Belgium & France: Bruges to Paris Premium Bike and Barge

After breakfast, you’ll set off on your ride. Midway along the canal between Bruges and Ghent, your barge will be waiting. As you approach Ghent, the spires of St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts rise above the city. Stroll along the picturesque canals, admire the historic guild houses, or relax at a café on the bustling Graslei.

Today you will pedal along the scenic River Scheldt, passing quaint villages toward Oudenaarde, a city rich in tapestry heritage where you can admire the stunning Gothic Town Hall and explore the MOU Museum’s historic tapestries. A cycling hub and home to the Tour of Flanders, Oudenaarde invites you to pause for a local Ename Abbey beer before continuing your ride.

After following the River Scheldt upstream, you will cross the linguistic frontier into Wallonia. Your destination is Doornik (Tournai), one of Belgium’s oldest towns, which was under French rule until the 17th century. Like Oudenaarde, it thrived in tapestry production after the decline of the textile industry. The UNESCO-listed Notre Dame Cathedral and the Belfort are must-sees.

During breakfast the barge cruises into the direction of the Belgian-French border, through the “white land”, where the bright stone has shaped both the landscape and local architecture.You will begin today’s cycling journey near the village of Bleharies, close to the border. The route takes you through open farmland and small mining towns before reaching Lewarde. Your journey ends in Arleux, a town known for its canals and famous smoked garlic. 

The barge will depart from the large canal and continue along the Canal du Nord. Your cycling route will take you to Cambrai, a former Roman provincial capital and significant pilgrimage site. Later, the ride continues to the highest point of the Canal du Nord, where the barge will moor for the night amidst farmland.

In the morning you will sail through the Ruyaulcourt Tunnel. Above it lies the watershed between the Escaut (Scheldt) and Somme rivers, after which the barge begins its descent toward Péronne. Once past the tunnel, you will cycle through the Somme Valley. This region was a key frontline during the final battles of World War I. Your journey will then lead you to Péronne.

You can spend the day exploring Péronne's rich heritage. The Grande Guerre Museum offers insights into the town's wartime past, and its charming streets beckon for a stroll. The medieval Château de Péronne, now part of the museum, reminds visitors of the town’s strategic importance throughout history.

While you enjoy breakfast, the barge will take you to the small village of Épénancourt. From there, you’ll set off on your bike for a long ride through gently rolling, open countryside, passing through the town of Ham and following the River Somme past several villages. Your destination is Noyon, home to its impressive cathedral.

From Pont l’Évêque, cycle toward Compiègne, passing through the forests of Ourscamp and Compiègne. At the Clairière de l’Armistice, you can visit a small but insightful museum. Compiègne’s grand architecture reflects its royal past, with the Château de Compiègne and its gardens well worth a visit. Tonight, dinner is not provided on board, giving you the chance to enjoy a local restaurant.

Your ride will begin through the forest south of Compiègne, then follow the Oise Valley towards Pont-Sainte-Maxence.  In the Middle Ages, Pont-Sainte-Maxence, one of the few Oise crossings, was a key stop for merchants and royalty traveling between Flanders and Paris. Along the way, you can make a stop in Pierrefonds to admire its fairy-tale château.

After a sailing breakfast, you’ll cycle towards the renowned Château de Chantilly. After exploring the château, you will ride through a scenic forest. The shorter route ends in Beaumont, where the barge will pick you up, while the longer route crosses the Oise River, following it to Auvers-sur-Oise. Here, you can visit Vincent van Gogh’s grave during an evening walk in the town where he spent his final days. This region was a beloved retreat for Impressionist painters.

After arriving late in Auvers yesterday, you can take some time this morning to explore the town. You’ll then start cycling towards the Capital of Light. Stop for lunch in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a historic shipping hub. In the afternoon, ride up to the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye for a stunning view of Paris before following the river to Bougival, where you’ll spend the night.

Today, the barge cruises upstream along the Seine into Paris. Though the distance is short, the river’s winding meanders make for a scenic journey through the heart of the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy - explore Paris by subway or take a bus tour to see its iconic landmarks.

After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye. Before leaving, you may have time for a last stroll through Paris or a visit to a nearby landmark, such as Notre-Dame or the Louvre. Make the most of these final moments in the city before your journey home.