style of living. It is one of the most magnificently furnished châteaux in the Ile-de-France. You cycle all the way along the Marne and Seine rivers to the mooring in the heart of Paris.
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.00 a.m.
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.
Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.
Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.
Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
The E-bike is a Flyer Go Tour6 3.40 with Shimano Nexus 5 gears, 5 support modes and hand brakes. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is integrated into the frame. The E-Bike is also equipped with frame and seat suspension.
Bringing your own bike/e-bike is not possible, due to lack of space on deck. Exceptions will be made for special bikes, but only after they have been notified and confirmed in advance.
2026:
Transfer from Paris:
Nearby the docking place of the Clair d'Etoile (Zwaantje) you can take the subway, tram or train to the airports Charles de Gaulle Roissy or Paris Orly.
More information and online route planner:
Transfer from Epernay:
The SNCF train station is approx. 1 km / 0.6 mi. from the docking place of the Clair d'Etoile. From the train station in Epernay you can travel with only one change in approx.. 1 hour and 20 minutes with SNCF to TGV Station Champagne-Ardenne, just a little South of Reims. There is also a good, direct (SNCF) connection to both Reims Centre (23 – 39 minutes) as Paris Gare de l’Est (1 hour and 16 min – 1 hour and 42 min). Plan your route at omio or sncf-connect.
Taxi from Epernay to Reims or the TGV train station:
We can recommend taxi company A’Gil. We strongly recommend you to reserve your taxi in advance, especially with a transfer from Reims or TGV station to Epernay.
Tel.: +33 326 59 01 44 Mobile: +33 6 80 30 55 89
Explore our Loyalty Discount!
After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:
Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!
Ride through Burgundy’s vineyards, Provence’s lavender fields, or along the Seine to Paris and beyond, and discover more tours in France.
| 5 star | 14 (52%) | |
| 4 star | 5 (19%) | |
| 3 star | 7 (26%) | |
| 2 star | 1 (4%) | |
| 1 star | 0 (0%) |
What a great trip! The accommodations were comfortable, the food tasty, the staff skilled and supportive, and the bikes easy to use. Learning about this region in France with its focus on champagne production, World War I history, local agriculture, Van Gogh, and so much more was illuminating. Our bike guides took us on a variety of terrains – from small villages to lots of time in the forest (who knew there were so many trails in the woods near Paris!), by castles and along rivers. The biking distances were comfortable – especially with e-bikes! – and the variety of what we saw and did during the day fun. It was a great trip!
My first barge&bike (ebike) experience…and it was wonderful beyond expectations! Everyone on the staff was terrific – professional, prepared, charming, helpful. A last-minute change of itinerary (departure from Epernay changed to Soissons due to unavoidable issues with the Epernay route) was handled in a timely and transparent manner, and we loved the new itinerary. Bike guides Marcel and Hugo were extremely helpful (especially for this novice e-biker) as we navigated bike paths, villages and city streets; their complementary styles really worked to create a sense of community and friendship. Group singing at the cemetery where Vincent and Theo Van Gogh are buried (thanks, Hugo) and lessons on French music (thanks, Marcel) were a highlight, as were the very moving visits to cemeteries of US soldiers killed in WWI. We visited a number of spectacular chateau — including Pierrefonds, Chantilly, St. Germaine-en-Laye, and the gardens at Versaille. In addition to planned activities (for ex. Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final months), there were spontaneous discoveries like a group of senior hikers in the Forest of St. Germaine with whom we shared conversation and a photo, and the visit to the Hotel de Ville in Compiègne where the town administrator graciously gave us a tour of the building and explained town governance to us. And the champagne…we were not only greeted with a champagne toast as we arrived on the barge but later had a fabulous tour of the Mercier establishment with a tasting, followed by an afternoon exploring the other champagne establishments up and down the Avenue du Champagne. The food was excellent (thanks, Frank) – hearty breakfasts featuring fresh breads, meats and cheeses, yogurt and fruit and granola, hard-boiled eggs (with messages drawn on each one!), and special treats like pancakes, French toast or scrambled eggs; pack your own picnic lunches in re-usable containers; gourmet, multi-course dinners that were prepared in the tiny barge kitchen! The bar service worked very well, allowing guests to purchase bottles of wine and individual drinks and beers, keep a tab and pay in cash at the end (thanks, Milton, for this and for your many attentions to guests’ every need). Captain Marco and assistant Mo made sure there was smooth sailing every day…even in tight quarters. The final afternoon, when we cruised into Paris on the Seine on a warm, sunny day, past the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame was an unforgettable experience. This was my first BoatBike tour…but it definitely won’t be my last!
My husband and I had a wonderful time on the Bike Boat Tour (BBT) to Champagne. Although the route had to be changed due to the unexpected closure of a tunnel on the Marne River, BBT prepared an alternate route that took us to Versailles, Chantilly Castle, Compiègne and Soissons, with a day trip to Hautvillers and Epernay by bus. Our guides Joan and Marcel, and Eric the boat captain were very friendly, knowledgeable and patient. This is our third bike and barge tour and the food prepared by Frank the chef was the best of all the trips!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We re delighted to hear that you and your husband had such a great time on the Champagne tour, even with the unexpected route change. It s fantastic that the alternate itinerary gave you the chance to experience Versailles, Chantilly Castle, Compiègne, Soissons, and of course Hautvillers and Epernay. Your kind words about guides Joan and Marcel, Captain Eric, and Chef Frank mean a lot, we ll be sure to share them with the team. We re especially happy that you found Frank s cooking to be the best of all your bike and barge trips! We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure. Best regards, Team Boat Bike Tours
The guides were very good. We specifically appreciated the routes they chose, maximizing time spent in the woods or on bicycle paths without traffic. The guides were concerned with the safety of the group but were also very fun taking the opportunity to link us up with a group of French hikers for example. The crew was excellent Marco, the captain, Milton,the host, Frank, the chef and Mo! Food was great. Bicycles were my favorite ever.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the carefully chosen routes, the fun and safety-minded guidance, and the warm atmosphere on board. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another Boat Bike Tours adventure in the future. Best regards, Team Boat Bike Tours
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