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Paris and The Seine by Bike & Barge
Guided Tour 8 Days / 7 Nights
From the famous landmarks of Paris, follow the Seine south to a region rich in royal history. The palace of Fontainebleau is a magnificent example of this past. Just as impressive are the royal gardens that are perfectly symmetrical, designed by the royal architects of the French kings. Continue cruising and biking the forests of Fontainebleau heading for the artists’ village of Barbizon. The area has been immortalised by French painters in the early 19th century.
Continue along the Seine to Moret-sur-Loing, a cosy village on the banks of the Loing. From there follow the Canal du Centre to the beautiful medieval towns of Ferrieres and Chateau-Landon. Your final destination is Montargis, a picturesque town with pretty flower lined canals.
Experience great royal grandeur and rural rustic charm on this delightful Bike & Barge tour.
Your JourneyDay 1 Paris – Evry by barge Arrival in Paris and board your vessel ‘Fleur’ from 1.00 pm, moored in the centre of the city, not far from the Notre Dame. Late afternoon enjoy a cruise along the Seine River to Evry where you will spend the night. After dinner on board, you will have a briefing about your barge, bikes and the tour programme. Day 2 Evry – Melun. Cycling (30km): After breakfast the bike tour starts from the lock of Evry and follows the banks of the river. Stop at the typical French market of Corbeil-Essonnes. Final destination of your bike 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. After dinner join a walk in the town. Day 3 Melun – Mort-sur-Loing Cycling (40km): Todays bike through the wonderful forests of Fontainebleau. First destination is the artistic village of Barbizon, where during the first half of the 19th century, many artists found inspiration. You can visit the local museum then continue to the palace of Fontainebleau, highly favoured by the French kings for the hunting grounds. Day 4 Moret-sur-Loing - Nemours Cycle (38-49km): Overnight in the valley of the Loing and visit Grez-sur-Loing where many artists lived in the early 20th century. In the town hall of Bourron-Marlotte you can admire magnificent impressionist paintings. Meet the barge again in Nemours. You can visit the castle, ca 1120 AD, which is now a prehistoric museum of the Ile-de-France region. Day 5 Nemours - Neronville Cycle (35Km): Breakfast while the vessel cruises. Today bike through a wooded area with rugged rocks. Before lunch visit the sculptured garden Jardin Bourdelle, Visit Egreville village, famous for its markets and fairs. Final destination is Neronville. Day 6 Neronville - Montargis Cycling (31 - 55km): Today cycle to Chateau Landon where we visit the Abbey of St Severin which dates from the 13th century. Further on is the medieval town of Ferrieres with its old town centre, which as been well preserved. Find a splendid monastery amongst the narrow streets. Final destination is Montargis the biggest town of Loiret after Orleans. Day 7 Montargis . Cycling (45km) From Montargis bike along the l'Ouanne to Chateau-Renard, where we can visit the ruins of a castle from the 10th century. Also visit Apiculture's Living Museum where beekeepers and their bees are at work. Day 8 Arrangements end in Montargis after breakfast. Every alternate week the trip operates in the opposite direction i.e. Montargis - Paris. TerrainEasy cycling on quiet roads and cycle paths. |
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