Belgium & France: Bruges – Paris Premium
Revel in the medieval splendor of Bruges and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed center
Dive deep into history with World War I battlefields and memorials in the Somme valley
Experience Paris, the iconic “City of Lights”, in all its glory
Pedal through picturesque villages, alongside serene rivers, and across diverse landscapes
Discover the art and history of Ghent, Oudenaarde, and the chateau of Chantilly
Enjoy the luxury of guided tours, ensuring a rich and immersive experience
Itinerary
Embark on your adventure in the enchanting city of Bruges. After settling in and meeting the crew, take a short test ride to familiarize yourself with your bicycle. As evening falls, join a guided walk to explore the medieval heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
22 km/13 mi.
Journey through serene woodlands and pastures, making your way to Ghent. As you approach, the historic charm of Ghent, with its medieval architecture and vibrant street life, welcomes you.
34 km/21 mi or 44 km/28 mi.
Pedal along the scenic banks of the River Scheldt, passing through quaint fishing villages. Discover Oudenaarde’s rich tapestry heritage and its splendid town hall, a testament to its prosperous past.
46 km/28 mi or 53 km/32 mi.
Today’s route takes you to Doornik, a town steeped in history and art. Marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Belfort, symbols of the town’s resilience and grandeur.
42 km/26 mi.
Navigate through the “white land”, known for its limestone quarries. As you cycle, witness the transformation of landscapes from open farmland to bustling mining towns.
41 km/26 mi or 53 km/32 mi.
Follow the Canal du Nord, a marvel of engineering, and immerse yourself in the region’s wartime history. The serene countryside and tales of battles past make for a reflective journey.
35 km/21 mi or 51 km/31 mi.
Experience the beauty of the Somme Valley, with its vast grasslands and historic World War I sites. End the day in Péronne, a town that wears its history with pride.
39 km/24 mi or 52 km/33 mi.
Spend the day exploring Péronne’s rich heritage. The Grande Guerre museum offers insights into the town’s wartime past, while its charming streets beckon for a leisurely stroll.
Cycle through the picturesque Somme Valley, stopping at the art-deco town of Ham. Your destination, Noyon, boasts a magnificent cathedral and a rich tapestry of history.
39 km/24 mi or 48 km/29 mi.
Journey through dense forests and open meadows, arriving at Compiègne. Here, delve into history at the “Clairière de l’Armistice” and marvel at the town’s regal chateau.
36 km/23 mi or 45 km/27 mi.
Experience the beauty of the Oise Valley, with stops at the Abbey of Moncel and the historic town of Pierrefonds. Your day concludes in Pont-St-Maxence, a town renowned for its medieval bridge.
45 km/27 mi or 55 km/34 mi.
Discover the landscapes that inspired Impressionist painters. From the vibrant town of Conflans Sainte Honorine to the artistic haven of Auvers-sur-Oise, this route is a visual delight.
42 km/26 mi or 46 km/28 mi.
The final leg of your journey takes you to the heart of Paris. Cycle past iconic landmarks and along the Seine, feeling the pulse of the City of Lights.
Spend a day exploring the wonders of Paris. From historic landmarks to world-class museums, the city offers endless possibilities. As evening falls, reminisce about your journey with fellow travelers.
After a final breakfast on board, it’s time to say goodbye. As you disembark, carry with you memories of a journey that blended culture, nature, and history.
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Pricing
Included in price
14x breakfast
Packed lunches
13x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin, 1x change of bed sheets
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours (from 18 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Canal trip through Ghent
Visit Museum Glade of the Armistice
Entrance castle of Chantilly
Visit town hall Oudenaarde
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Go on a captivating journey that seamlessly blends the enchantment of Bruges with the magnetic charm of Paris. As you cycle through Flanders and Northern France, you’ll traverse regions untouched by mainstream tourism, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Starting in Bruges, often referred to as the “Pearl of Flanders”, you’ll be immediately captivated by its medieval architecture and winding canals. As you pedal onward, the historic city of Ghent awaits, boasting masterpieces like “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan van Eyck.
The wonders of Oudenaarde and the poignant World War I memorials in the Somme valley further enrich your journey.
France beckons with its own set of wonders. From the art-rich chateau of Chantilly to the vibrant streets of Paris, every turn promises a new discovery. The landscapes shift from forests to open farmlands, accompanying you as you cycle alongside rivers like the Scheldt, Somme, Oise, and Seine.
With our expert guides leading the way, every detail, from historical insights to local recommendations, is taken care of. We aim to ensure you immerse yourself in the journey, soaking in the sights, sounds, and flavors, without a worry in the world.
Are you ready to pedal your way from the historic lanes of Bruges to the vibrant boulevards of Paris?
Ships
Fleur
Initiating her voyages in 2002, the Fleur was meticulously crafted to navigate through France’s intricate locks, sluices, and canals. Her design, while compact, is both elegant and functional. Despite her modest size, the Fleur comfortably houses up to 20 guests within her 10 cozy cabins on the lower deck. Each cabin boasts private amenities, central heating, and air-conditioning. The upper deck features a spacious lounge adorned with expansive windows, a generous seating area, and a bar. Adjacent to it is a semi-sheltered sun deck, perfect for enjoying a warm beverage or a refreshing glass of wine.
Zwaantje
The Zwaantje, affectionately termed the ‘little swan’, is helmed by the seasoned Captain Martijn and his partner Marjorie. The lower deck houses 12 elegantly designed cabins: 10 twin and 2 doubles, each equipped with a private bathroom, a window (which opens only in the double cabins), and individual climate control. The main deck presents a comfortable lounge with expansive panoramic windows, ideal for a relaxing drink. Adjacent is the dining section, where guests are treated to a delightful breakfast and exquisite three-course dinners. On sunnier days, the sun deck beckons for some leisurely relaxation.
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Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.