Cycling holiday the backyard of Paris to the Loire | Moret - Briare

The backyard of Paris to the Loire

Cycling in the royal garden of France

À partir de € 1.595,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Tuesday to Tuesday
  • 50 km average per day
  • Start Moret-sur-Loing Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport
  • Finish Briare Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport
Highlights
  • Gardens of Fontainebleau palace
  • Famous painter villages and castles in the heart of France
  • Ride along the Loire River
  • Sancerre and its Sancerre wines
Characteristics
  • Guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 2

    Distance: 40-60 km average per day. Altitude: 100-500 hm average per day. Not too steep and not too long slopes on not very difficult terrain. 
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Cycling in the royal garden of France

This week-long bike & barge holiday begins in the beautiful town of Moret-sur-Loing, south of Paris, and ends in Briare on the Loire River. The tour offers a combination of history, culture, nature, and pleasant rides in a diverse landscape. You'll cycle through a historically significant part of France and visit the beautiful gardens (and if possible, the Palace) of Fontainebleau and the vast forest. The tour is not only historically interesting but also culturally interesting.

The route takes you through famous painters' villages such as Moret-sur-Loing, where Alfred Sisley lived and painted. You'll cycle primarily through gently rolling countryside with occasional steeper climbs.

The average daily distance is 40 to 50 km. Moret-sur-Loing and Briare have good train connections to Paris.

Daily Program

  • Journée 1 Moret-sur-Loing embarkation

    The barge is moored in Moret-sur-Loing, near Paris. Moret-sur-Loing is a small medieval town famous for the Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, who lived and painted there at the end of the 19th century. You will be arriving at our barge on Tuesday/Thursday between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. Upon arrival, you can settle in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This is also a good opportunity to meet the tour leader, skipper, crew, and, of course, your fellow passengers. During dinner on board the boat, the program for the next day, the general weekly schedule, cycling instructions, and safety procedures will be discussed. After dinner, the tour leader will take you on a short bike ride through the village.

    Please note: this tour will depart on Tuesday until departure date July 20. From departure date July 29 until the end of the season, this tour departs on Thursday. 

  • Journée 2 Moret-sur-Loing - Fontainebleau - Nemours | 48 km

    If you didn't do so yesterday, take some time early this morning to stroll through the city and explore the impressive city gates, the keep, and the cathedral. Our first real bike ride of the week takes us through the gardens and Palace of Fontainebleau to the lively town of Nemours with its 12th-century castle. In Fontainebleau, we'll allow plenty of time for you to visit these gardens. During the ride through the Fontainebleau Forest, you'll see many ancient rocks and stones with surprising shapes. After Fontainebleau, we'll return to the Loing River and take a leisurely bike ride to our destination, Nemours, where the Clair de Lune awaits us.

  • Journée 3 Nemours - Montargis | 50 km

    This day takes us along country roads, slightly off the river, from Nemours to the charming old town of Montargis. Almost halfway, you'll reach the small town of Château-Landon, perched on a hilltop overlooking the river and the Loing Canal. A perfect spot for a lunch break. After a stop here, we'll visit the archaeological site of Aquae Segetae. In Roman times, this was a vast complex of thermal baths and temples. It was built on an even older Celtic sanctuary. After this fascinating piece of history, we'll drive back down the hills to Montargis on the Loing River.

  • Journée 4 Montargis - Chatillon-Coligny | 50 km

    Today's bike ride begins with a beautiful route to Château Renard, with its medieval castle where even Joan of Arc spent two nights. Château Renard boasts many charming streets and Tudor-style houses and is a lovely stop for coffee or lunch. After this pleasant stop, we cycle along country lanes to Montcresson on the Loing River and along the river to our destination for today: Châtillon-Coligny on the Briare Canal.

  • Journée 5 Chatillon - Rogny-les-sept-Écluses | 40 km

    Today's bike ride takes you to the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its historic seven locks. Along the way, you'll cycle inland through a diverse landscape and small villages. Unfortunately, there aren't many places for a coffee or lunch break, but there are plenty of lovely spots to enjoy your packed lunch.
    Before reboarding the Clair de Lune, take plenty of time to admire the fascinating lock system of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses.

  • Journée 6 Rogny-les-sept-Écluses - Briare | 41 km

    After breakfast, you'll set off on your bike for the stage to Briare on the Loire. First, you'll cycle through the lake region of Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before arriving at the 17th-century Château de Bussiere. After a visit and lunch, you'll descend to the slightly larger town of Gien on the Loire. Naturally, this small town also boasts a castle that dominates the cityscape. Cycling along the Loire, you'll eventually reach your final destination: Briare. Take time to visit the famous and magnificent aqueduct over the Loire in Briare. Briare was once home to many ceramics, and you might want to visit the so-called "Tile Hill" where old, discarded ceramics were dumped.

  • Journée 7 Briare, visit Sancerre | 49 km

    To visit the town of Sancerre, home of the famous white wine, we will take our bikes on the train. In the town you can visit the Maison de Sancerre where you can learn all about the different types of Sancerre wine. After this fascinating visit you will cycle back to Briare along a beautiful route on the signposted Loire Vélo trail. A worthy end to your cycling adventure in the heart of France.

  • Journée 8 Briare, end of the tour after breakfast

    The tour ends after breakfast: debarkation before 10 AM.

Cycling in France

Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the country. The average daily distance is around 50 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Gps-tracks can be provided by e-mail.

1 km= 0,62 miles

All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Moret-sur-Loing
Nemours
Grapes
Clair de Lune
Rogny-les-sept-Ecluses
Sancerre
Briare, aqueduct
Briare
Frankrijk

What else do you need to know?

To see the prices for 2027, select a date and click 'Book'.

Included

  • All nights on board  (8 days / 7 nights),  cabin in the booked category;
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x self-made picnic lunch for bike tours, 7 x three course dinner)
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Coffee, tea and biscuits on board
  • Afternoon snack
  • Tourguide, cycles with the group
  • Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)
  • Tour information, 1x per cabin
  • Travel documents + navigation app incl. GPS-tracks
  • Ferry fares on the route

Not Included

  • Reservation costs
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Bicycle rent
  • Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 25,- per tour
  • Other drinks on board (payment on board)
  • Personal insurance

Special details

  • This tour is operated by Cycletours
  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions.
  • Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the route/program may be changed without notice.
  • We do not allow private e-bikes on board (due to safetly regulations).
  • It is not possible to bring your own regular bike, the storage capacity won't allow this.
  • If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but at the latest until 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus. In case of Celiac; gluten free diet; lactose free diet; vegan meals there is an additional charge of € 100, – per week and € 150,- per diet/ per person/per week when ordering on spot.
  • Cycletours Holidays reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.

Info

You are expected at the barge on Tuesday/Thursday afternoon, between 2 and 3 PM. You can bring your luggage earlier to the barge, but not before 11.30 AM. We are busy cleaning the barge, but we can provide you with suggestions to have a nice walk into town.

The mooring place of the barge in Moret-Loing et Orvanne is Quai du Loing (at the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons side).

Airport

The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) By train it is about 2 hours to the railway station in Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons or to the railway station in Saint-Mammès. Walking distance from the train station to the barge is about 30 minutes. 

Train

There are two train stations near the embarkation point of the barge (about 2 km): in Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons and in Saint-Mammès. Walking distance from the train station to the barge is about 30 minutes.
By taxi it is about 10 minutes.

Car

Should you arrive by car, we strongly advise to arrive earlier to unload your luggage. There is a car parking near both train stations

End of the tour

The tour ends one week later in Briare on Tuesday morning after breakfast at 10 AM. You will spend the night from Monday to Tuesday on board in Briare. The mooring place of the barge in Briare: in the Canal Lateral á la Loire, at the Rue du Pont Canal

Our barge, your hotel

Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.

What are the cabins like?

Most cabins are 2-person cabins (twin or double beds), but some barges also have single and triple cabins. All cabins have central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 220 voltage. Some barges have airconditioning. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.

The team, hospitality comes first

The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (Dutch/English, some speak German and/or French).

The meals

Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but at the latest until 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
In case of Celiac; gluten free diet; lactose free diet; vegan meals there is an additional charge.

You and the group, new friends from around the world!

One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 17 people.