Reviews

Our group of 8 has just returned from a most memorable boat bike tour aboard the Fleur. Although our original tour through Burgundy was canceled in 2020, the Servicedesk worked overtime to accommodate a rebooking for Paris to Montargis. We found the communication and information pre-trip was prompt and detailed. Once onboard we found the hard-working crew of five under the leadership of Evert personable and efficient. The accommodation was comfortable and spotless, with plenty of cupboard space, good ventilation, and a well-appointed bathroom. The Covid protocols in place organized the eighteen guests in their own bubbles for seated dinner service and assigned specific breakfast times for an assisted service buffet. We appreciated the water and coffee dispensing machines, as well as the quantity and variety of snacks. The varied and delicious food was expertly prepared and presented by Loek, with a good selection of beer and wine available in a self-serve bar. Each guest kept their own tab with the total in Euros due at the end of the week. Although we thought we would be supplying our own wine and paying a corkage fee, we found the quality of wine by bottles or glass to be enjoyable, with the cost of alcohol averaging about 25 Euros per day (we drank way too much…) Now for the piéce de resistance, the cycling! We loved the daily routes through the French countryside and were impressed with the numerous tours, including Fontainebleau, the sculpture garden Jardin Bourdelle, and the Living Museum of Beekeeping. The terrain was moderate with the wind sometimes playing a role in the effort required to cycle the 40 to 50 km per day. Andre, our guide, was entertaining, informative, and encouraging. He scheduled timely breaks and was sensitive to the group’s pace. We thought that we would be cycling independently using the Ride with GPS app, but elected to remain with the group as we enjoyed Andre’s local knowledge, humour, and route variations. This tour left us wanting more, and we hope to return soon! Many thanks to Evert, Adwin, Loek, Sara, and Andre for making our stay extraordinary.

I had high expectations from the info published and my pre-trip research. I was not disappointed from the cute and comfortable barge, condition of the bikes, dinner meals and variety of drinks. Our tour leader, Tamy was the best accessing our fitness levels and interest in our cultural stops. I thought the amount and distance spent on our bikes was perfect for an active vacation. After dinner as an option, we took an informative walk into the village making every day enjoyable. The Captain of the Fleur was very personable and interacted with us each evening. If one could not ride for a day, you were welcomed to sail the canals without malice. The barge was spic and span and the chef presented gourmet type food. I’m sure I will try another trip in the future with Bike/Barge—good value and great fun

Exceeded my every expectation. Phenomenal guides. Phenomenal food. Phenomenal service. Perfect location and great adventures along the way.

We have taken 4 trips with various companies and this trip was by far the most professional and enjoyable. Steffie the owner and chef is not only a superior chef but manages the ship. Our guides were top notch—-Junqa and Juvanika ( sp?). Great sites and rides. bikes were terrific, food exceptional and service of staff over the top!

We really enjoy the barge and bike experience. This is the second trip we’ve taken with Boat Bike Tours, and we will probably go again in future.We enjoy biking in Europe, but prefer something a little less intense and without the hassle of moving hotel rooms every day. The barge is clean, well-maintained and well-run. The guides were outstanding (I don’t say this lightly). They really went out of their way to make the trip fun, safe and memorable. Food (breakfast, dinner and self-packed lunch) were good. The bicycles are well-maintained and we had no maintenance issues. Each day’s trip itinerary is well-planned and explained in advance. On a trip like this, you see many interesting sites that you are unlikely to find on your own. Thank you to the captain and staff of the Fleur for a very memorable experience.

First-time “barge and bike” style of adventure. The crew and meals were exceptional. The cabins were clean and efficient. Nice to have private shower, toilet, and sink. Our guides were very good. Bikes worked well, but as an experienced cyclist, I was disappointed at not being allowed to bring my own pedals and clip-in shoes. As a result, the shoes I hoped would be adequate were barely that, and I had some unexpected pain in my feet and ankles until I got better at foot positioning. I would not do another trip without my own pedals. Based on this trip, I intend to try a future trip that allows for bringing own pedals, and provides maps and recommended sights/stops for each day so that we might do 45km in less than seven hours. Ugh.

The owners/captains of the barge were friendly and attentive as was the staff. Especially generous was that water and ice were available on the barge for no extra charge. The accommodations on the barge were very comfortable. Our bike guides were very good and made sure that we were all fitted to our bikes and our needs were met. Our cook made great meals. On our trip we experienced the heat wave and the air conditioning on the barge was welcomed!

Everything about our Boat Bike tour was wonderful – except the heat which is beyond anyone’s control! Steph and Evert have done an exceptional job covering every detail and still making everyone feel they are part of a big family. The rooms were a decent size and the staff was top notch. We are really missing the water and coffee machines! The food was delicious and the chef, Camillo, was perfect in his abilities and his humility. I am so glad I recorded some of his presentations. Our guides were very knowledgeable and aware of everyone’s abilities while being comfortable and easy to talk to. We highly recommend the Fleur!

We went on the trip from Montargis to Paris and were very pleased. The biking was well planned and the side trips were interesting. We thought the food was very good and the accommodations, although tight were comfortable and there was plenty of room to unpack and put your suitcase under the bed. We really liked the relaxed atmosphere on board. The guides were so friendly and accommodating and kept everybody’s safety and comfort in mind. We are already looking into doing another one.

This was our tenth boat and bike trip in Europe and without doubt one of the best. On this occasion we travelled from Montargis to Paris on the Fleur. It is an excellent boat with comfortable air-conditioned cabins and nicely appointed lounge and dining areas. During mid-summer the advantage of having an air-conditioned cabin should not underestimated. On this trip the crew and guides were outstanding. Meals were imaginative anjd delicious reflecting the cuisine of the region we travelled through. The crew and guides dealt with the inevitable challenges that occur during a tour (eg a passenger experiencing a serious injury) in a professional and supportive manner. In fact, they went well beyond what might have been expected. There was an excellent rapport between crew, guides and passengers making this an outstanding trip in every respect.