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France: Northern Burgundy, Auxerre/Sens – Moret sur Loing or vv Premium

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The land of good living

Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1
Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
time
8 days
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance
Guided cycling

There is a very good reason why Northern Burgundy is referred to as “The Land of Good Living”, and if nothing else, once you complete this memorable boat and barge tour, we hope you understand why. If you’ve never seen Northern Burgundy you are in for a sensual overload of beautiful countryside, ancient medieval villages, serene, meandering rivers and of course, some of the best wines, cheeses and ciders the world you will have ever tasted! Burgundy is known throughout the world for its laid-back pace of life, friendliness and […]

From €1799 p.p.

Bike through beautiful countryside

Art and culture in Sens and Auxerre

Enjoy great Burgundy wines

Premium Barges with max. 24 passengers

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France: Northern Burgundy, Auxerre/Sens – Moret sur Loing or vv Premium
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About this tour

There is a very good reason why Northern Burgundy is referred to as “The Land of Good Living”, and if nothing else, once you complete this memorable boat and barge tour, we hope you understand why.

If you’ve never seen Northern Burgundy you are in for a sensual overload of beautiful countryside, ancient medieval villages, serene, meandering rivers and of course, some of the best wines, cheeses and ciders the world you will have ever tasted!

Burgundy is known throughout the world for its laid-back pace of life, friendliness and mild climate. Both the cultural experiences of visiting wonders such as the gothic cathedral of Sens or the cities of art and culture of Auxerre and Joigny, and the biking itself which alternates between easy stretches of free-wheeling alongside the river Yonne and more challenging uphill sections that lead to spectacular views, will leave you feeling enriched, enlightened and recharged.

Please note: Due to changed nautical infrastructure (especially locks and weirs) in a part of the Yonne River, it is unfortunately no longer possible for the Fleur, due to her greater draught, to sail to Auxerre anymore. The ship will sail between Moret-sur-Loing and Sens, see the day to day program.

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. E-bikes are available for rent, this tour will be offered as an E-bike only tour.

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. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

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Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

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Claire d'Etoile (Zwaantje): Day to day program Auxerre - Moret-sur-Loing

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Day 1: Auxerre

Our epic tour of Burgundy begins with embarkation and check-in at 2pm. Your captain, crew and tour leader will give you a warm welcome followed by a bike fitting. After a delicious dinner onboard, there is ample time to take a starlit stroll through the beautiful river town of Auxerre with her majestic church spires, streets lined with 16th century timber houses and cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a true masterpiece of Gothic art.

Day 2: Auxerre (29 km/18 mi or 44 km/27 mi)

Today you have the option to either stay, relax and take in more of the sights of Auxerre, or begin your cycling adventure with your guide leading you along the Yonne river en route to “Caves be Bailly”. This vineyard is famous for its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and limestone caves. The nearby vineyards of St Bris and Irancy are also well worth a visit, as are the paintings of George Hosotte in the Chapelle de Bailly.

Day 3: Auxerre – Joigny (28 km/18 mi or 43 km/26 mi)

Today we strike out north, cycling through the Yonne river valley toward Joigny. If you choose the longer cycling route, you’ll get to see the charming countryside of Brienon-sur Armencon.  The shorter option will follow the beautiful river Yonne. In Migennes where the Burgundy canal crosses the river Yonne and where you’ll rejoin your ship for a relaxed afternoon sail to Joigny, a picturesque little town that has a long and storied wine history as well as several historical monuments, ancient churches and townhouses with carved renaissance facades from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Day 4: Joigny – Villeneuve-sur-Yonne (21 km/14 mi or 42 km/26 mi)

What better way to start the day than with a loop through the local vineyards for a tasting of some of Burgundy’s authentic local wines? You’ll return to Joigny for lunch, after which you get back in the saddle for an afternoon ride to the town of Saint-Julien-du-Sault where you can visit the 13th century Saint-Pierre church with its magnificent stained-glass windows. We dock for the night in the lovely, lesser-known French town of Villeneuve where you are free to explore the medieval gate towers and romantic string of gardens as the sun sets over the countryside.

Day 5: Villeneuve-sur-Yonne – Sens (28 km/18 mi or 52 km/33 mi)

Day five also offers two cycling options – the short option follows the river Yonne, while the longer option takes you into the hills for a rewarding taste of the fine cider produced at the museum ‘de Pomme et de cidre’. Our next stop is Sens, one of the oldest towns in France. The Cathedral of St. Etienne is the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France and served as an inspiration for many other buildings (guided tour on the next day).  There will be plenty of time to shop, stroll through the marketplace or wander around town to acquaint yourself with the many restaurants Sens has to offer as today there is no dinner onboard.

Day 6: Sens – Pont-sur-Yonne (20 km/13 mi or 42 km/26 mi)

Before we start cycling we will spent some time in Sens. Here you’ll visit the first of the greater gothic cathedrals in France, Cathedral Saint-Etienne with a local guide.
If you decide to brave the longer cycle route, it leads through the beautiful valley of the Oreuse. However, the shorter option affords you more time to explore Sens at your leisure before you cycle through to Pont-sur-Yonne, a charming riverside town.

Day 7: Pont-sur-Yonne – Vinneuf | Vinneuf – Moret (35 km/21 mi or 40 km/24 mi)

On our final day’s biking, you’ll venture away from the river for a ride through a forest. A short visit to an ostrich farm is on the program. The final stretch brings us to Moret-sur-Loing, a quaint medieval town known for its simple charm. The famous painter Sisley once found inspiration here. Explore its historic streets and the 12th-century Church of Notre-Dame – a pleasant ending to our cycling journey.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing

You bid your captain, crew, tour guide and fellow passengers a fond farewell as we enjoy one last breakfast together while disembarkation continues until 9:30am.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Claire d'Etoile (Zwaantje): Day to day program Moret-sur-Loing - Auxerre

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Day 1: Moret-sur-Loing

The first day of your tour begins with embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. After a warm welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader, you’ll be fitted with a bike for the tour. Dinner will be served onboard, after which you can enjoy a moonlit stroll through Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town, situated on the banks of the Loing, where the painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful impressionist paintings.

Day 2: Moret – Montereau – Pont sur Yonne (37/21 mi or 41 km/24 mi)

Day two begins with a leisurely breakfast while sailing to the town of Montereau-fault-Yonne, situated at the confluence of the Yonne and the Seine rivers. In Montereau you’ll have an opportunity to take a look at the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Loup collegiate church. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this church has been officially classified as a Historic Monument.

From Montereau you will bike to Montmachoux where you will visit an ostrich farm. Destination for today is Pont-sur-Yonne, a quaint, friendly town where we will dock for the night.

Day 3: Pont sur Yonne – Sens (20 km/13 mi or 42 km/26 mi)

Today you have the option to follow the river valley to the town of Sens or take a longer ride into the countryside. Sens is one of the oldest towns in France, here you’ll visit the first of the greater gothic cathedrals in France, Cathedral Saint-Etienne. There will be plenty of time afterward to shop, stroll through the marketplace or wander around town.

Near the town you’ll find the 10-hectare Parc du moulin a Tan, through which the Vanne and the Lingue run. The Parc du moulin a Tan is a precursor of the town’s project for a green belt, which should ultimately go right around Sens. It’s named after an obscure type of mill that dates back to 1887 and was used to grind oak bark to make tanbark, a powder used in leather tanning. The Parc du moulin a Tan includes a rose garden, an animal enclosure, an arboretum, and a playground. Today there is no dinner on board, so you are free to choose one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Day 4: Sens – Villeneuve sur Yonne (28 km/18 mi or 52 km/33 mi)

Once more, your day begins with two cycling options. The shorter one stays closer to the river, where the longer one takes you through the hills to the museum ‘de Pomme et de cidre’ where you’ll be rewarded with a taste of the fine cider they produce here. We dock for the night in the lovely, lesser-known French town of Villeneuve where you are free to explore the medieval gate towers and romantic string of gardens as the sun sets over the countryside.

Day 5: Villeneuve sur Yonne – Joigny (23 km/15 mi or 47 km/29 mi)

Today you’ll start the morning with a beautiful bike tour along the river to the town of Saint-Julien-du-Sault where you can visit the 13th century Saint-Pierre church with its magnificent stained-glass windows. You’ll then continue to Joigny where you’ll follow a lazy loop through the local vineyards in the afternoon sunshine. Then (one of the highlights of the tour for wine-lovers!) the tour leader will will take you for a tasting of some authentic local Burgundy wines.

Joigny, a picturesque little town with a very long and successful wine history, has several sights worth visiting, including numerous historical monuments, unique townhouses from the 16th-17th centuries, with carved renaissance facades, and ancient churches.

Day 6: Joigny – Auxerre (25 km/16 mi or 38 km/23 mi)

Another leisurely breakfast aboard as we sail to Migennes at the junction of the Burgundy canal, once a center of shipping industry. You’ll hop back on your bike at Migennes to follow the beautiful river Yonne again while you head south to Auxerre with her majestic church spires, streets lined with 16th century timber houses and cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a true masterpiece of Gothic art. You can also stroll along the old port or visit the 15th century clock tower.

Day 7: Auxerre (30 km/18 mi or 42 km/26 mi)

On day seven of your tour, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to spend your day. If you’d like to spend a lazy day strolling around Auxerre, feel free to enjoy this beautiful city however you choose!

If you’re itching to get back in the saddle, then explore the area of Auxerre together with your guide. Cycle along the Yonne to visit ‘Caves be Bailly’, a vineyard is famous for its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and limestone caves. The nearby vineyards of St Bris and Irancy are also well worth a visit, as are the paintings of George Hosotte in the Chapelle de Bailly.

Day 8: Auxerre

The final day of this memorable trip begins with a farewell breakfast onboard after which disembarkation continues until 9:30am.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Fleur: Day to day program Moret-sur-Loing - Sens

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Day 1: Arrival in Moret-sur-Loing – Melun

Welcome to your boat and bike tour adventure! Check-in begins in the afternoon, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and crew. Enjoy a warm welcome aboard, and we start with the bike fitting and test ride to ensure everything is perfect for the days ahead. The ship departs to Melun in the late afternoon, and a welcome drink will be served before dinner. After dinner, the tour leader will give an overview of the week to come, followed by an evening walk in Melun.

Day 2: Melun (38 km/23.6 mi.)

Today you will cycle through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. First destination is the city of Fontainebleau, with its magnificent palace, much in favor among the French kings, because of the extensive possibilities to hunt in the surrounding forests. The castle houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon. Fontainebleau is also a pleasant town to walk around or to shop. After this, you will continue to the artistic village of Barbizon, where since the first half of the 19th century many painters have found inspiration. A group of landscape painters founded the “Barbizon School”. You can visit the local museum. Final destination of your bicycle tour is Melun, a town which is known as “le domaine des reines blanches”, because in former years it used to be the domain of the widows of the French kings.

Day 3: Melun to Moret-sur-Loing (40 km)

After breakfast, you start your bike tour through the forest of Fontainebleau to the picturesque village of Bourron-Marlotte to visit the historic town hall. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Bourron-Marlotte or nearby Grez. Then you will continue the bike tour to Moret-sur-Loing where the ship is docked. Dinner is served onboard, followed by a briefing.

Day 4: Moret – Montereau | Montereau –  Pont-sur-Yonne (37-41 km/23-25.4 mi.)

The ship departs early for Montereau. Breakfast is served onboard, and guests are dropped off in Montereau to start their bike ride. A visit to an ostrich farm in Montmachoux is included. Destination for today is Pont-sur-Yonne, a quaint, friendly town where we will dock for the night. Dinner is onboard, followed by a tour briefing and evening walk.

Day 5: Pont-sur-Yonne – Sens (33-42 km/20.5-26 mi.)

Today you have the option to follow the river valley to the town of Sens or take a longer ride into the countryside. Sens is one of the oldest towns in France, here you’ll visit the first of the greater gothic cathedrals in France, Cathedral Saint-Etienne. There will be plenty of time afterward to shop, stroll through the marketplace or wander around town.
Near the town you’ll find the 10-hectare Parc du moulin a Tan, through which the Vanne and the Lingue run. The Parc du moulin a Tan is a precursor of the town’s project for a green belt, which should ultimately go right around Sens. It’s named after an obscure type of mill that dates back to 1887 and was used to grind oak bark to make tanbark, a powder used in leather tanning. The Parc du moulin a Tan includes a rose garden, an animal enclosure, an arboretum, and a playground. Today there is no dinner on board, so you are free to choose one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Day 6: Sens – Chablis Excursion

Enjoy breakfast onboard. Today is a special bus excursion day to Chablis, departing in the morning. Discover Chablis, known for its crisp and elegant white wines, with a wine-tasting experience. Return to Sens for dinner, followed by a tour briefing.

Day 7: Sens (25 km/15.5 mi.)

After breakfast, today’s bicycle tour begins. Along the way, you will visit Domaine des Senons winery. Dinner will be served on board.

Day 8: Sens

Your wonderful journey concludes today. After a final breakfast check out is at 09:30. We hope you’ve enjoyed your boat bike tour and look forward to welcoming you back on another tour soon!

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

Fleur: Day to day program Sens - Moret-sur-Loing

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).

Day 1: Arrival in Sens

Welcome to your boat and bike tour adventure! Check-in begins in the afternoon, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and crew. Enjoy a warm welcome aboard and we start with a bike fitting and test ride to ensure everything is perfect for the days ahead. Join us for a welcome drink before dinner. After dinner, the tour leader will give an overview of the week to come.

Day 2: Sens (30-55 km/18.6-34.2 mi.)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast. You can choose between two routes. The bike tour will take you through beautiful vineyards and include a visit to a local wine producer, Thomas. At the end of the day there is still some time to explore Sens, one of the oldest towns in France. The Cathedral of St. Etienne is the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France and served as an inspiration for many other buildings (guided tour on the next day). There will be plenty of time to shop, stroll through the marketplace or wander around town.

Day 3: Sens – Chablis Excursion

Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast. Today is a special bus excursion day. You’ll depart for Chablis, where you’ll experience the renowned wine region up close. Discover Chablis, known for its crisp and elegant white wines. Explore the vineyards and charming villages, and enjoy a wine tasting experience. After you will head back to the ship in Sens for a tasty dinner and a quick tour briefing.

Day 4: Sens – Pont-sur-Yonne (20-42 km/12.4-26 mi.)

Before we start cycling we will spent a little more time in Sens. Here you’ll visit the first of the greater gothic cathedrals in France, Cathedral Saint-Etienne with a local guide. If you decide to brave the longer cycle route, it leads through the beautiful valley of the Oreuse. However, the shorter option affords you more time to explore Sens at your leisure before you cycle through to Pont-sur-Yonne, a charming riverside town.

Day 5: Pont-sur-Yonne – Vinneuf | Vinneuf – Moret-sur-Loing (35-40 km/21.7-24.9 mi.)

The ship cruises to Vinneuf early in the morning. After breakfast, you’ll venture away from the river for a ride through a forest. A short visit to an ostrich farm is on the program. The final stretch of today brings us to Moret-sur-Loing, a quaint medieval town known for its simple charm. The famous painter Sisley once found inspiration here. Explore its historic streets and the 12th-century Church of Notre-Dame. Today there is no dinner on board, so you are free to choose one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Day 6: Moret-sur-Loing – Melun (40 km/24.9 mi.)

After breakfast, you’ll start the bike ride through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. Your first destination is the city of Fontainebleau, with its magnificent palace favored by French kings for hunting in the surrounding forests. The palace also houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon. Fontainebleau is a pleasant town for walking and shopping. Next, you’ll cycle to the artistic village of Barbizon, where many painters have found inspiration since the 19th century. Visit the local museum dedicated to the Barbizon School of landscape painters. The final stop on your bike tour is Melun, known as “le domaine des reines blanches” for being the domain of the widows of French kings.

Day 7: Melun – Moret-sur-Loing (33-51 km/20.5-31.7 mi.)

The ship departs early, arriving in Moret-sur-Loing by mid-morning. After breakfast, you start your bike tour to the picturesque village of Bourron-Marlotte to visit the historic town hall. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Bourron-Marlotte or nearby Grez. By mid-afternoon, you will return to Moret-sur-Loing. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be served on board, with the captain joining you for a toast.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing

Your wonderful journey concludes today. After a final breakfast, check out is at 09:30.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

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.

Cyclists in a green landscape

E-bikes

Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. 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 special anti-puncture tires.

Taking your own bicycle

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.

Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.

Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2025
Cabin type For July All other departures
Twin cabin 2 pers. € 1799 € 1899 Single use of cabin (on request, max. 1) 1 pers. € 2698.50 € 2848.50

Prices incl. VAT

Tour dates 2025, departures on Tuesday:

Claire d’Etoile (former Zwaantje):

  • Moret-sur-Loing – Auxerre: departure on May 27; June 10 and 24; July 8
  • Auxerre – Moret-sur-Loing: departure on June 3 and 17; July 1 and 15

 

Fleur:

  • Moret-sur-Loing – Sens: departure on August 26; Sept. 9
  • Sens – Moret-sur-Loing: departure on Sept. 2 and 16
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Fully guided cycling tours (from 18 guest: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
  • Some short walking tours
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a helmet
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Fees for ferries
  • Zwaantje: Entrance Apiculture’s Living Museum
  • Visit cathedral Sens
  • Zwaantje: Winetasting Bailly
  • Fleur: Bus excursion + winetasting Chablis
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • 1 x dinner in Sens or Moret-sur-Loing
  • Drinks
  • E-Bike rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Additional options & information - 2025

2025:

  • Rental E-Bike Premium: €266 per period
  • Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike on these ships, due to a lack of space on deck.

 

How to get there

  • Transfer between Paris and Moret: There is a continuous train service between Paris (Gare de Lyon) and Moret – Veneux-les-Sablons . Trains depart regularly and the trip takes approx. 45 min. From the Gare de Lyon in Paris, a bus service is available every 30 minutes, Le Bus Direct nr. 4 (shuttle) to the airport Charles de Gaulle, which will bring you there in approx. 50 minutes.
  • Transfer between Paris and Auxerre/Sens: There is a continuous train service between Paris (Gare de Lyon) and Auxerre/Sens. Trains depart regularly and the trip takes approx. 2,5 hours.  From the Gare de Lyon (close to Bercy) in Paris, a bus service is available every 30 minutes, Le Bus Direct nr. 4 (shuttle) to the airport Charles de Gaulle, which will bring you there in approx. 50 minutes.
  • Please visit one of the following websites for timetables, tickets or more information www.sncf.com,  www.omio.com or www.trainline.com.
Loyalty discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

  • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
  • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
  • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2025.

 

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!

Reviews

based on 33 reviews on
28 Aug 2024

Great experience overall. Already thinking about our next tour.

Mary Jeske

The guides were terrific: knowledgeable, friendly, and always available and helpful. The cycling and included planned activities were great. Cabins were small, but cleaned daily, and the entire crew was always friendly, helpful and professional. Meals on board were very good, and always plentiful food provided for packed lunches.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 11 Sep 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback. We are very thrilled you enjoyed the guided tour, the crew and the ship. Kind regards Boat Bike Tours

25 Aug 2024

Well cared for.

Howard Reynolds

Every detail was executed with thoroughness and care. The bedrooms are cramped due to the nature of the barge. Some means to dry clothes in the event of serous rain would be very helpful. The dinners were exceptional in presentation and flavor but the helpings were often too large. Diners could be given the option of smaller helpings. The biking would be safer and easier with rearview mirrors and thrusters to assist the heavy bikes get underway from a dead stop.

23 Aug 2024

The People, the people, the people.

Toni

People! People! People. The crew were fabulous, efficient and effective. The guides, brilliant. They were well informed and made a huge effort to ensure every guest had a wonderful experience. The Zwaantje was a lovely vessel, comfortable and well equipped.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 11 Sep 2024

Thank you for your lovely feedback about the crew and the boat. We are very happy you enjoyed your trip. Kind regards Boat Bike Tours

20 Aug 2024

(Aug 2024) I just finished the…

Brian Boyter

(Aug 2024) I just finished the boat-bike trip in Burgundy France. The boat was clean-as-a-whistle. Breakfast was the standard continental fare. Lunch was make-your-own sandwich. But dinners were surprisingly nice. The guides were excellent. The company had to make last minute adjustments to the itinerary and they handled it artfully. Since this was a boat-bike tour (not my first) I assumed we would be traveling on trails next to the river – I was wrong. The bike routes were no where near the river and very hilly. This is the first time I rented an ebike and I’m glad I did.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 13 Sep 2024

Thank you for your feedback! We're pleased to hear you enjoyed the boat, the dinners, and the guides. We appreciate your comments on the bike routes and are glad the e-bike worked out well for you. Kind regards Boat Bike Tours

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Available ships for this tour

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Fleur

The Fleur started cruising in 2002. This tasteful passenger barge with her sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks, sluices and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. But don’t let her size fool you! The Fleur can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in the 10 comfortable cabins on the lower deck, each with private sanitary facilities, central heating and air-conditioning. On the upper deck there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area and bar, and outside a half-covered sun deck. Wonderful for a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine.

Visit this ships page
Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
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More info

Clair d’Etoile (former Zwaantje)

The Clair d’Etoile (former Zwaantje), is the classic ship of owner Marco Pouw. On the lower deck are 12 cabins: 10 twins and 2 doubles. All with a bathroom, a window (can open only in the double cabins) and individual air conditioning. On the main deck you can have a seat and a refreshing drink in the lounge corner of the cozy salon with its large panoramic windows. Or enjoy your breakfast and delicious three course dinner in the adjacent restaurant area. And with a little bit of sunshine you should take a seat on the sun deck.

Visit this ships page

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France: Northern Burgundy, Auxerre/Sens – Moret sur Loing or vv Premium

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