Find a Slow Tour
Tap to search
Bruges to Abbeville 15-Day Guided Bike & Barge Tour (Level 2)
Two countries, one land: Flanders (Belgium) and Northern France share a fascinating, turbulent history and their cultures, gastronomy and languages have a lot in common too. During this 15 day boat and e-bike trip, medieval towns, big cities, endless fields, meandering rivers and historical sites all compete for being the highlight of this wonderful tour.
In Belgium, where the biking is flat and easy, wander and wonder through historical towns Bruges and Kortrijk. You will bike through patch fields and along small farms. Across the border in France, vibrant university city Lille still has a very Flemish feel to it.
Heading south through endless fields and across open farm land we enter the Somme region. The surrounding lands of this lovely river and its tree lined canals were the site of many battles during WW1, of which many monuments and cemeteries bear testimony. After Amiens and Abbeville the Somme flows in the bay as you reach the pebble beaches of the Atlantic.
Requires a medium level of exertion, light hilly terrain. Please see the itinerary for daily distances. Accompanied by two competent, professional and multilingual tour leaders (smaller groups may only have 1 tour leader), you will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the e-bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of Ride with GPS app and cycling map (available on board).
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like.
The Premium barge started cruising in 2002. This tasteful passenger barge with her sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks, sluices and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. But don’t let her size fool you! She can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in the 10 comfortable cabins on the lower deck, each with private sanitary facilities, central heating and air-conditioning. On the upper deck there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area and bar, and outside a half-covered sun deck. Wonderful for a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine.
Please book your E-Bike (546 EUR), by contacting [email protected] when booking
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours Europe
Bruges (22 km / 13 mi)
Embarkation and check-in take place between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM at the Bruges harbor. After a brief welcome talk and meeting the crew at 2:00 PM, it’s time to adjust your bike and enjoy a test ride around Bruges. In the evening, your guides will take you on a stroll through the stunning medieval city center
Bruges – Moerbrugge | Moerbrugge – Deinze (47 or 58 km / 29 or 36 mi)
During breakfast, the Fleur sets sail towards Moerbrugge. Flanders is part of the Low Lands, and you will now see why. Just like its northern neighbor it is flat as a pancake and many parts are just below sea level. It makes for wonderful biking, riding through lush green flatlands dotted with charming farms. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing picnic in the expansive gardens of Poeke Castle. Afterward, continue your cycling journey towards the small town of Deinze, where the ship awaits you in the heart of the town.
Deinze – Waregem | Waregem – Kortrijk – Menen 48 or 52 km / 30 or 32mi)
This morning we start with a sailing breakfast. Shortly after setting off, you can visit the small American “Flanders Field Cemetery”. An alternative route will take you through actual Flanders fields and villages. Both routes lead to the highlight of the day: Kortrijk, a well preserved city with plenty of medieval landmarks. Both the belfry and the old ‘beguinage’ (a complex built for lay religious women) are well worth a visit. Afterward, you cycle towards Menen, where the boat will be waiting for you.
Menen – Lille (36 or 58 km / 22 or 36 mi)
Today’s rides take you to the French city of Lille. A short route allows you to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this beautiful city. Alternatively, for a longer ride, you can visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial near Yper, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Lille is a bustling French Flemish city, the 4th biggest in France. Tonight you can try the typical Northern French “Ch’ti” cuisine in one of the many restaurant in town.
Lille – Don | Don – Arleux (51 or 56 km / 31 or 35 mi)
After a sailing breakfast you can again choose which route you will bike. One ride goes to the Mining Museum in Lewarde. The other ride passes by the city of Lens where you could visit the Louvre Museum, which displays objects from the museum of the same name in Paris. Both rides end up in Arleux, known for its smoked garlic.
Arleux – Havrincourt (41 or 53 km / 26 or 33 mi)
At Arleux the Fleur enters the Canal du Nord. It took over 60 years to complete, replacing the older St. Quentin Canal, built by Napoleon to transport coal from the mines to the south. Today’s bike ride will lead you through Cambrai, an ancient Roman city with impressive fortifications built during the reign of King Charles V. Tonight we are moored in the middle of nowhere at the highest point of the Canal du Nord.
Havrincourt – Ytres | Ytres – Cappy (46 km / 29 mi)
From “Lock 7” the ship navigates through the impressive 4-kilometer-long Ruyalcourt tunnel, crossing the watershed between the Scheldt and Somme rivers. After passing through the tunnel, hop on your bike for a ride through the peaceful Somme valley, once the front line during WWI. After exploring Péronne and the “Grande Guerre” museum, continue to Cappy, a charming village on the Somme River, where the ship will stay overnight.
Cappy – Corbie (44 or 54 km / 28 or 34 mi)
Cycle with your guides towards Albert, where you can visit the remarkable underground 1916 museum. En route we take a look at the colossal Lochnagar mine, where the British detonated an underground mine, starting the Battle of the Somme. For those who wish, extend your ride to Thiepval, where one of the largest memorials for British and South African soldiers from WWI is located. Return towards Corbie, a tiny town offering lovely views of the Somme river.
Corbie – Amiens (29 or 53 km / 18 or 33 mi)
Near Corbie is the Australian Sir John Monash Centre, well worth the visit. You can also bypass this memorial and cycle straight toward Hautefeuille, where you can taste French Whisky. Onwards to the small town of Moreuil, once famous for its thriving weaving industry. Today’s rides end in the beautiful city of Amiens, where you will spend two nights. The old town with its many cafes is only a short walk from where the boat is moored.
Amiens
Today the bikes remain on board. Take the day to fully explore Amiens. In the morning, visit the magnificent Amiens Cathedral (twice the size of the Notre Dame of Paris), one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. In the afternoon, visit the Jules Verne House and/or enjoy a relaxing drink on the Place du Don. End the day with a delightful dinner in one of the city’s inviting restaurants, with recommendations from the crew.
Amiens – Samara (42 or 51 km / 26 or 31 mi)
Before we say goodbye to Amiens, we will make a guided boat tour at the famous ‘floating’ gardens of Amiens, the Hortillonnages. From here we dive further into the French countryside. We end up in Samara, where the boat is waiting for you. At walking distance from the boat you can visit the arboretum and Samara Historical Park or follow a walking trail nearby.
Samara – La Breilloire (39 km / 24 mi) | La Breilloire – Long
On the way to Long, we will pay a visit to the fascinating medieval underground caves of Naours, once used as shelter. A bit further up the road is a ‘chèvrerie’ (goat cheese farm), because any tour in France would not be complete without cheese. At the lock of La Breilloire, we board the boat and sail towards the small town of Long and its pink and white Château of the same name.
Long – Abbeville (57 km / 35 mi)
Today’s ride takes you along a so called ‘voie vert’, a ‘green road’ meaning car free and often on old converted railway tracks. This one leads to the Castle of Rambures, a 15th century fortified castle set amidst a rose garden and arboretum. You can enjoy both the gardens and the castle itself, before continuing to Abbeville, the last docking place of the tour.
Abbeville – Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme – Abbeville (47 or 68 km / 29 or 42 mi)
This morning we reach the Atlantic, the English Channel to be more precise. The longer ride will take you to the coastal town of Cayeux, with its pebble beach and sea side atmosphere. Afterwards, continue to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. The short tour will lead straight to this pretty town, from where you could take a steam train across the Bay and back. Return to Abbeville for a farewell dinner on board.
Abbeville
After breakfast, say your goodbyes to guides and crew and disembark by 9:00 AM, concluding a memorable journey.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 13 2026 | Aug 27 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 5,699€ | ||
| Double rooms | 3,799€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
20
