Cycling from Paris to Bruges
Belgium, France Bike + Boat Tours
Discover Scenic Trails, Historic Towns, and Iconic Landmarks Across Belgium and France
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length15 days
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Prices from€1377 Rates
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Overview
Two countries, one incredible bike and boat tour! Explore Belgium and France as you move along quiet canals, cycle through storybook villages, and uncover centuries of history traveling from Bruges to Paris—or the other way around!
Pedal past Belgium’s iconic windmills, explore UNESCO-listed landmarks and reflect on history at WWI and WWII sites. Along the way, sip coffee in quaint French cafés and stand in awe at the grandeur of Versailles, discovering the culture and history that shaped these two nations.
This tour spans 15 days between Paris and Bruges but can be tailored to an 8-day route between Bruges and Péronne or Péronne and Paris. With routes for all cycling levels, it’s a truly unique and active way to experience Europe!
Highlights
- Paris - Iconic landmarks & world-class museums
- Bruges - UNESCO-listed medieval center & canals
- Versailles - Gardens of French royalty
- Ghent - St. Bavo’s Cathedral & Van Eyck’s masterpiece
- Péronne - WWI & WWII memorials & museums
- Auvers-sur-Oise - Van Gogh’s final home & resting place
- Tournai - UNESCO five-towered cathedral
Be sure to check out our full list of Bike & Barge tours in France.
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Itinerary
Paris to Bruges
Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Paris - Bougival, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Bougival - Auvers sur Oise, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Day 4: Auvers sur Oise - Creil, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km)
Day 5: Creil - Compeigne, 25-31 mi. (40-50 km)
Day 6: Compiegne - Noyon, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Noyon - Péronne, 25-31 mi. (40-50 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, 28-34 mi. (45-55 km)
Day 13: Oudenaarde - Ghent, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 14: Ghent - Bruges, 25-37 mi. (40-60 km)
Day 15: Bruges*End of week 1 and departure, beginning of week 2 and arrival
Day 1: Paris
Upon arrival, board the ship and settle in at its mooring in Paris. In the evening, enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Seine.Day 2: Paris - Bougival, 24 mi. (40 km)
Your journey begins with a ride through Paris, passing through green spaces like the Bois de Boulogne and taking on some challenging slopes. Midday, visit the stunning gardens of Versailles and enjoy lunch. The route continues through peaceful suburbs before reaching Bougival. Along the way, you may choose to visit Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine.Day 3: Bougival - Auvers-sur-Oise, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
This morning, cycle along the Seine to St. Germain-en-Laye, with a short climb leading to the castle, now a museum of prehistory. After a coffee break, continue to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a former bustling river port. The ship sails up the Oise River to Auvers-sur-Oise, where a guided walk highlights Vincent van Gogh’s final days and his resting place.Day 4: Auvers-sur-Oise - Creil, 22-31 mi. (35-50 km)
Following an early sail upstream, cycle through the Chantilly Forest, visiting the Château de Chantilly or Royaumont Abbey. For those opting for a longer route, the historic town of Senlis offers Roman ruins and a cathedral. Return to the river at Creil for the evening.Day 5: Creil - Compiègne, 25-31 mi. (40-50 km)
Begin the day with a relaxing sail along the Oise. The cycling route then takes you through the vast Compiègne Forest, passing Roman ruins and Pierrefonds Castle. Lunch is in a forest village before arriving in the historic town of Compiègne, where you can explore its palace museum or join a guided walk focused on Joan of Arc.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 John Calvin.Day 7: Noyon - Péronne, 25-31 mi. (40-50 km)
The morning begins with a boat ride through Northern France’s open agricultural landscapes. Cycle through a region dotted with WWI cemeteries and memorials, stopping in small towns for coffee and lunch. In the afternoon, reach Péronne, where you can visit the Historial de la Grande Guerre museum. Dinner is in town.Day 8: Péronne - Moislains, 12 mi. (20 km)
Spend the day exploring Péronne at your own pace. Visit the WWI Historical Museum or take a guided tour of nearby war memorials. In the afternoon, enjoy a short, scenic ride to Moislains, where the ship will be moored.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, 28-34 mi. (45-55 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, 28 mi. (45 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*End of week 1 and departure, the beginning of week 2 and arrival
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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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Feniks
Comfort Class Boat
This comfortable little vessel is the pride and joy of its captain/owner, Marius. As is true for many of our boats, the Feniks was originally built as a freighter, but then converted into a hotel passenger ship in 1992. Since then, she has undergone several renovations. Wearing her history well, you will find a welcoming atmosphere on board, a crew ready to serve, and great food showcasing local cuisine featuring fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the market to the table. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 14 (or 7) nights
- Breakfast buffets, packed lunches, & 6 (or 12) 3-course dinners with wine & cheese
- Coffee & tea
- Cycling tour guide
- 24-speed hybrid bicycle with pannier bag, frame lock, water bottle cage, water bottle, & helmet
- Helmets available (advanced reservation required)
- Route information
- Ferry fares en route
- Wifi, signal speed and strength cannot be guaranteed and may not be what you are accustomed to
What’s Not Included
- Beverages (incl. alcohol), available onboard
- 2 dinners
- Museum entrance fees other than those indicated as included
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
May 12, 19, 26; Jun 2, 9, 16; Jul 7, 14; Aug 18, 25; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Oct 6, 2025
7-night packages:
Bruges to Péronne (7-night): May 12; Jun 9; Aug 18; Sep 15, 2025
Péronne to Paris (7-night): May 19; Jun 16; Aug 25; Sep 22, 2025
Paris to Péronne (7-night): May 26; Jul 7; Sep 1; Sep 29, 2025
Péronne to Bruges (7-night): Jun 2; Jul 14; Sep 8; Oct 6, 202514-night packages:
Bruges to Péronne to Paris (14-night): May 12; Jun 9; Aug 18; Sep 15, 2025
Paris to Péronne to Bruges (14-night): May 26; Jul 7; Sep 1; Sep 29, 2025- Bruges to Péronne 2025 May 12, Jun 9, Aug 18, Sep 15 from € 13772025 departures: May 12, Jun 9, Aug 18, Sep 15
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 1377 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 1547 Luxury cabin € 1747 Single occupancy cabin € 1842 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 95 - Péronne to Paris 2025 May 19, Jun 16, Aug 25, Sep 22 from € 13772025 departures: May 19, Jun 16, Aug 25, Sep 22
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 1377 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 1547 Luxury cabin € 1747 Single occupancy cabin € 1842 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 95 - Paris to Péronne 2025 May 26, Jul 7, Sep 1, 29 from € 13772025 departures: May 26, Jul 7, Sep 1, 29
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 1377 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 1547 Luxury cabin € 1747 Single occupancy cabin € 1842 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 95 - Péronne to Bruges 2025 Jun 2, Jul 14, Sep 8, Oct 6 from € 13772025 departures: Jun 2, Jul 14, Sep 8, Oct 6
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 1377 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 1547 Luxury cabin € 1747 Single occupancy cabin € 1842 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 95 - Bruges to Péronne to Paris 2025 May 12, Jun 9, Aug 18, Sep 15 from € 25382025 departures: May 12, Jun 9, Aug 18, Sep 15
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 2538 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 2968 Luxury cabin € 3268 Single occupancy cabin € 3328 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 190 - Paris to Péronne to Bruges 2025 May 26, Jul 7, Sep 1, 29 from € 25382025 departures: May 26, Jul 7, Sep 1, 29
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Bunk bed cabin € 2538 Standard cabin (two low beds) € 2968 Luxury cabin € 3268 Single occupancy cabin € 3328 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electrically-assisted bike € 190 - Extra options
Special Dietary Requests* Based on 7-night itinerary € 85 Based on 14-night itinerary € 169 *when requested at time of booking, cost increases if requested on board.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Bruges to Péronne 2025 May 12, Jun 9, Aug 18, Sep 15 from € 1377
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
Overall, the tour is rated easy to moderate. The route includes gently rolling countryside, with occasional steeper hills. The daily biking distance averages 28–31 miles, occasionally reaching up to 37 miles, requiring 4 to a maximum of 5 hours of cycling per day. You can always choose to stay onboard the ship for a day if you do not want to bike. Cycling experience and good physical condition are required.
Airport Info
Fly to Paris CDG, Brussels BRU, or Amsterdam AMS. Depending on your tour start, you could fly to one airport and out of another.
Local Travel
In your final travel information, we will provide details regarding mooring assignments and how to arrive to the boat from the closest international airport.
Generally, for tour starts in Paris and arrival to Paris CDG, you can arrive close to the mooring location by train. There are two train stations - (Gare) at CDG airport, ‘Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 1’ near Terminal 3 within the ‘Roissypole’ complex, for the RER regional trains into Paris and ‘Aeroport Charles de Gaulle 2 - TGV’ within Terminal 2 ( located between Terminal 2 E and 2 C) for both regional (RER) trains and TGV intercity trains.
For tour starts in Bruges, both Brussels (BRU) and Amsterdam (AMS), there are train stations in the lower level of the airport.Climate
Please check local weather conditions before your departure. For monthly weather averages, see below.
Day of Rest
Any day can be spent on board just enjoying the passing scenery.
Recommended
It’s important to note that, due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, WiFi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. See our FAQ page/ Before Your Trip section for details.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
For those wanting to spend extra time in Bruges or Paris, we suggest Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities as well as peruse customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by .
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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