France Bike + Boat Tour Reviews — 1 to 30 of 649

Rhine River Valley E-Bike & Boat
Germany, France, Switzerland

Traveling by e-bike and boat along the Rhine felt like a luxury adventure with a touch of home. The wine regions reminded me of the rolling vineyards of Limburg, but the diversity here—Alsace, Breisgau, and Basel—was extraordinary. The cycling was easy and enjoyable.

Rhine River Valley E-Bike & Boat
Germany, France, Switzerland

My partner and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore three countries in one trip! Cycling along the Rhine was magical, with its lush vineyards and the majestic passage of Loreley being standout moments. The food was incredible—whether it was the Swiss chocolate, German sausages, or Alsatian pastries, every bite felt like a discovery. Basel’s Three Countries Corner was fascinating, and the medieval charm of Mainz was equally captivating. The guides made everything seamless. A perfect mix of culture, food, and nature!

Rhine River Valley E-Bike & Boat
Germany, France, Switzerland

This e-bike and boat tour along the Rhine was a dream come true! The landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, from the picturesque wine villages to the historic castles perched along the riverbanks. Each stop was rich in culture—Strasbourg Cathedral and Colmar’s Gothic art were personal highlights. And the food! Sampling local wines and regional dishes like tarte flambée in Alsace was an unforgettable experience. The stress-free e-biking made it accessible and enjoyable, even for someone like me who’s not an avid cyclist. Highly recommend this tour for its perfect balance of relaxation and adventure!

  Feniks Cycling from Paris to Bruges
Belgium, France

All parts of the trip were memorable. One of the few boat/bike tours that does your laundry. Bring extra pair of warm underwear if doing it in October. Alcohol, sodas, diet sodas, tea, and snacks always available. Coffee almost always available. Crew was like friends and they went out of the way to cater to individual needs. I would do this trip again. I brought extra protein powder, sometimes European meals don't have enough. I had a GoPro strapped to my chest during bike rides and I could start it, stop it, and take a video or picture all with voice commands. I couldn't believe the number of castles, churches, war memorials, not to mention docking in Auvers the village where Van Gogh lived. Saw his grave and the meadow he painted the crows. I would/will do this trip again. I did Paris to Bruge, but either way should be nice. Great vegetarian options in the bigger towns (this is just a rule of thumb for all europe).

Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France

We were extremely unhappy with this trip. We were told by the bike/barge crew that Tripsite subcontracted our Avignon barge/bike trip with another company. Unfortunately, Tripsite didn't inform us of this change. The bike/barge trip we signed up for was advertised as "Easy to Moderate". The bike tour was NOT Easy to Moderate. In fact, our bike tour leader advised us that this trip was rated as "Moderate to Difficult". As a result, we weren't able to ride everyday due to the difficulty of the terrain. The barge we stayed on was extremely humid and damp. The bedsheets, towels and floor in our room were constantly damp even with running the AC all day and night. Every morning, there was standing water on the floor of our room. We had to constantly mop up the water on our room's floor--even with the AC continuously running. Very disappointed with this trip!

  Iris Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

  Iris Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The little towns like the v one pictured above. Use deutsch bank ATM to exchange for euros

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

I loved riding through the vineyards at harvest. The ride was mostly along the river and not on roads! The guides and hostess personnel were the best! So helpful and friendly, They were cheerful and fun every day. I must admit this trip was a bit of a disappointment: 1. Bikes were not very good--It is a bike trip (the bikes must work!). 2. Our room had recently flooded and it smelled of mold and mildew. 3. I had requested a vegan diet and they did not let me know they could not accommodate this request until I was already in Europe. The cook tried, but he didn't understand the difference between vegan and gluten free. I took another tour in Italy and it had none of these issues, so I would like to give Tripsite another chance. Spend money on bikes, it is important. I am a plant-based dietitian and published author--I would be happy to consult with your cooks to assist them in making quick and easy delicious vegan meals.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

Every part of our trip was Enjoyable! The bikes were comfortable and easy to use, the rides were not too strenuous but rather “ a good day on a bike”. The routes gave us an Immersive look at the country side. Our guides were Fun and helpful. The staff of the ship went above and beyond and even provided a cake and a celebration for my husband’s Birthday!! Truly , a Bike and Barge trip is the Best way to see the Country! I could have turned around on the last day and started Another Trip! Thank you to our Wonderful Crew on the Magnifique I!!!!

Merzig to Nancy
Germany, Luxembourg, France

Our time on the Merlijn was fabulous! Coen and Cristina, the ship's owners, are the absolute best as was the crew. Everything from the accommodations, the food, the tours and the biking was top notch. We especially enjoyed the bike helmets that allowed us to listen to our guide provide guidance as well as historical information on our rides. We are already looking forward to choosing another tour aboard the Merlijn.

  Iris Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The whole trip was excellent. To many thing to choose just one.

  Merlijn Merzig to Nancy
Germany, Luxembourg, France

The trip on the Merlijn was wonderful. The captain, crew, and guide were all 5 star. Accommodations on the barge were very nice, with modern baths, excellent lighting, and adequate storage. The guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the areas we biked through. The wine tour we had one evening was the best I have ever taken. One evening we all had a meal out at a German restaurant that was delightful. I like the bike helmet they provided. It networked with the guides helmet and she was able to give us information as we road on excellent bike paths.

  Caprice Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France

The biking in the southern France with the scenery was fantastic! The guided bike guide was a fountain of historical knowledge of the area as well.

  Magnifique III Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The scenery along the Mosel River was spectacular and the heritage buildings and the history associated with them was both interesting and educational. The friendships that developed along the course of the trip added to our enjoyment and memories. The food was excellent although possible less in the way of trying to produce high end dishes and providing more in the way of comfort foods especially during the cold and rainy weather soups and stews would have been appreciated.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

Biking and boating into Germany, Luxembourg and France was spectacular. Seeing the incredible vineyards and tasting the wines from this area. Our stay and the crew on the Magnafique 1 was excellent and we hope to book another tour.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

Although the weather wasn't always the most cooperative, the biking along the Moselle offered beautiful scenery of steep hillside vineyards with stops in small towns along the way. Our tour guides were fantastic and easily (or so it seemed) adapted to the route changes that needed to be made due to the flooding of the Moselle and the fact that the bike paths weren't always accessible. Our guides were knowledgable about the areas we visited and offered interesting information about castles, churches and other areas of interest in the cities.
As far as tips for others, if you are planning a bike/barge trip, be prepared for varied weather and biking conditions. Being flexible will allow you to enjoy things that aren't necessarily what you had expected.

  Merlijn Merzig to Nancy
Germany, Luxembourg, France

The Merlijn is the best sailing ship in all of Europe if you want to bike. The captains Coen and Cristina (also the ship owners) are just wonderful people. I feel like family every time I travel with them and this was my 8th trip with them (7 trips in the last year alone). So if you want 5 star accommodations, service and meals, this is the ship to sail on. Their bikes are the best out there and I feel confident in saying that as I have done 15 bike and barge trips! Give the Merlijn a try and you will be hooked like I am. The Merlijn also gets the best bike guides out there along with extremely friendly and caring crew. Love the Merlijn and Coen and Cristina.

  Iris Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

So much fun! Loved all the vineyards and charming towns we rode through. Our captain, mates, chef and guides were top notch! Highly recommend this bike tour, we loved it!

Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France

We really liked the old walled cities at the start, middle, and end of this trip! These cities were beautiful! Didn’t like the bike trails as well as the ones on our Germany bike/barge trip last year, as there were lots of dirt/gravel and a fair amount of riding along the edge of roads. Was not a fan of L’Estello barge bathrooms as they had the shower right in the bathroom, so everything gets wet and you had to run the A/C on a low temp to get everything to dry out. Food was great and the barge staff was very friendly and did a great job!! We did enjoy this trip a lot. Next year we booked an Italy bike/barge from Venice to Mantova.

  Clair de Lune Loire Valley Bike & Boat
France

Touring the Abby that is being restored. It was amazing! The fishing lodge/castle was very cool, too. The guide and barge staff were great and went out of their way to make us comfortable. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is we rode on busy roads more than I was expecting and more than I like to. But, we saw a lot more by leaving the canel trail. So, everything is a tradeoff. The canel path was dull after a day or so. I didn't see any areas that were being restored, like I see along bike trails here. That was disappointing, but probably something most people wouldn't notice. The fod was very good, at times, excellent. The guests were all very nice and extremely good natured about the rain we had almost every day. Overall, it was quite enjoyable.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

Biking in the Mosel wine region watching grape harvest.
Exploring the city of Trier was a highlight.

  Fleur Bruges to Paris E-bike & Boat
Belgium, France

The trip was wonderful for us. We enjoyed two weeks of biking and sightseeing. The guides were knowledgeable and catered to our needs. They were pleasant and helpful. The barge rooms were comfortable, nothing fancy but well equipped. We rented e-bikes and were happy that we did. Biking from 9 am-3/4 pm. every day for 2 weeks made the experience more enjoyable on the e bike. We enjoyed the group of people we were with. They were there for the experience and we all meshed easily. Overall, it was wonderful. Bring warm clothes for fall biking. We had rain and cold temps.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The most memorable part of this trip was NOT the boat breakdown for 2 days but the absolutely beautiful , kindly, acceptance by everyone with the unfortunate circumstances. I did not hear one grumble or complaint by anyone on board. Everyone worked tirelessly and professionally to correct the issue and make alternate arrangements for the bikers. It was the biggest and best display of humankind working together to make things right. It was so heartwarming to experience such a wonderful situation especially during these very challenging world situations. I can’t praise us ALL enough for making the trip such an unforgettable experience.
Sincerely, Sally Coomber

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

I enjoyed all parts of this trip. Our guides, Alv and Hetty were very friendly, relaxed, and patient. They both were well informed, and provided interesting commentary and information along the way. When things did not go as planned, they always had another plan. Everyone was made to feel welcome and comfortable.
The bike paths along the river were incredible, easy to manoeuvre, and very scenic.
The meals on the barge were delicious. All the staff were friendly and courteous.
I’m looking forward to another trip wit Tripsite!

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The highlight of our trip was the German city of Trier. There was so much to see in this ancient Roman city. We only scratched the surface, but the Black Gate, the huge cathedral, the beautiful gardens and the lovely city center were amazing. We happened to be there when they were celebrating Unity Day in Germany and there was a band playing, with people dancing and singing. That just made it so much more festive. My suggestion for others is: take this trip, you won’t regret it.

Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France

The barge crew, the fabulous food, our wonderful guide and meeting great people from all over the world made this trip ever so special. We came together as a team and simply had a lovely time. We needed to ride each day because Sara’s meals were delicious and we ate way too much. I mean that as a compliment, for sure!
The towns we biked to and through were beautiful to see. Our guide, Georgio, did his homework.
Can’t wait to do another trip. In fact, we already inquired about one through tripsite today!

  Caprice Provence - Wilderness of Camargue
France

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The ambiance on board with all the guest cyclists was matched by the excellent service from all the staff. Both cycling guides were professional but more importantly they were fun to be with. The Mosel Rivers quiet charm and fairy tale villages made for a wonderful experience despite the rainy days.

  Magnifique I Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

My wife and I traveled on the Magnifique 1 from October 1, 2024 to October 7, 2024. We absolutely loved the staff; very friendly and helpful. The stop in Trier, with a guide, was great. The food on board was pretty good but the bikes were not. They were quite heavy and had too few gears, which made climbing even moderate hills quite difficult.

  Magnifique III Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany

The overall experience was great. Our guides were fantastic, the scenery was beautiful and the boat and rooms were super clean.