Cycling from Paris to Bruges

Paris to Bruges

Day 1: Paris, 11 mi. (18 km) 
Day 2: Paris - Bougival, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Bougival - Auvers-sur-Oise, 19 mi. (30 km) 
Day 4: Auvers sur Oise - Creil, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km)
Day 5: Creil - Compeigne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Compiegne - Noyon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Noyon - Péronne, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 8: Péronne, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 9: Moislains - Arleux, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 10: Arleux –  Valenciennes, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 11: Valenciennes - Tournai, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 12: Tournai - Oudenaarde, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 13: Oudenaarde - Ghent, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 14: Ghent - Bruges, 25-37 mi. (40-60 km) 
Day 15: Bruges 

Day 1: Paris, 11 mi. (18 km) 
Arrive in Paris, the perfect starting point for your cycling adventure through northern France. After settling in, enjoy a short 18 km bike ride to get acquainted with the city and your bike. Take in the atmosphere of the French capital before beginning your journey from Paris toward Soissons.

Day 2: Paris - Bougival, 24 mi. (40 km)
Leave the heart of Paris behind and begin cycling west along the Seine River toward Boulogne. Today’s 40 km route combines riverside cycling with peaceful parks and wooded landscapes. The route takes you toward Versailles, where you can stop to admire the magnificent Palace of Versailles, one of France’s most famous royal landmarks. Enjoy a coffee break in the lively town center before continuing into the extensive park surrounding the château. There is time for lunch and, if you wish, a visit to the Grand Trianon or Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet. In the afternoon, quiet suburban roads lead back toward the Seine. Along the way, stop near Malmaison, the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Continue cycling to your overnight mooring near Bougival.

Day 3: Bougival - Auvers-sur-Oise, 19 mi. (30 km) 
Today’s route follows beautiful paths along the Seine toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye. From the bridge, a gentle 1 km climb takes you to the château, once one of the luxurious residences of the French kings before the royal court moved to Versailles. The château is also home to an important prehistoric museum. Continue along the Seine to Maisons-Laffitte, a town renowned for its equestrian heritage, where you can stop for coffee or lunch. From here, forest paths lead to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a historic town once known as a busy river port. The route continues through Neuville, Cergy and Pontoise before reaching Auvers-sur-Oise, one of the most fascinating destinations on this France cycling tour. The picturesque village is closely associated with Vincent van Gogh, who spent the final months of his life here and created many of his most memorable paintings. Explore Auvers-sur-Oise on a guided walking tour and discover the landscapes, buildings and locations that inspired Van Gogh’s final masterpieces.

Day 4: Auvers-sur-Oise - Creil, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km)
An early morning sailing carries you farther upstream before you set out on another scenic day of cycling in northern France. Today’s route takes you through the lush forests surrounding Chantilly, home to one of France’s most impressive historic châteaux. There are several opportunities to customize your day and choose the attractions that interest you most. Visit the Château de Chantilly with its magnificent architecture, aristocratic history and world-class art collection. Or recommended is the Royaumont Abbey and its peaceful gardens and historic former monastery. Also an option is the ancient town of Senlis – Wander through this ancient town, with its Roman origins, medieval streets and striking cathedral. Lastly, visist the unique graffiti museum in Verneuil-en-Halatte. For a longer ride, continue on a rewarding loop to historic Senlis, then cycle back through beautiful wooded landscapes toward the river at Creil. Choose between approximately 35 or 50 km of cycling today.

Day 5: Creil - Compiègne, 25 mi. (40 km)
An early morning sailing along the Oise River starts the day. Once you begin cycling, the gentle climb away from the river is barely noticeable, making for a relaxed start to today’s route. After a coffee stop, continue toward the vast Compiègne Forest, one of the most scenic wooded areas in northern France. Along the way, pass the ruins of an old chapel and fascinating Roman archaeological remains before stopping for lunch in a charming village. The highlight of today’s ride is Pierrefonds Castle, an impressive medieval fortress rising dramatically from the surrounding woodland. Take some time to explore this spectacular French château before continuing by bike. The entire return route follows peaceful woodland roads through Compiègne Forest, ending in the historic town of Compiègne. Here, you can visit the Compiègne Palace and Museum or join a guided walking tour through the historic center, where the story of Joan of Arc remains an important part of the town’s history.

Day 6: Compiègne - Noyon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s ride takes you to the Clairière de l’Armistice, where two significant truces of WWI and WWII were signed. A small museum here offers insight into these historical events. After lunch in a village, continue to Noyon, home to a grand cathedral and museums, including one dedicated to Calvin who was born here. Moor close to Noyon for the night.

Day 7: Noyon - Péronne, 37 mi. (60 km)
Today's roundtrip cycling excursion takes you through the historic landscapes surrounding Soissons to Coucy-le-Château. The route includes several hills as well as a beautiful combination of wooded and open countryside. At Coucy-le-Château, explore the impressive remains of one of France’s strongest medieval fortresses, famously featured in Barbara Tuchman’s A Distant Mirror. Return to Soissons after a rewarding day of cycling through the historic countryside of the Aisne region.

Day 8: Péronne - Moislains, 12 mi. (20 km) 
Today is a free day in Péronne, giving you plenty of time to explore this historic town and learn more about the region’s important role in World War I. A highlight is the Historial de la Grande Guerre, a renowned World War I museum housed within the medieval castle in the center of Péronne. The museum offers a fascinating look at the Great War from the perspectives of the French, British and German forces. A smaller local museum in the town center provides another opportunity to discover the history and heritage of Péronne. Guests interested in exploring the WWI battlefields and memorials of northern France can use their free day to visit historic sites in the surrounding area. To the west, in the direction of Amiens, lies the former Australian sector, with numerous locations connected to the Australian forces and the battles of the Great War. These excursions are not included in the standard tour program, but your guide can provide information and suggestions at the beginning of the journey. If there is sufficient interest among the group, an optional excursion to significant World War I sites near Péronne may be arranged with a local expert guide at an additional cost.

Day 9: Moislains - Arleux, 34 mi. (55 km)
Following breakfast, set out on a ride through the countryside as the ship navigates the Canal du Nord. The route includes minor slopes and stops in villages like Cambrai, once part of the Netherlands. After lunch, continue cycling to Arleux, known for its smoked garlic.

Day 10: Arleux - Mortagne-du-Nord, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today, the route takes you through the north of France, a region once dominated by coal mining. The landscape is dotted with red brick buildings and remnants of this industrial past. Optional visits include a coal mine museum or Bouchain’s fortress.

Day 11: Mortagne-du-Nord - Tournai/Antoing, 38 mi. (60 km)
Cross into Belgium, stopping at small towns and markets along the way. A coffee break in St. Amand-les-Eaux is followed by a scenic ride through forests and quiet roads, leading to the historic town of Tournai. Famous for its cathedral with five towers, Tournai offers plenty to explore.

Day 12: Tournai - Oudenaarde, 28 mi. (45 km)
Follow the river Escaut into Flanders, transitioning to the Schelde as you cross the language border. A coffee stop and optional climbs up cobblestone-covered hills provide variety before reaching Oudenaarde. Highlights include the town hall, Tour of Flanders museum, and local breweries.

Day 13: Oudenaarde - Ghent, 16 mi. (25 km)
Begin with a visit to the former abbey and castle at Ename before cycling through forested paths and quiet roads to Ghent. Upon arrival, explore the city’s highlights, including St. Bavo’s Cathedral and its famous triptych, "The Mystic Lamb". Enjoy the lively atmosphere of this university town, especially at night.

Day 14: Ghent - Bruges, 25-37 mi. (40-60 km) 
Ride through the typical Flanders countryside of fields, villages, and patches of forest. Stop for coffee in Nevele and lunch in Poeke, known for its castle. The route continues along winding roads to Bruges, where the guide will show you some of the city’s highlights.

Day 15: Bruges
After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew and conclude your bike-and-boat adventure.

Bruges to Paris

Day 1: Bruges, 11 mi. (18 km) 
Day 2: Bruges - Gent, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Gent - Oudenaarde, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Oudenaarde - Tournai, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 5: Tournai - Bouchain/Arleux, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Bouchain/Arleux - Hermies, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Hermies - Peronne, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Peronne
Day 9: Peronne - Pont 'l Eveque, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 10: Pont 'l Eveque - Compeigne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 11: Compeigne - Creil, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 12: Creil - Pontoise, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 13: Pontoise - Bougival, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 14: Bougival - Paris, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 15: Departure Paris

Day 1: Bruges, 11 mi. (18 km) 
Today, you'll ease into the tour with a bike ride through the scenic countryside near Bruges. This will allow you to get comfortable with your bike while soaking in the charm of the surrounding landscapes.

Day 2: Bruges – Ghent, 25 mi. (40 km)
This morning, you'll set off on a ride through the quintessential Flanders countryside. As you approach Ghent, take in the historic cityscape. Explore iconic landmarks such as St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece, The Mystic Lamb. In the evening, enjoy the magical ambiance of illuminated Ghent during a nighttime stroll.

Day 3: Ghent – Oudenaarde, 28 mi. (45 km)
Begin the day cycling along the banks of the River Scheldt, winding through the Flanders countryside. The destination is Oudenaarde, a town steeped in history. Admire its town hall and historic church, visit the Tour of Flanders Cycling Center, and sample some of its renowned local beers. End the day with a leisurely evening walk through the town.

Day 4: Oudenaarde – Tournai/Antoing, 30 mi. (48 km)
Following breakfast, explore the charming town of Oudenaarde before setting off on a ride along rolling hills and cobblestone roads. Arrive in Tournai, known for its grand five-towered cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After dinner, enjoy a peaceful evening walk through this historic city.

Day 5: Tournai – Bouchain/Arleux, 31 mi. (50 km)
Start the day with an early morning sail. Later, you'll cycle through forested trails and visit St. Amand-les-Eaux, famous for its stunning abbey tower. The day's journey offers a delightful mix of nature and history.

Day 6: Bouchain/Arleux – Hermies, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today, you'll follow the Canal du Nord, a waterway bustling with shipping traffic and dotted with locks. The ride offers a quiet escape into the countryside. Depending on canal traffic, the ship may moor in a remote area, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

Day 7: Hermies/Moislains – Péronne, 28 mi. (45 km)
This morning, you'll ride alongside the canal, encountering at least one challenging slope along the way. Arrive in Péronne, where you can explore its serene streets. In the afternoon, consider an optional additional ride to further enjoy the surrounding landscapes before settling in for the night.

Day 8: Péronne
Spend the day delving into history with a visit to The Historial, a WWI museum housed in the town's castle. For those interested in war history, a guided tour of significant WWI sites is available (not included in the tour price). 

Day 9: Péronne – Pont-l’Évêque/Noyon, 34 mi. (55 km)
This morning, cycle through the rolling hills of Northern France, passing through quaint villages. Visit Noyon, a town boasting an ancient cathedral with remarkable architecture. The ship will moor near Pont-l’Évêque, a short distance from Noyon, providing a quiet setting for the evening.

Day 10: Pont-l’Évêque – Compiègne, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's ride takes you through scenic forest trails, stopping at the Clairière de l’Armistice, the historic clearing where the 1918 and 1940 armistices were signed. Continue along the rivers Aisne and Oise to reach Compiègne, home to a magnificent palace once frequented by Louis XVI and Napoleon.

Day 11: Compiègne – Creil, 25 mi. (40 km)
Following breakfast, you'll cycle through a serene forest, stopping to visit Pierrefonds Castle, a fairytale-like structure with a fascinating history. Continue to the village of St. Jean-aux-Bois and nearby Roman ruins before riding along newly developed bike paths to Creil, where the ship awaits.

Day 12: Creil – Pontoise, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's ride leads you through wooded areas with well-maintained bike paths. Stop at the charming town of Auvers-sur-Oise, the final residence of Vincent van Gogh. Take a guided walk to the cemetery where Vincent and his brother Theo are buried.

Day 13: Pontoise – Bougival, 16 mi. (25 km)
Enjoy breakfast and take in the views as you sail downstream along the River Oise and upstream along the Seine, or cycle alongside these scenic waterways. Visit the historic port town of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the archaeological museum in St. Germain-en-Laye, and the Château de Malmaison, once home to Napoleon and Joséphine.

Day 14: Bougival – Paris, 28 mi. (45 km)
The day begins in the 'City of Light'! Cycle through the green suburbs of Paris, with a few challenging hills along the way. Visit the grounds of the Palace of Versailles before rejoining the ship for a scenic river view of the city.

Day 15: Paris
After breakfast, your bike-and-boat adventure comes to an end.

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