The Oise and Seine by bike and boat, Paris Versailles and Fontainebleau

Versailles, Fontainebleau and Paris along the Oise and Seine rivers by bike 

This "Seine by Bike and Boat" program was designed around the Seine and its tributaries, the Oise and the Loing. It offers the opportunity to explore a lush countryside, charming villages that have inspired great artists (Alfred Sisley, Van Gogh...), and illustrious heritage sites:

• Château de Versailles
• Château de Fontainebleau
• Château-Vieux de Saint-Germain-en-Laye

It is also an opportunity to discover or discover again Paris, the City of Light. Whether by bike or boat, at the rhythm of the water or your own pace, the capital reveals a new face. You will have the chance to cycle along the Seine, from La Défense to the Bassin de la Villette, passing through Champ de Mars, Île de la Cité and Notre-Dame, or the Bois de Boulogne.

Day 1: Auvers-sur-Oise, small cycling loop | 10 km

The barge is moored in Auvers-sur-Oise. Boarding between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Settle in comfortably before getting to know the crew, the guide, and the rest of the passengers over a warm drink. 

During dinner on board, there will be a briefing on the next day's program. The guide will also offer tips and recommendations to fully enjoy the Seine by bike and boat.

After dinner, a short guided bike tour will help you get warmed up around Auvers-sur-Oise.

Day 2: From Auvers to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine | 30 km

Before starting the first cycling dtage, the guide will take you on an interesting walk through the town, visiting the graves of Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. Auvers-sur-Oise is where Van Gogh spent his final days, and the Auberge Ravoux (his last residence) can be visited!

On the way to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, you'll also visit the gigantic artwork known as the "Axe Majeur", offering a breathtaking first view of Paris and La Défense.

Day 3: From Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to Bougival | 45 km

Today, you will visit the gardens of Versailles. On the way to Versailles, you will pass through the Château and forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Arriving in Versailles around lunchtime, you will have the entire afternoon to stroll through the gardens. After this spectacular visit, there are only about ten more kilometers to cycle to Bougival, where the *Clair de Lune* barge is moored. In the evening, the guide will offer you a guided walking tour of the town.

Day 4: From Bougival to Paris | 40 km

Right after breakfast, you’ll hop on your bike towards Paris, where you'll stay the night. As much as possible, the route follows separate bike paths and quiet roads. You'll cycle along the Seine before reaching La Défense, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Bassin de la Villette, where the barge is moored. In the evening, enjoy the pleasure of dining in a restaurant in Paris (not included).

Day 5: From Paris to Vigneux 🚢

Today is a day of rest and cruising! The boat will leave at 3 p.m. for Vigneux, so you can relax on board or enjoy some free time in Paris.

Day 6: From Vigneux to Melun | 50 km

Today's itinerary follows the Seine most of the way. In the first part, you willl cross the beautiful Sénart Forest. Then, you will take a pleasant and easy route to Corbeil-Essonnes, where you can enjoy a coffee or glass of wine on one of the many cozy terraces in the town center. Later, you will arrive in the lively town of Melun, where the barge is moored. Explore the town's highlights, such as the botanical garden, Notre-Dame Collegiate Church, the town hall, and Saint-Aspais Church. In the evening, you can stroll through the charming streets of this lovely town.

Day 7: From Melun to Moret-sur-Loing | 45 km

This last bike ride of the week will take you through the gardens and palace of Fontainebleau to the artist town of Moret-sur-Loing. On the way from Melun to Fontainebleau, you will pass through the picturesque village of Barbizon, famous for the many painters who stayed there in the late 19th century. During the ride through the Fontainebleau Forest, you'll see many ancient rocks and stones with surprising shapes. At Fontainebleau, you will have plenty of time to visit the gardens. In the afternoon, you will reach your final destination, Moret-sur-Loing, a very pleasant town to explore on your last evening.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing

This Seine by Bike and Boat tour concludes after breakfast. Disembarkation by 10 a.m.

The Loing, Seine and Oise rivers: Fontainebleau, Paris and Versailles by bike and boat

Discover our exclusive "Seine by Bike and Boat" tour, designed around the natural and cultural treasures of the Seine and its tributaries, the Oise and the Loing. This journey takes you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages that have inspired renowned artists such as Alfred Sisley and Vincent Van Gogh, while allowing you to explore iconic landmarks such as:

• The Château de Versailles
• The Château de Fontainebleau
• The Château-Vieux in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

This tour is also a perfect opportunity to explore Paris from a unique perspective, by bike or boat. Whether cruising along the river or pedaling at your own pace, you will discover the capital in a whole new way. From La Défense to the Bassin de la Villette, passing through iconic landmarks such as Champ de Mars, Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, and the Bois de Boulogne, this experience will reveal another side of the City of Light.

Day 1: Moret-sur-Loing, small cycling loop | 10 km

The barge is moored in Moret-sur-Loing. You are expected on board between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Upon arrival, you can settle in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also the perfect time to get acquainted with the tour guide, the skipper, the crew, and, of course, the other passengers.

During dinner on board, the program for the next days and the overall schedule for the week will be presented to you. After dinner, you'll set off for the first kilometers of a brief guided cycling tour around the village.

Day 2: From Moret-sur-Loing to Melun | 45 km

This first bike ride takes you through the forest, gardens, and palace of Fontainebleau before reaching the lively town of Melun. In Fontainebleau, you will have plenty of time to visit the gardens.

After Fontainebleau, you’ll pass through the beautiful village of Barbizon, famous for the many painters who stayed there in the late 19th century. In Melun, explore the main points of interest, such as the botanic gardens, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the town hall, and Saint-Aspais Church. In the evening, you can stroll through the charming streets of this lovely town.

Day 3: From Melun to Vigneux-sur-Seine | 50 km

Today, you'll mostly follow the course of the Seine. The first part of the itinerary is a pleasant ride to Corbeil-Essonnes, where you can stop for a coffee at one of the many welcoming terraces. In the second part of the day, you'll cycle through the beautiful Sénart Forest. Later in the day, you’ll arrive in Vigneux-sur-Seine, where the barge is moored.

Day 4: From Vigneux-sur-Seine to Paris 🚢

It's cruise day! Since it is difficult to cycle into Paris from the south, you have the opportunity to stay on board and enjoy a relaxing cruise to the City of Light. The *Clair de Lune* will dock at the Bassin de la Villette around 1 p.m. You will then have the entire afternoon and evening to explore Paris. Tonight, there will be no dinner on board, so you can enjoy dining out in the city (not included).

Day 5: From Paris to Bougival | 40 km

You'll start the day with a bike ride through Paris. The route takes you as much as possible on separate bike paths and quiet roads. You’ll pass by La Défense, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Bois de Boulogne. Riding along the Seine, we will reach Bougival, where the barge is moored. In the evening, the guide will take you on a pleasant walk around Bougival.

Day 6: From Bougival to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine | 45 km

Today, you will visit the gardens of Versailles. After about 10 kilometers of cycling from Bougival, you’ll have the entire morning and part of the afternoon to explore the famous gardens of the Château de Versailles.

On the way to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, you’ll cycle through the Saint-Germain-en-Laye Forest and pass by its beautiful castle.

Day 7: From Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to Auvers-sur-Oise | 30 km

This week of cycling concludes with a pleasant and short ride to Auvers-sur-Oise. On the way, you’ll visit the gigantic artwork known as the "Axe Majeur", where you'll have a stunning view of Paris and La Défense. Upon arrival in Auvers-sur-Oise, the guide will take you on an interesting walk through the town and to the graves of Vincent Van Gogh and his beloved brother Theo. Van Gogh spent his last days in Auvers-sur-Oise, and you can still visit his last residence today.

Day 8: Auvers-sur-Oise

This tour ends after breakfast. Disembarkation before 10 a.m.

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights  
• Boat comfort level: standard
• Child rates: contact us  
• Languages spoken on board: English and Dutch  

Dates 2025 :

• From Auvers-sur-Oise: 28/08, 11/09, 25/09, 09/10
• From Moret-sur-Loing: 21/08, 04/09, 18/09, 02/10

Included:

• 7 nights on board  
• 7 breakfasts  
• 6 dinners (no dinner on day 4)  
• 6 picnic lunches  
• Coffee and tea on board  
• Guide (cycling with the group)
• At least 3 guided city walks  
• Free Wi-Fi (limited to the deck and lounge)  
• Travel guide: We will provide information regarding your stay and the itinerary upon booking confirmation, subject to change.  

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point  
• Personal expenses  
• Museum visits and entrance fees (entrance to the Versailles Gardens to pay on site)
• Parking fees  

Optional:

• Rental of hybrid bike or electric bike  
• Bike theft insurance (for rented bikes)  
• Special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free)  
• Cancellation insurance  

Difficulty level:

1 2 3 4 5 6  

Terrain:

Flat, very easy-to-ride roads and paths. 

Climate:

Mixed oceanic and continental climate. Moderate rainfall.  

Technicality:

• 0 to 50 km of cycling per day, about  to 5 hours of biking.  
• Easy-to-follow route. No difficulties, accessible to all.  

Reading materials:

• Guide and cycling maps for Île-de-France: Cartovelo
• La Seine à vélo

Participants:

On board, you will meet an international group of all ages: men, women, singles, and couples with children.  

Accompaniment:

Here are the people responsible for your bike and boat holiday:  

• On board, the captain and his crew. They ensure the smooth running of the trip and guide the boat from stage to stage.  
• Participants are accompanied by a guide who helps in case of bike trouble, advises on the route, and provides necessary tourist information.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: On board, a Dutch-style breakfast is served.  
• Lunches: After breakfast, you’ll prepare your own lunch box (sandwiches, fruits, snacks, drinks).  
• Dinners: 3-course.  

Other drinks like wine, beer, lemonade, and mineral water are not included but can be purchased on board at a reasonable price.  

Bikes:

Rental bikes are equipped with saddlebags, a lock, and a tire repair kit.
If you bring your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company; you will need to arrange this with your own insurer. Don’t forget your lock. The return of your bike will be at your own expense.  
Personal electric bikes are not allowed on board.  

Transport:

• By train:  
  • Auvers-sur-Oise station (about 1h15 from Paris)  
  • Moret-Veneux-Les Sablons station for Moret-sur-Loing (about 1h30 from Paris)  
• By plane: Charles-de-Gaulle or Orly airports  

Cancellation insurance:

To guarantee a refund in case of cancellation, you can suscribe to a cancellation insurance. For more information, click here.

To access the boat description: click here.