Picturesque North Burgundy by Bike + Boat

Enjoy the Art and culture of this area

map Northern Burgundy by Bike + Boat

Route

Tour Profile / Level 2

These holidays are appropriate for anyone with good physical condition and basic cycling skills. Distances up to 50 kilometers per day. You spend about 5 hours on your bicycle. Short slopes with heights up to 100 meters.

Itinerary Zwaantje: Moret-sur-Loing – Auxerre

Day 1: Moret sur Loing
Embarkation and check-in at 14:00. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour guide, you will be allocated your bikes. After dinner, you can stroll through Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town that inspired the painter Sisley for his beautiful impressionist paintings.

Day 2: Moret  Montereau  Pont sur Yonne, approx. 37-41 km
Breakfast during the boat trip. Your first day of cycling begins in Montereau-fault-Yonne. This town is located where the Yonne flows into the Seine. From Montereau you cycle to Montmachoux, where you will visit an ostrich farm. Today’s destination is Pont-sur-Yonne, a picturesque, friendly town where we will moor for the night.

Day 3: Pont sur Yonne  Sens, approx. 20-42 km
Today you can either follow the river valley to Sens or take a longer tour through the countryside and visit a beekeeper. In Sens, one of the oldest towns in France, a guided tour of Saint-Etienne Cathedral awaits you. The 10-hectare Parc du Moulin à Tan with water birds, a rose garden, arboretum, animal enclosure and playground is located on the outskirts of the town.

Day 4: Sens – Villeneuve sur Yonne, approx. 28-52 km
From Sens there are again 2 cycling options. The shorter route stays closer to the river, while the longer one takes you through the hills to the “Musée de la Pomme et du Cidre”. Try the delicious cider that is produced here! The day ends in Villeneuve. Here you can see medieval gate towers and numerous romantic gardens.

Day 5: Villeneuve sur Yonne – Joigny, approx. 23-47 km
Today the cycle tour takes you to the beautiful town of Saint-Julien-du-Sault. The Saint-Pierre church, founded in the 13th century, with its beautiful stained glass windows is well worth a visit. Then it’s on to Joigny, from where you cycle through the surrounding vineyards in the afternoon. The tour guide will show you a few places where you can taste the fine Burgundy wines.

Day 6: Joigny – Auxerre, approx. 28-44 km
During breakfast, the boat sails to Migennes. From there you cycle along the Canal de Bourgogne to Auxerre, known for its many church towers and half-timbered houses from the 16th century. Visit the Gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, the old port and the 15th century bell tower. In the evening, you have the opportunity to eat in one of the many restaurants in Auxerre, as no dinner is planned on board.

Day 7: Auxerre, approx. 30-42 km
You also have several options today. Relax, explore Auxerre or accompany your tour guide along the Yonne to the “Caves de Bailly” vineyard, known for its sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne and the caves under the limestone slopes. You can also visit the St. Bris and Irancy vineyards on the nearby hills. In the Chapelle de Bailly, you can admire the paintings of the famous painter George Hosott. Stroll along the small street by the church and enjoy the view of the lush landscape.

Day 8: Auxerre
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 am

Itinerary Zwaantje: Auxerre – Moret-sur-Loing

Day 1: Auxerre
Embarkation and check-in at 2 pm. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour guide, you will be allocated your bikes. After dinner, you can stroll through Auxerre, which impresses with its church towers, half-timbered houses from the 16th century and the Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral.

Day 2: Auxerre round tour, approx. 30-44 km
Today you have several options. Relax in Auxerre and explore the town with St. Germain Abbey, Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the bell tower. Or take your first cycle tour with your tour guide along the Yonne. Visit the “Caves de Bailly”, famous for Cremant de Bourgogne and their dramatic cave entrance. Discover the wine-growing areas of St. Bris and Irancy in the nearby hills and admire the paintings of George Hosott in the Chapelle de Bailly.

Day 3: Auxerre  Joigny, approx. 28-43 km
Your cycle tour takes you north through the Yonne valley. On the longer route, you leave the valley and cycle to Brienon-sur-Armançon, then along the Canal de Bourgogne to Migennes. The boat awaits you there for the afternoon trip to Joigny. This picturesque little town impresses with its long history of wine-growing and unique town houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, which are decorated with carved Renaissance façades.

Day 4: Joigny  Villeneuve sur Yonne, approx. 23-46 km
Today’s cycle tour begins with a tour through the surrounding vineyards. The tour guide will show you a few places where you can taste the fine Burgundy wines. You will be back in Joigny around lunchtime. You return to Joigny for lunch and cycle to Saint-Julien-du-Sault in the afternoon. Your day ends in the picturesque town of Villeneuve on the banks of the Yonne.

Day 5: Villeneuve sur Yonne  Sens, approx. 28-52 km
From Villeneuve there are again 2 cycling options. The shorter route stays closer to the river, while the longer one takes you through the hills to the “Musée de la Pomme et du Cidre”. Your destination for today is Sens, one of the oldest towns in France. There is no dinner on board on the program so that you can try out one of the many restaurants in Sens.

Day 6: Sens  Pont sur Yonne, approx. 20-42 km
Before you set off, visit Sens and take a tour of the impressive Gothic Saint-Etienne Cathedral with a local guide. Afterwards you have the choice: a shorter cycle tour along the river valley or a longer, impressive route through the Oreuse valley. The short option leaves you more time in Sens. Your destination today is the charming riverside town of Pont-sur-Yonne.

Day 7: Pont sur Yonne  Vinneuf  Moret, approx. 33-40 km
On your last day of cycling, you will visit an ostrich farm, among other things. The final stretch takes you to Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval town that inspired the famous painter Sisley. Explore the historic streets and the 12th century Notre-Dame church - a pleasant end to our cycle tour.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing
Departure after breakfast, disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Itinerary Fleur: Morent-sur-Loing – Sens

Day 1: Moret sur Loing – Melun
Embarkation and check-in in the afternoon. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour guide, you will be assigned bicycles. In the late afternoon, the ship will depart for Melun. You will be served a welcome drink and dinner, and you can take part in an evening walk in Melun.

Day 2: Melun, approx. 38 km
Today you cycle through the forests of Fontainebleau. The first destination is the town of Fontainebleau with its magnificent castle. The castle houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon. Afterwards, you continue to the artistic village of Barbizon, where many painters have found inspiration since the first half of the 19th century. The local museum is worth a visit before you return to the ship in Melun.

Day 3: Melun – Moret-sur-Loing, approx. 40 km
After breakfast, you will start your bike tour through the forest of Fontainebleau to the picturesque village of Bourron-Marlotte, where you will visit the historic town hall. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Bourron-Marlotte or in nearby Grez. Afterwards, continue the bike tour to Moret-sur-Loing.

Day 4: Moret – Montereau – Pont-sur-Yonne, approx. 37-41 km
Breakfast is served on board and guests are dropped off in Montereau to start their bike ride. A visit to an ostrich farm in Montmachoux is included. Today’s destination is Pont-sur-Yonne, a picturesque, friendly town where you will moor overnight. Dinner will be served on board, followed by a pleasant evening stroll.

Day 5: Pont-sur-Yonne – Sens, approx. 33-42 km
There are two routes to choose from today: the shorter option leads along the river valley to Sens, while the longer tour includes a detour inland. The destination of both routes is Sens, one of the oldest cities in France. Here you will visit the first of the great Gothic cathedrals in France, the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne. Afterwards, you will have plenty of time to go shopping, take a walk across the market square or stroll through the city or the nearby Parc du moulin à Tan. You are free to choose a nice place for dinner today; dinner is not planned on board today.

Day 6: Excursion to Chablis
Enjoy breakfast on board. A special excursion by bus to Chablis is planned for today, starting in the morning. Discover the fresh and elegant white wines of Chablis during a wine tasting before returning to Sens. Dinner is on board tonight.

Day 7: Sens, approx. 25 km
Today’s route takes you to the Domaine des Seigneurs vineyard after breakfast. You will return to the ship for dinner.

Day 8: Sens
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 am.

Itinerary Fleur: Sens – Moret-sur-Loing

Day 1: Sens
Embarkation and check-in in the afternoon. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour guide, you will be assigned bicycles. After the first dinner together, the tour guide will give you an overview of the week ahead.

Day 2: Sens, approx. 30-55 km
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. You can choose between two routes. The bike tour takes you through beautiful vineyards and includes a visit to a local winemaker. At the end of the day, you still have time to explore Sens, one of the oldest towns in France. There is plenty of time for shopping, strolling around the market square or taking a walk through the city.

Day 3: Excursion to Chablis
Enjoy breakfast on board. Today is a special excursion day with a bus to Chablis, which starts in the morning. Discover the fresh and elegant white wines of Chablis during a wine tasting before heading back to Sens.

Day 4: Sens – Pont-sur-Yonne, approx. 20-42 km
Before we start cycling, we will spend some time in Sens. You will visit the first of the great Gothic cathedrals of France, the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne. Those who opt for the longer bike ride will travel through the beautiful valley of the Oreuse. However, the shorter route offers you more time to explore Sens at your leisure before continuing on to Pont-sur-Yonne.

Day 5: Pont-sur-Yonne – Vinneuf – Moret-sur-Loing, approx. 35-40 km
The ship sails to Vinneuf early in the morning. After breakfast, you will leave the river and cycle through a forest. A short visit to an ostrich farm is on the program. The last stretch of the day leads us to Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval town. Explore the historic streets and the 12th-century church of Notre-Dame. There is no dinner on board tonight – take the opportunity to try out the local restaurants.

Day 6: Moret-sur-Loing – Melun, approx. 40 km
Today you will cycle through the forests of Fontainebleau. The first destination is the town of Fontainebleau with its magnificent castle. The castle houses a museum dedicated to Napoleon. Afterwards, you will continue to the artistic village of Barbizon, where many painters have found inspiration since the first half of the 19th century. The local museum is worth a visit before continuing on to Melun.

Day 7: Melun – Moret-sur-Loing, approx. 37-51 km
After breakfast, you will start your bike tour through the forest of Fontainebleau to the picturesque village of Bourron-Marlotte, where you will visit the historic town hall. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Bourron-Marlotte or in nearby Grez. Afterwards, continue the bike tour to Moret-sur-Loing. A farewell dinner with the captain awaits you on board.

Day 8: Moret-sur-Loing
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 am

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to varying wind and weather conditions, as well as organizational necessities, we reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary.

Please keep in mind that the ship is both your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night. Operational noise is therefore unavoidable.

Services

  • 7 nights in cabins with shower and toilet, air-conditioned cabin

  • Full board (7x breakfast buffet, packed lunches, 6x dinner - no dinner in Sens or Moret-sur-Loing) 

  • Coffee & tea on board

  • Welcome drink

  • Use of bed linen and towels

  • Daily cabin cleaning

  • All port & lock fees

  • Bike tour guide (from 18 guests: 2 guides, 2 groups)

  • Daily route briefing

  • Entrance fee Sens Cathedral

  • Zwaantje: Entrance fee beekeeping museum + wine tasting in Bailly

  • Fleur: Bus excursion incl. wine tasting in Chablis

  • Detailed maps and information material per cabin

  • GPS tracks

  • Rental helmet

  • Rental pannier

  • WIFI

  • For the environment’s benefit: use of a biodegradable water bottle and compensation of the CO2 emitted by the NGO Justdiggit.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S2   03.06. - 10.06.25
    Auxerre - Moret-sur-Loing (MV ZWAANTJE)
    S2   17.06. - 24.06.25
    Auxerre - Moret-sur-Loing (MV ZWAANTJE)

    Extras

    Bicycles & Equipment
    E-bike 266
    Rental helmet included

    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Welcome on board!

    For this tour, the passenger ships MS Fleur and MS Zwaantje are used, which enchant their guests with an inviting atmosphere.


    MS FLEUR

    The Fleur started cruising in  2002. This small, yet very tasteful passenger barge with its sleek lines has ten comfortable guest cabins with two seperate beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin, central heating and air-conditioning; windows are fixed for safety reasons. On the upper deck , there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area, a cozy bar and a half-covered sun deck. >>more


    MS ZWAANTJE

    The Zwaantje is a new built passenger barge.  The owners have restyled the interior in winter 2014-2015 and have created a warm and cozy atmosphere. On the lower deck, the Zwaantje has twelve comfortable guest cabins. Ten  twins (7m²)  and 2 doubles (6m²). All cabins have ventilation, air- conditioning  and a window. Only the windows in the double cabins can be opened. >>more

     

    Bicycle

    Important: It is not possible to bring your own bike due to safety regulations and space.


    Rental-Bicycles & equipment

    The ship’s own rental bikes are state-of-the-art e-bikes with 7 or 8-speed hub gears, step-by-step selectable aid of pedaling power. The bikes have a powerful Panasonic or Bosch pedelec mid-motor and strong lithium-ion battery, one battery charge is enough for up to 65 kilometers. You conserve your battery by starting with the lowest possible assistance and increasing it as needed. You charge the batteries at night in your cabin using a charger.

    You will be equipped with a rental helmet and a waterproof pannier for your tour.


    Bicycle breakdowns

    Breakdowns can happen, also when bikes are well serviced and maintained. Flats can befixed by yourself. If there’s a difficult repair you may ask your guide on spot.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Paris / Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris / Orly (ORY)
    Flights can be booked individually. For details see "arrival by train" or in your final travel documents.


    Arrival by train

    Moret-sur-Loing
    There is a continuous train service between Paris (Gare de Lyon) and Moret. 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.

    Auxerre/Sens
    There is a continuous train service between Paris (Gare de Bercy) and Auxerre or Sens. Trains depart regularly and the trip takes approx. 2 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.

    Current train connections and prices you will find here


    Arrival by car

    Parking in Moret-sur-Loing or Auxerre: Details will follow and the final details you will find in your travel documents.


    Additional information

    For space reasons we would like to ask you to refrain from using luggage with a hard shell, the storage space in the cabin is very limited!

    Bringing of own bikes is not permitted due to limited space!

    Videos

    Travel stories

    4,0 of 6 Stars | 1
    4,5 17.09.2024 | Richard P. Picturesque North Burgundy by Bike + Boat

    Burgundy in Autumn

    Everything organized by Rad&Reisen was excellent. We were kept well informed and our paperwork was efficiently handled, as was the case with our many previous trips. Our only complaint as regards the barge was that the barge cabins were all below deck ...
    • Overall satisfaction 3
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 3
    • Board 2
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 4
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 3
    more
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