Biking Cruises with European Waterways
European Waterways allows more active or cycling-enthusiast guests to discover Europe by bike with a service available on all vessels in the fleet.
This service enables all guests to explore destinations by bicycle, either independently or with the assistance of an expert local guide. Hybrid bikes, which are easy to ride and suitable for all terrains, along with helmets, are always available on board. For an additional fee at the time of booking, an upgrade to e-bikes is also possible. Additionally, some barges offer Biking Plus itineraries, which allow guests to venture further into the countryside with well-planned equipment and routes. Crew members are always available to unload bicycles at each lock or mooring and to make any necessary adjustments. Upon request, children’s bikes or family group bikes are also available.
Biking-Cruises
Biking Cruises
Destinations include visits to picturesque villages rich in centuries-old history. The 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre is the oldest in the fleet and has not lost a bit of its splendor, while the 6-passenger Nymphea travels to places many other vessels cannot reach. All European Waterways barges are designed as floating hotels, offering a luxurious stay while exploring the chosen destination’s bike paths.
Burgundy and the Loire Valley are among the most picturesque destinations this cruise offers, along with breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of cycling routes to explore along beautiful canals and rivers, as well as through the French countryside, allowing one to experience it in a completely new way. One can pedal through the narrow streets of Irancy, the last wine village to receive its appellation-controlée, and from there traverse the scenic vineyards to the “Grande Randonnée track 13,” to enjoy a delightful buffet lunch and barbecue on the grounds of a 17th-century water mill. Later in the cruise, you reach Bois d’Arcy and can climb one of the most picturesque hills of Burgundy, Vézelay, whose views are just one of the reasons people choose to enjoy a pleasant bike ride on a barge cruise in Burgundy.
L’art de vivre
For example, aboard the hotel barge L’Art de Vivre, you can embark on a journey through time along the Canal du Nivernais or cross the currents to the Château de Chaumont, with its renowned International Garden Festival, or visit the Royal Castle of Amboise and Clos Lucé, which was the residence of Leonardo da Vinci. Meanwhile, with the Nymphea, you can navigate shallow waters like the Cher River or pass under the arches of Château de Chenonceau, the most photographed castle in the Loire Valley, then visit the Château de Valençay and its Renaissance gardens. Additionally, once ashore, guests are offered a wine tasting along the countryside paths to the Domaine de la Grange. Thus, upon reaching the Loire River again, there is the opportunity to stop at a nearby island for an unforgettable swim and picnic.
Cabin Barge Cruises
Barge Cruises Cabin
In short, with European Waterways, you can perfectly combine relaxation and sport with an easily bookable service. A small supplement is provided for an expert cycling tour guide, who offers guests invaluable local knowledge and indispensable tips. You can enjoy simple rides independently or with a guide, or participate in cycling charters for groups over longer distances with half-day guided itineraries that make the most of the local area, including an outdoor meal along the way.
At the same time, the “Biking Plus” program provides maps (also offline or on mobile) with marked routes for the outbound and return journeys, helmets, and backpacks filled with all necessities. In a few hours, you can explore the countryside, villages, and surrounding trails, and the crew is available for any difficulties. The itinerary is structured so that you do not miss the pleasure of organized excursions nor the enjoyment of navigation. Instead, you can enjoy more of the people and places around you while finding time for yourself. “Biking Plus” is available on board Anjodi, Enchanté, Finesse, L’Art de Vivre, La Belle Epoque, L’Impressionniste, Renaissance, and Panache.
For any other suggestions or advice on cruising experiences, visit Cruising Journal.
