Paris to Montargis

Imagine arriving in the heart of Paris, where your floating hotel is waiting for you along the Seine.

Embarkation and check-in start at 1:00 p.m. After a warm welcome by the captain, crew, and tour leader, it is time to settle into your cabin and enjoy the first moments on board.

As the ship gently leaves Paris behind, you sail along the beautiful River Seine towards Evry, where your first night on board will be spent. A wonderful and relaxing start to your cycling holiday.

We highly recommend arriving in Paris one or two days earlier. Paris is a city best enjoyed without rushing, giving you extra time to wander through streets, enjoy a café terrace and visit world-famous highlights.

After breakfast, it is time for your very first cycling day. From the lock of Evry, you follow the peaceful banks of the River Seine where French countryside begins to unfold around you.

Along the way, you can stop at the lively local market of Corbeil-Essonnes, a wonderful place to experience everyday French life with its colorful stalls, fresh produce, cheeses, and local specialties.

Today’s destination is the charming town of Melun, once known as “Le Domaine des Reines Blanches” (“The Domain of the White Queens”). In former centuries, this historic town was the residence of the widows of the French kings, giving Melun a rich royal history that can still be felt as you wander through its streets.

Today’s ride takes you through the beautiful forests of Fontainebleau, one of the most scenic and atmospheric cycling areas in France. Quiet forest roads, charming villages, and centuries of history.

Your first stop is the artistic village of Barbizon. Since the early 19th century, painters have been drawn here by the soft light and peaceful landscapes. A famous group of artists, later known as the “Barbizon School,” found their inspiration in these very surroundings. You may wish to visit the local museum or simply enjoy wandering through the picturesque streets filled with galleries and cafés.

From Barbizon, you continue towards the impressive Palace of Fontainebleau, one of the favorite residences of the French kings. Surrounded by vast hunting forests, the palace became an important royal retreat for centuries. Inside, you can discover richly decorated halls and even a museum dedicated to Napoleon. The lively town of Fontainebleau itself is also a wonderful place for a stroll.

Later in the day, you meet your barge again in Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval town beautifully situated along the River Loing. Its old stone bridges, fortified gates, and peaceful river views inspired the famous impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, whose paintings helped make this little town world famous.

Today you continue cycling through the peaceful Valley of the Loing, a region filled with quiet rivers, charming villages, and artistic history. The gentle countryside and relaxed pace make this another wonderful day to enjoy life on two wheels.

Along the route, you pass through the lovely village of Grez-sur-Loing, a place that attracted many international artists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Painters were inspired by the soft light, stone bridges, and tranquil river scenery that still give the village its special atmosphere today.

You also visit Bourron-Marlotte, another charming artists’ village near the Fontainebleau forest. In the beautiful town hall, you can admire several impressive impressionist paintings, a reminder of the creative spirit that once flourished here.

At the end of the day, you meet your barge again in the historic town of Nemours. Nemours has ancient roots dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Its medieval castle, originally built around 1120, now houses a fascinating prehistoric museum dedicated to the history of the Île-de-France region.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast on board while the barge sails through the beautiful French countryside. Once back on your bike, today’s route takes you through peaceful woodlands, past rugged rock formations, and along quiet country roads.

Before lunch, you visit the remarkable sculpture garden Jardin Bourdelle. Spread throughout the gardens, you can admire more than 50 impressive bronze sculptures created by the famous French artist Antoine Bourdelle. It is a unique and unexpected cultural stop in the middle of the countryside.

Around lunchtime, you arrive in the village of Egréville, an important trading crossroads for centuries. Its lively markets and fairs once attracted merchants and travelers from far and wide, giving the village an important role in the region’s history.

By the end of the day, you reach the small rural village of Néronville, where your barge awaits you once again. 

Today’s ride takes you through a beautiful stretch of the French countryside filled with medieval towns, historic abbeys, and charming canals.

Your first stop is the lovely hilltop town of Château-Landon, beautifully situated above the surrounding landscape. Here you can admire the impressive Abbey of Saint-Séverin, dating back to the 13th century.

From there, you continue cycling towards the wonderfully preserved medieval town of Ferrières. Its old town center, narrow streets, and historic atmosphere make it feel as if time has stood still. Hidden among the charming alleyways, you will also discover a magnificent monastery, one of the highlights of the day.

Later in the afternoon, you arrive in Montargis, often called the “Venice of the Gâtinais” because of its many canals and bridges decorated with colorful flowers. Although much of the former royal residence was destroyed by fire in the 16th century, the town has kept its elegant charm and lively atmosphere.

This evening, there is no dinner served on board, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore Montargis and choose one of the many local restaurants for a relaxing French dinner in town.

Today’s cycling route is a beautiful roundtrip.

Your destination is the charming village of Château-Renard, where you can visit the ruins of a castle dating back to the 10th century. Perched above the village, the remains still tell the story of centuries of French history.

Another special highlight of today is a visit to a traditional beekeeping museum, the Apiculture’s Living Museum. Here you can see the fascinating world of bees and watch beekeepers at work. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to taste some delicious local honey.

Following the peaceful River Ouanne, you cycle back towards Montargis, enjoying another relaxing afternoon.

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.