Seine River Valley E-Bike & Boat
France Bike & Boat Tours
Cycle the Seine: Impressionist Landscapes to D-Day Beaches
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Overview
This electric bike and boat tour follows the Seine River as it meanders in picturesque in wide loops through the Ile de France and Normandy, connecting Paris with the sea. It is a region that has experienced a turbulent past, from the invasions by the fierce Vikings to more recent times, with the battle scars of WWII still apparent.
Today, Normandy is an idyllic, peaceful place, laced with farmland, and dotted with orchards and half-timbered villages. Its ancient history is found in the romantic ruins and magnificent châteaux. Painters and poets were inspired here. You will be too.
The highlights of the trip are the historic city of Rouen and the coastal town of Étretat, which lies between steep, chalk cliffs. A visit to the picturesque water lily garden of Monét and the varied city tour in Paris round off the landscape and cultural experience along the river.
Highlights
- Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Étretat & Paris
- Picturesque landscapes of Île de France with Giverny, Les Andelys and Normandy
- The Orangery in Paris with Monet's water lily cycle
- Alabaster Coast
- Accommodations on the Viva, state of the art river cruise ship
- Stress-free battery-assisted cycling with a support vehicle
Take a look at our full list of bike & barge tours in France.
Need help deciding which river to tour? Read our guide to European bike and boat river cruises.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Paris
Day 2: Rouen, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 3: D-Day Experience, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux - Côte d´Albatre, 31 km (50 km)
Day 5: Les Andelys - Vernon, 28 mi. (46 km)
Day 6: Savoir-vivre on the Seine
Day 7: Paris, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 8: Departure or extension in ParisAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Arrival on board in Paris
At 5 pm, your tour guides will welcome you onboard in Paris for embarkation. After you settle into your cabin, your tour guide will explain the itinerary to you. At 9 p.m., the Viva will cast off and set course towards Normandy.Day 2: Rouen, 12 mi. (20 km)
You depart from the Ile de France overnight and wake up to the serene beauty of Normandy in the morning. Enjoy the scenic ride aboard your ship as it gracefully navigates the wide loops of the Seine, passing by quaint villages, verdant meadows, and densely forested hills. You begin your stay in Rouen in the afternoon with a short bike ride to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. During the subsequent city tour on foot through the old town of Rouen, we will also show you the famous, impressive cathedral. Rouen exudes medieval charm with its iconic clock tower and magnificent cathedral. The towering spires of the cathedral dominate the city's skyline, evoking a sense of grandeur and history. A poignant reminder of the city's past unfolds at the square "Du Vieux Marché," where Jeanne d’Arc, the Maid of Orleans, met a tragic fate, being burned as a witch. Your ship will remain moored overnight in Rouen, allowing you ample time to wander the medieval streets and soak in the city's ambiance. A special treat awaits in the summer months: as the sun sets, the cathedral is bathed in a mesmerizing light show accompanied by music (available from June 1st to September 15th). We highly recommend experiencing this captivating spectacle after dinner. It's just a short 15-minute walk from the ship to the cathedral portal, where you can witness this enchanting display free of charge.Day 3: D-Day Experience, 25 mi. (41 km)
A morning transfer will bring you to the beaches of Normandy. Experience a powerful journey through history along Normandy’s iconic D-Day beaches. This guided cycling tour begins at Omaha Beach, where American troops launched one of WWII’s most pivotal assaults. Explore the Omaha Beach Museum, featuring authentic artifacts and moving personal stories from June 6, 1944. Ride along peaceful coastal roads to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, the final resting place of nearly 10,000 U.S. soldiers. The sea-view memorial is a solemn tribute to their sacrifice. Enjoy gentle cycling along sandy shores, with a relaxing picnic lunch and time to reflect on the region’s historic significance. The tour concludes at Juno Beach, where Canadian forces landed, completing the story of Allied bravery on the Normandy coast. After this memorable day, return by comfortable transfer to your ship in Rouen.Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux - Côte d´Albatre | 31 mi. (50 km)
The morning's highlight is the wonderful Côte d´Albatre, the most spectacular section of the Norman coast. The small seaside resort of Étretat lies magically between the steep chalk cliffs. The breathtaking beauty of this landscape will be especially lovely as you hike on a cliff path with amazing views. The imposing, needle-shaped formations have already inspired many great artists, including Boudin, Monet, and Manet. After a short break, you cycle through Norman villages, past large farms with white cattle and small châteaux to Tancarville. From here, the transfer will bring you back to the ship in Caudebec-en-Caux.Day 5: Les Andelys - Vernon, 28 mi. (46 km)
In the morning, your ship arrives at the picturesque town of Les Andelys, where the Seine River creates wide loops and has carved stunning limestone cliffs. The majestic ruins of Richard the Lionheart stand proudly above the river, offering a romantic view of the quaint half-timbered village nestled at the base of the towering white cliffs. Begin your adventure with a cycling tour that takes you along the scenic banks of the Seine, followed by a mountain path leading back to the impressive ruins of Richard the Lionheart. On this guided walk, you'll uncover the castle's historical significance and its dramatic decline, all while enjoying breathtaking views from the top. Once you reach the summit, e-bikes will be ready for your next leg of the journey. Pedal along the serene Seine River toward Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s iconic water lily ponds and gardens. The renowned Impressionist artist lived here for 50 years, and his charming green and pink house remains as if he had just stepped out. Explore the beautifully overgrown garden that inspired many of his masterpieces. After strolling through the expansive grounds, continue your cycling adventure on side paths to La Roche Guyon Castle, a striking structure that rises dramatically from the white limestone cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views of the Seine from the castle gardens, where your tour guides will share fascinating insights about its history.A short transfer will bring you back to the A-ROSA VIVA in the early evening, which will be docked in Vernon, ready for your next exploration. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience along the Seine!
Day 6: Savoir-vivre on the Seine
Today, enjoy a full day onboard your ship on a leisure cruise on the meandering Seine through the Ile de France to Paris. In the afternoon, your guide will provide an informative session about the country and its people. This is the perfect day to enjoy the passing river scenery and let yourself be pampered on board. Overnight and dinner on board.Day 7: Paris, 17 mi. (28 km). Orangerie Urban Quarters
You cycle to the Tuileries Gardens. In the middle of the gardens is the Orangery Museum, which houses the impressive Water Lilies by Monet and a remarkable collection of works by Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, and Matisse, and the Jeu de Paume. During a detailed tour, you will learn more about the painter Monet and his contemporaries. In the afternoon, the final highlight awaits you with a visit to the Musée Rodin.Paris has countless museums, many of which are among the most important and famous in the world. The small Rodin Museum shows the unique art of France's most famous sculptor. The age of modern sculpture began with Auguste Rodin. Together with his student and lover Camille Claudel, he created works whose intense sensuality touches the viewer deeply. One of his masterpieces is “The Kiss”, whose passion, frozen in marble, fascinates every visitor. A pretty, small park adjoins the museum, which shows other important sculptures by the master, such as “The Thinker” and “The Citizens of Calais”. In the evening, you will be served an excellent final dinner on board.
Day 8: Departure or extension in Paris
After breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place in Paris. Of course, it is advisable to extend another night (or two) in Paris to experience this lively and fascinating city even more extensively.Browse our variety of trips, including biking, hiking, multi-adventure, cruising, and villa stays!
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Day 2: Rouen, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 3: D-Day Experience, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux - Côte d´Albatre | 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Les Andelys - Vernon, 28 mi. (46 km)
Day 6: Savoir-vivre on the Seine
Day 7: Paris Urban Quarters & Museum Orangerie, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 8: Departure or extension in ParisAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
At 5 pm, your tour guides will welcome you on board in Paris for embarkation. After settling into your cabin, your guides will provide an introduction to the journey ahead and the highlights awaiting you in Normandy and along the Seine. Later this evening, the VIVA departs Paris and begins cruising toward Normandy. Enjoy your first evening onboard as the illuminated skyline gradually fades into the distance.Day 2: Rouen, 12 mi. (20 km)
Wake up to the peaceful landscapes of Normandy as your ship cruises along the winding Seine. Picturesque villages, green meadows, and wooded hills line the riverbanks as you approach Rouen. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bike ride to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city before joining a guided walking tour through Rouen’s historic old town. Admire the city's timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and the impressive Rouen Cathedral, famously painted by Claude Monet. You will also visit Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed in 1431. Your ship remains docked overnight in Rouen, giving you time to further explore the city at your leisure. During summer evenings, a spectacular light and music show illuminates the cathedral façade.Day 3: D-Day Experience, 25 mi. (41 km)
Today's excursion takes you to the legendary D-Day landing beaches of Normandy. A transfer brings you to Omaha Beach, where American forces landed during the Allied invasion on June 6, 1944. Visit the Omaha Beach Museum and learn about the events of D-Day through authentic artifacts and personal stories. Continue to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking the English Channel and serving as the final resting place for nearly 10,000 American soldiers. Gentle cycling along the Normandy coastline offers both beautiful scenery and moments of reflection. Following a picnic lunch overlooking the coast, return by transfer to your ship in Rouen.Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux - Côte d´Albatre | 31 mi. (50 km)
This morning, travel to the stunning Alabaster Coast, one of Normandy’s most spectacular coastal regions. The seaside town of Étretat is renowned for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and striking rock formations rising from the sea. A short walk along the coastal path offers breathtaking views that inspired artists such as Monet, Boudin, and Manet. Afterwards, cycle through the Norman countryside, passing traditional farms, grazing cattle, charming villages, and elegant manor houses. Your ride concludes in Lillebonne, where a transfer returns you to your ship in Caudebec-en-Caux.Day 5: Les Andelys - Vernon, 28 mi. (46 km)
This morning, arrive in Les Andelys, where the ruins of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart, overlook the Seine from high limestone cliffs. Following a guided walk through the historic castle ruins, continue by bike toward Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s famous gardens and water lily ponds. Explore the artist’s colorful gardens, Japanese bridge, and charming house before continuing through the countryside to La Roche-Guyon, one of the most picturesque villages along the Seine. A short transfer returns you to your ship in Vernon in the early evening.Day 6: Savoir-vivre on the Seine
Enjoy a leisurely day onboard as your ship cruises back toward Paris along the Seine. Relax on the sun deck, unwind in the wellness area, or simply admire the passing scenery. In the afternoon, your guide will share insights into French culture, history, traditions, and daily life. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace the French art of savoir-vivre while enjoying the comforts of your floating hotel.Day 7: Paris Urban Quarters & Museum Orangerie, 22 mi. (36 km)
Discover Paris from a unique perspective as you cycle along scenic bike paths, riverside promenades, and charming neighborhoods. Highlights include the Canal Saint-Martin, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île Saint-Louis, Pont Neuf, and many of Paris’s iconic boulevards and landmarks. A guided visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Tuileries Gardens introduces you to Monet’s celebrated Water Lilies series and other masterpieces of French Impressionism. Continue through the heart of Paris toward the Invalides district and the Rodin Museum, where works such as The Thinker and The Kiss are on display. In the evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner onboard.Day 8: Departure or extension in Paris
After breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place in Paris. Of course, it is advisable to extend another night (or two) in Paris to experience this lively and fascinating city even more extensively. -
Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights aboard the VIVA in your selected cabin category
- Daily breakfast
- Lunches served either as a picnic buffet or onboard buffet, according to the itinerary
- 7 buffet-style dinners
- High-quality drinks included all day: tea, coffee and coffee specialties, water, soft drinks, beer and sparkling wine and a selection of wines, within bar opening hours
- Use of onboard facilities, including the sauna and fitness area
- Reduced rates for onboard spa treatments
- In-cabin amenities, including toiletries, bathrobe, and bottled water
- Discounts for accompanying children (available upon request)
- Tour guides
- Support vehicle
- High-quality electric bike
- Guided visits and entrance fees to the Musée de l’Orangerie, Monet’s Garden, and the Rodin Museum
- D-Day Experience, including guided visits and entrance fees to the Omaha Beach Museum and the American Cemetery
- Transfers to and from Omaha Beach
- All transfers as outlined in the itinerary
- Drinking water during excursions
- All port fees and tourist taxes
- Carbon offset contribution for the excursion package
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- 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.
Aug 6, 2026Aug 6, 2026 € 3465 Book Aug 6, 2026Aug 6, 2026 € 4345 Book Sep 10, 2026Sep 10, 2026 € 3720 Book Sep 10, 2026Sep 10, 2026 € 4770 Book May 6, 2027May 6, 2027 € 3582 Book May 6, 2027May 6, 2027 € 4717 Book Jun 10, 2027Jun 10, 2027 € 3582 Book Jun 10, 2027Jun 10, 2027 € 4717 Book Jul 15, 2027Jul 15, 2027 € 3449 Book Jul 15, 2027Jul 15, 2027 € 4503 Book Aug 5, 2027Aug 5, 2027 € 3449 Book Aug 5, 2027Aug 5, 2027 € 4503 Book Sep 16, 2027Sep 16, 2027 € 3582 Book Sep 16, 2027Sep 16, 2027 € 4717 Book Sep 30, 2027Sep 30, 2027 € 3449 Book Sep 30, 2027Sep 30, 2027 € 4503 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Season A 2026 Sep 10 from € 37202026 departures: Sep 10
2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy Cat A cabin € 3720 Cat C cabin € 4200 Cat D cabin € 4330 Single occupancy Cat A cabin € 4770 Cat C cabin € 5517 Cat D cabin € 5730 Bike rental Electric bike Included Discounts Price Discount for cruise only (no biking) - September 10 departure Discount € -1095 Category A: Lower deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), portholesCategory C: Main deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balconyCategory D: Upper deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balcony - Season B 2026 Aug 6 from € 34652026 departures: Aug 6
2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy Cat A cabin € 3465 Cat C cabin € 3930 Cat D cabin € 4065 Single occupancy Cat A cabin € 4345 Cat C cabin € 5090 Cat D cabin € 5305 Bike rental Electric bike Included Category A: Lower deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), portholesCategory C: Main deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balconyCategory D: Upper deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balcony - Extra Options
Extra Option Helmet rental € 10 Transfers Transfer prices are subject to change due to rising fuel costs.Arrival transfer from Paris Airport, 1 - 3 people per car € 40 Departure transfer to Paris Airport, 1 - 3 people per car € 40 Please note that transfer reservations must be made well in advance of your tour date. Transfer distance is 11 mi. (18 km) and transfer time is 20-25 minutes of travel.
- Season A 2027 May 6, Jun 10, Sep 16 from € 35822027 departures: May 6, Jun 10, Sep 16
2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy Cat A cabin € 3582 Cat C cabin € 4116 Cat D cabin € 4249 Single occupancy Cat A cabin € 4717 Cat C cabin € 5570 Cat D cabin € 5783 Bike rental Price Electric bike Included Category A: Lower deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), portholesCategory C: Main deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balconyCategory D: Upper deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balcony - Season B 2027 Jul 15, Aug 5, Sep 30 from € 34492027 departures: Jul 15, Aug 5, Sep 30
2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy Cat A cabin € 3449 Cat C cabin € 3982 Cat D cabin € 4116 Single occupancy Cat A cabin € 4503 Cat C cabin € 5357 Cat D cabin € 5570 Bike rental Price Electric bike Included Category A: Lower deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), portholesCategory C: Main deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balconyCategory D: Upper deck cabin, double/twin bed (size 200 x 160 cm), french balcony - Extra Options
Extra Option Helmet rental € 10 Transfers Transfer prices are subject to change due to rising fuel costsGroup transfer to/from Paris CDG and the pier€ 20 Private transfer to/from Paris CDG to the pier€ 170 Private transfer to/from the train station in Paris to the pier€ 120 Please note that transfer reservations must be made well in advance of your tour date. Transfer distance is 11 mi. (18 km) and transfer time is 20-25 minutes of travel.
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
- Season A 2026 Sep 10 from € 3720
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Rating a tour is one of the most difficult things we do. The bike route takes you through the picturesque landscape of the Seine Valley along the flat river slopes. The total distance by e-bike and on foot is 189 km. The bike routes mostly run on cycle paths with little traffic or on small side streets. All gradients are easy to ride with e-bikes! On an electric bike, we are giving this tour an easy rating. On your premium pedelec equipped with Bosch or Shimano mid-mounted motor, you can decide how much assistance you require. The difficulty rating will be entirely up to you.
Airport Info
The closest international airport is Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG).
Local Travel
The airport is located approx. 35 km northeast of Paris. The RER trains are the most practical and fastest way to get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to central Paris. The ride with the RER B takes about 35 minutes. The price for a single ticket is € 10 (no discounts for children). There are two RER stations at Charles de Gaulle Airport: Terminal 1-3 and Terminal 2. A quick look at your flight ticket usually reveals to which terminal your flight is arriving and/or departing. Charles de Gaulle Airport is very well signposted. To get to the RER, you just have to follow the signs “Paris by train” after leaving the baggage area. The RER train stops in all Paris RER stations (Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert Rochereau and Cité Universitaire). From there you can change to the metro trains. The ticket for the RER transfer from the airport to the city center is also valid for the metro, so you don’t have to buy a new ticket. Please book your flight so that you arrive at the airport no later than 3 pm, otherwise, you run the risk of yourself arriving too late at the meeting point on board the ship (5 pm) and unable to take part in the panorama tour.
Climate
The weather in Central France and Normandy can be capricious. During the day, the climate is usually pleasantly warm. In the evening it can get noticeably cooler. In addition to clothing for dinner and cycling clothes, don’t forget your swimsuit!
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*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.CO2 Compensation
The CO2 compensation program benefits the non-profit Wilderness International Foundation based in Germany and Canada. The aim of the foundation is to protect unique, intact, natural areas in the temperate rain forest on Canada's west coast. The protected areas are located in British Columbia's Toba Valley, about 160km north of Vancouver. There, the foundation buys wilderness areas that are legally protected in the long term by being entered in the land register. This in turn, benefits us all. The costs cover the compensation within the destination (excluding arrival and departure travel).
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Terranova.
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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