Splendors of the Seine: Paris, Versailles & Fontainebleau

Day 1: Arrival in Auvers-sur-Oise
6 mi. / 10 km

Welcome aboard in Auvers-sur-Oise, where your adventure begins! Arrive between 1 and 2 PM to settle into your floating home for the week. Enjoy a warm welcome with coffee or tea as you meet your tour leader, skipper, and fellow travelers. As evening approaches, sit down to a delicious dinner while the crew introduces the week’s itinerary and provides essential cycling and safety guidance. Later, take a relaxed introductory bike ride around Auvers-sur-Oise, getting a feel for your surroundings and easing into the journey ahead.

Day 2: Auvers-sur-Oise – Conflans
19 mi. / 30 km

The morning starts with a guided stroll through Auvers-sur-Oise, retracing the final days of Vincent van Gogh as you visit his resting place alongside his brother, Theo. Then, set out on your first full cycling day, following scenic routes toward Conflans. Along the way, stop at the monumental Axe Majeur, where sweeping panoramas of Paris and its modern La Défense district create a breathtaking contrast to the tranquil countryside.

Day 3: Conflans – Bougival
28 mi. / 45 km

Ride through the woodlands of Saint-Germain Forest, passing the stately Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, once a royal residence. Your destination today is the legendary Palace of Versailles, where you’ll spend the afternoon wandering through its spectacular gardens, a masterpiece of symmetry, fountains, and regal grandeur. After soaking in this royal splendor, a short ride brings you to Bougival, where the evening offers a guided walk through this charming town once beloved by Impressionist painters.

Day 4: Bougival – Paris
25 mi. / 40 km

Pedal along the Seine, following picturesque bike paths as you approach Paris, the romantic heart of France. Glide past La Défense, then on to the city’s iconic landmarks—the soaring Eiffel Tower, the grandeur of Notre Dame, and the elegant boulevards that have inspired generations. Your ride ends at Bassin de la Villette, where you’ll have the chance to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife with an evening out in Paris.

Day 5: Paris – Vigneux
Cruising Day

Enjoy a slower pace today as the barge cruises south along the Seine. Spend your morning exploring the wonders of Paris, indulging in a leisurely café breakfast or discovering a hidden gem before rejoining the barge at 3 PM. As you leave the city’s energy behind, unwind on deck and watch as the scenery shifts to tranquil riverside landscapes on the way to Vigneux.

Day 6: Vigneux – Melun
31 mi. / 50 km

Today’s ride follows the river through the Forêt de Sénart, a woodland retreat with quiet, winding trails. Stop for a break in the historic town of Corbeil-Essonnes before continuing to Melun, a town with a fascinating medieval past. Here, you’ll have time to explore landmarks like the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, the Eglise St. Aspais, and the botanical gardens.

Day 7: Melun – Moret-sur-Loing
28 mi. / 45 km

Your final cycling day takes you on a ride toward Moret-sur-Loing, a medieval town that once enchanted the artist Alfred Sisley. Along the way, pass through Barbizon, an artistic haven where 19th-century painters sought inspiration in the rustic beauty of the landscape. Then, venture into the Forêt de Fontainebleau, where dramatic rock formations and towering trees create an otherworldly atmosphere. Take time to explore the Château de Fontainebleau’s gardens, a retreat once cherished by French monarchs. By afternoon, arrive in Moret-sur-Loing, where you can enjoy a final evening stroll through this storybook setting.

Day 8: Departure from Moret-sur-Loing

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end at 10 AM.

Please note that all distances are approximate. The itinerary may be subject to last-minute adjustments due to weather conditions, docking regulations, lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances.