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Paris-Auxerre 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (FL)
There is a very good reason why Northern Burgundy is referred to as “The Land of Good Living”, and if nothing else, once you complete this memorable bike and barge tour, we hope you understand why.
If you’ve never seen Northern Burgundy you are in for a sensual overload of divinely beautiful countryside, ancient medieval villages, serene, meandering rivers and of course, some of the best wines, cheeses, honey and ciders the world you will have ever taste!
Burgundy is known throughout the world for its laid-back pace of life, friendliness and mild climate. Both the cultural experiences of visiting wonders such as the gothic cathedral of Sens or the cities of art and culture of Auxerre and Joigny and the biking itself which alternates between easy stretches of free-wheeling alongside the river Yonne and more challenging uphill sections that lead to spectacular views, will leave you feeling enriched, enlightened and recharged.
Accommodation:
This small, yet very tasteful passenger barge with its sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. On the lower deck, there are ten comfortable guest cabins (9 m² – 97 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin, central heating and air-conditioning; windows are fixed for safety reasons. Furthermore, in each cabin, you will find a mini-safe and hairdryer. On the upper deck, there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area, a dining area, a cozy bar, central heating and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck, you will also find the half-covered sun deck, which is the ideal place to drink a cup of coffee or an aperitif and to enjoy the scenery while cruising.
If you would like to rent an bike E-bike (266 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Moret-sur-Loing
The first day of your tour begins with embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. After a warm welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader, you’ll be fitted with a bike for the tour. Dinner will be served on board, after which you can enjoy a moonlit stroll through Moret-sur-Loing, a charming medieval fortified town, situated on the banks of the Loing, where the painter Sisley found inspiration for his beautiful impressionist paintings.
Moret – Montereau – Pont sur Yonne 33km or 40km
Today begins with a leisurely breakfast while sailing to the town of Montereau-fault-Yonne, situated at the confluence of the Yonne and the Seine rivers. In Montereau you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Loup collegiate church. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this church has been officially classified as a Historic Monument. From Montereau you will follow the canals of the river Yonne to Pont-sur-Yonne, a quaint, friendly town where we will dock for the night.
Pont sur Yonne – Sens 20km or 42km
Today you have the option to follow the river valley to the town of Sens or take a longer ride into the countryside and visit a local honey producer. Sens is one of the oldest towns in France where you’ll visit the first of the greater gothic cathedrals in France, Cathedral Saint-Etienne. There will be plenty of time afterwards to shop, stroll through the marketplace or wander around town.
Near the town you’ll find the 10-hectare Parc du Moulin a Tan, through which the Vanne and the Lingue run. The Parc du Moulin a Tan is a precursor of the town’s project for a green belt, which should ultimately go right around Sens. It’s named after an obscure type of mill that dates back to 1887 and was used to grind oak bark to make tanbark, a powder used in leather tanning. The Parc du Moulin a Tan includes a rose garden, an animal enclosure, an arboretum, and a playground.
Sens – Villeneuve sur Yonne 28km or 52km
Once more, your day begins with two cycling options. The shorter one stays closer to the river, where the longer one takes you through the hills to the museum ‘de Pomme et de cidre’ where you’ll be rewarded with a taste of the fine cider they produce there. We dock for the night in the lovely, lesser-known French town of Villeneuve where you are free to explore the medieval gate towers and romantic string of gardens as the sun sets over the countryside.
Villeneuve sur Yonne – Joigny 21km or 42km
Today you’ll start the morning with a beautiful bike tour to the town of Saint-Julien-du-Sault where you can visit the 13th-century Saint-Pierre church with its magnificent stained-glass windows. You’ll then continue to Joigny where you’ll follow a lazy loop through the local vineyards in the afternoon sunshine. Then, one of the highlights of the tour for wine-lovers!, the tour leader will show you some places to taste the fine Burgundy wines. Joigny, a picturesque little town with a very long and successful wine history, has several sights worth visiting, including numerous historical monuments, unique townhouses from the 16th-17th centuries, with carved renaissance facades, and ancient churches.
Joigny – Auxerre 25kmor 38km
Another leisurely breakfast aboard as we sail to Migennes at the junction of the Burgundy canal, once a centre of shipping industry. You’ll hop back on your bike at Migennes to follow the beautiful Burgundy canal as you head south to Auxerre with her majestic church spires, streets lined with 16th-century timber houses and cathedral of Saint-Etienne, a true masterpiece of Gothic art. You can also stroll along the old port or visit the 15th-century clock tower. Today there is no dinner on board, so you are free to choose one of the local restaurants for dinner.
Auxerre 30km or 42km
Today you are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding how to spend your day. If you’d like to spend a lazy day strolling around Auxerre, feel free to enjoy this beautiful city however you choose! If you’re itching to get back in the saddle, then explore the area of Auxerre together with your guide. Cycle along the Yonne to visit ‘Caves be Bailly’, the vineyard is famous for its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne and limestone caves. The nearby vineyards of St Bris and Irancy are also well worth a visit, as are the paintings of George Hosotte in the Chapelle de Bailly.
Auxerre
The final day of this memorable trip begins with a farewell breakfast on board after which disembarkation continues until 9:30am.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 28 2024 | Jun 04 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,729€ | |||||
| Jun 11 2024 | Jun 18 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,729€ | |||||
| Jun 25 2024 | Jul 02 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,729€ | |||||
| Jul 09 2024 | Jul 16 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,594€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,729€ | |||||
| Jul 29 2025 | Aug 05 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,699€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,799€ | |||||
| Aug 12 2025 | Aug 19 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,699€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,799€ | |||||
| Aug 26 2025 | Sep 02 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,849€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,899€ | |||||
| Sep 09 2025 | Sep 16 2025 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,849€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,899€ |
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
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
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