Clair de Lune boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 30 of 40
Jorge T.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
There were several memorable parts:
Both Strasbourg and Nancy are beautiful cities with a great deal of medieval charm; the Valley of the Locks with its dried abandoned channels and locks, and of course, the St Louis-Arzviller lock, where lock, water and boats are lifted (or lowered) 42 m, replacing 17 locks we saw abandoned; our boat, the Clair de Lune and its friendly and competent crew, the smallest barge we had ventured in till then, but that it showed us the efficiency of its cabin layouts to remove previous concerns about barge size to the point that we are booking another trip on a similar sized barge next year.
Prosper B.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
However (and there's always a "however") this tour, which was described on your website as "easy" was anything but.
I am 68 years old and have never used an e-bike on any tour, including the hills of Provence, but the hills encountered on this trip were challenging even for the riders half my age. The tour description was erroneous and misleading. I say misleading because looking at the tour guides' maps, the elevation levels were clearly labeled but not communicated to the guests. So those on e-bikes had a much different experience than those of us (4 out of 10 guests) who did not. Those of us who did not struggled.
The other complaint was a lack of things to see in the middle of the tour, Read More unless churches are your thing and that's all I seemed to see in the form of tours, which got repetitive.
Nothing I have complained about here would prevent me from traveling with Tripsite again, as I am a true believer in this experience. BTW, the crew and the culinary staff were superb, as always.
Tripsite Staff • 7 months ago Tripsite Staff
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this feedback, it is invaluable to us and makes us better! We're so sorry for the issues you experience with the difficulty. Rating the difficulty level of a tour is the hardest aspect because of how subjective it can be. We do our very best but sometimes we miss the mark! I'm so sorry for this. I have already increased the difficulty rating of the tour and hopefully, the terrain will be better represented. I will also be adding the elevation to each day so future travelers are fully informed.
Francis D.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
Enjoyed all aspects.Nancy and Strausburg really nice to visit at beginning and end.
Christopher B.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
The boat elevator.
James C.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
Captain and crew of Clare de Lune were great. Enjoyed time aboard piloting down canal and through locks and down canal elevator, (not kidding... elevator). Barge cook delivered top-notch meals. Biking along canal was easy... but would recommend taking some of the more difficult routes away from the canal for beautiful rural scenery and panoramas. Enjoyed Nancy and Saverne and loved Strasbourg.
Antoinette T.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
The start (Nancy) and the end (Strasbourg). In between, we biked a lot but did not visit much...
Wendy C.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
The amazing crew, some of the key sights, the cycling (despite some rain storms), and the Clair de Lune overall. While rooms are small, they are fine and efficiently appointed and always clean. Marco was a great skipper, and Jen was a superb chef. Great food; happy clients! A combination of electric and hybrid bikes which allow all age groups to ride.
Patricia M.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Strasbourg to Nancy
France
The crew made this trip, a wonderful group of people!
Deborah D.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Super Tulip Tour
Netherlands
Comparing that ship to the one that I’m on now I would not give it a high rating. Bathroom was filthy, toilet kept running, floor stayed wet from condensation from the shower and toilet and the bed situation was not desirable. However I booked this knowing that it was a low budget trip so therefore I was not disappointed. The guide was superb. He gave us lots of history and really made the trip fun. The food was less than desirable.
Jehiel • 1 year ago Tripsite Staff
Hi Deborah,
I am sorry this boat did not meet your expectations. Next time, maybe a boat in a Premium or Deluxe class would be a better fit? The issues with your bathroom were promptly resolved.
Glad you enjoyed the cycling and guide. Hope to help you plan your next trip!
Linda F.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
The barge itself, the chef and the captain were great. Unfortunately, the most memorable take away from this trip was the cycling itself. This was a guided tour and our guide was only familiar with the city of Paris. We were to follow the Oise and Seine rivers and seldon rode along the river paths. The first two days were the worst involving a lot of backtracking and nearly impassable trails that seriously impacted the mileage and time in the saddle. One day we arrived at the boat an hour after the scheduled dinner time. Our ride through the city of Paris was traumatizing because of the heavy traffic and crowded bike lanes. Why were we not riding along the Seine??? Perhaps the guide was not totally to blame. Hat tours could have provided him with better maps and information. Whatever the reason, the ten riders paid the price. This was not the tour we signed up for.
Naomi G.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Tulip Tour - Bruges to Amsterdam - 8 day
Netherlands, Belgium
Biking through Belgium and Holland. Great bike paths, lovely scenery, good companions made for a memorable journey.
Bob M.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
The Around Paris tour on the Clair de Lune was a wonderful trip for us. Entering Paris by bicycle, having our barge room follow us, and being guided, fed, and hosted by Marcus and his crew was a great experience we recommend.
Carol P.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Around Paris as guests on Clair de Lune was a great trip! The scenery, the history, the visit to Fontainebleau, cycling the streets of Paris, and more! This is such a wonderful way to experience a country!
Susan S.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Highlights: The kindness of the tour guide (Jan-Anne), the captain (Marco), and the chef (Sylvia); the beautiful landscape; sailing into Paris; riding through Paris.
Deidre S.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
We were in great hands with our captain, Marco, chef, Sylvia and guide, Rob, on the Clair de Lune! We truly enjoyed our week biking along the Seine and L’Oise. We highly recommend this barge and bike experience.
Elizabeth McCarthy
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Guides had no map, and got us lost daily. They spoke no French, so could ask no one for help. Because of the getting lost daily, we didn't get to see the towns in which we were moored for the night. Kitchen ran out of bread, so I had to buy my sandwich one day. Rooms were not cleaned except for trash being removed once. Boat was moored in Paris 1/2 hour walk away from where the captain said he would be, with not notifying guests. A complete and total DISASTER!!!
Eileen A.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Most Memorable? For me the day we cycled through the city of Paris. We got to experience a very authentic side of Parisian life, zooming along the myriad of bike paths with the locals, enjoying the sights, sounds and smells and knowing we were in the capable hands of our guide. Having a guide removes all of the navigational stress and allows for the freedom to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Linda H.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Sailing into Paris in the seine was spectacular, what a way to get acquainted for the first time and also enjoy how Parisiennes live and play along the river. Make sure you bring your sunscreen.
Richard O.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Our guide, Chris, was exceptionally talented. He answered questions clearly and completely, and he offered many interesting comments about the various sites we traveled through. Our captain, Connie, was also thoroughly competent and provided additional insight about our travels, especially thru the various locks. Meals were good. Breakfast was standard European and I appreciated their encouraging us to prepare sandwiches and snacks for lunch. Be aware that the instructions for meeting the tour bus from the train station, Gare du Nord, were incomplete: You have to continue walking about 100 meters on Rue de Maubeuge beyond Rue Ambroise Pare to find the bus. Also, this bike trip was considered "easy" based on the relatively flat terrain and modest miles ridden.
However, the paths were not always very smooth; we experienced rocky, bumpy, pitted and muddy roads for much of the trip. In general, however, this was a very memorable trip; I'd do it again!
Howard B.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
The attentiveness and skill of the crew was most memorable. Chris was an awesome guide, encouraging everyone and being a wealth of knowledge about the environs. Conor was personable and available to share her knowledge and experience. Kim is a great cook and quite a character. Together, they overcame the limitation of an outdated too small barge to create an environment that allowed the riders to really enjoy the countryside and each other.
Molly C.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Overall the trip was great. Route was rated as easy, but it was a little more difficult than expected. Lots of traffic in Paris and trails and streets were often more like off-road or mountain biking. That should be made clear from the beginning.
Mary W.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
This tour of the Seine was delightful. The boat and crew were top notch. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history and bike routes of the area. And the weather was c'est bon. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Marco, Captain | Clair de Lune • 5 years ago
Thank you for your feedback hope to see you again.
Ginny D.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Tips: Pack light. Bring layers of clothing. People great. Barge crew and bike guide wonderful!!
Jenny D.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
The trip was amazing!! It was exactly as described. There were no surprises. The bikes were very comfortable and perfect for the trip we were on. The boat and the sights were amazing. I loved the staff, the food, and the guide. If you are new to biking, I highly recommend spending some time on a bike before you go just to get used to handling it in both traffic and on dirt trails in the forest. Enjoy!
Paul W.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Tulip Tour - Bruges to Amsterdam - 8 day
Netherlands, Belgium
Have forwarded the link to your website to a number of our friends as we describe the fabulous experience on our tulip tour. Most memorable was being our timing in seeing the tulips in full bloom in the fields. But, every day was memorable!
Sherry M.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
The guide was attentive to each rider and knowledgeable about the towns and history.
Paul D.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Gourmet dining aboard the Clair de Lune was five star fabulous! The tour guide, Henry, was extremely knowledgeable about the area, and inspired the highest level of confidence in his ability to handle any situation. The Clair de Lune was very clean and in excellent condition. All the staff were wonderfully friendly, helpful and welcoming.
Virginia D.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
Most Memorable part: Going through the locks on the barge in Paris. The kindness of our fellow bikers and staff.
Jenny D.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
I just got back from the trip and had a wonderful time! The Boat, Bikes, and Food where the best that could be provided and the scenery was amazing! I found the description to be exactly as the trip experience. I felt like I was fully prepared for everything and cannot wait to do it again next year.
Laura W.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Clair de Lune Around Paris
France
So many memorable parts it's hard to pick just one. On this trip, I'll say the warmth of the chef and captain, the meals were outstanding, and I loved meeting and cycling with people from all over!
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Boat/Barge Reviews
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