Cycling from Paris to Bruges

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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