Fontainebleau to the Loire by Bike and Barge

Welcome aboard! Your journey begins in the charming medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing, located just south of Paris. This picturesque riverside village is best known as the home of Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley, who captured its beauty in the late 19th century. You’ll arrive at the barge between 2:00 and 3:00 PM, where you’ll be welcomed with coffee or tea as you settle into your cabin. It’s a great chance to meet your tour leader, skipper, crew, and fellow travellers before the journey begins. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board. Your tour leader will present the week’s schedule, daily cycling routines, and important safety procedures. After dinner, stretch your legs with a short, guided introductory ride through Moret-sur-Loing, giving you a taste of what’s to come.

If you didn’t have time yesterday, consider an early stroll through Moret-sur-Loing this morning to explore its medieval city gates, historic keep, and atmospheric lanes – a peaceful start to the day. Today marks your first full day of cycling, beginning with a scenic ride through the expansive grounds of Fontainebleau, home to one of France’s most celebrated royal palaces. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the gardens of the Château de Fontainebleau, once a favourite retreat of French monarchs including Napoleon. The route then winds through the Fontainebleau Forest, known for its dense woodlands and ancient boulders worn into curious shapes by centuries of weathering – popular with climbers and artists alike. Later, we rejoin the Loing River and follow its peaceful course to Nemours, a lively town with a 12th-century castle at its heart. Here, your barge, Clair de Lune, will be waiting to welcome you for the evening.

The cycle today takes you along quiet roads through the French countryside, gradually leaving the river behind as you make your way from Nemours to the charming town of Montargis. Midway through the day, you’ll arrive at Château-Landon, a picturesque hilltop village offering sweeping views over the valley and Loing Canal below – an ideal spot to pause for lunch and take in the scenery. From here, we continue to the nearby archaeological site of Aquae Segetae, a fascinating Roman-era complex of thermal baths and temples, built over an even older Celtic sanctuary. It’s a unique glimpse into the layered spiritual history of the region. After exploring the site, enjoy a gentle descent back toward the river, ending the day in Montargis. Known as “the Venice of the Gâtinais” for its network of canals and bridges, this small town is full of character and a lovely place to relax for the evening.

This morning we take a scenic route toward Château-Renard, home to a medieval fortress where Joan of Arc is said to have stayed for two nights. This character-filled town features half-timbered houses, quiet lanes, and cosy cafés – a perfect stop for morning coffee or lunch. From here, the journey continues along tranquil country lanes through gently undulating terrain, passing fields and farms en route to Montcresson, a peaceful village nestled on the Loing River. You’ll then follow the river before joining the Briare Canal, arriving at your destination: Châtillon-Coligny, a welcoming canal-side town with a rich local heritage.

Leaving Châtillon-Coligny behind, you'll cycle through a peaceful mix of farmland, forest trails, and quiet rural roads en route to Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses. This gentle inland route passes through small villages and open countryside, offering a slower pace and a chance to connect with the landscape. Although café stops are few today, you’ll find plenty of inviting places to pause and enjoy your packed lunch in the fresh air. Your destination is best known for its extraordinary seven-lock staircase, a 17th-century feat of canal engineering that once formed a crucial link in France’s inland waterway system. Be sure to take time to explore the historic site before boarding the Clair de Lune for a relaxed evening moored nearby.

Your journey continues toward the Loire River, beginning with a peaceful ride through the lake region near Ouzouer-sur-Trézée. The landscape opens up as you make your way to the elegant 17th-century Château de Bussière, where you’ll have time to explore the estate and enjoy lunch in the gardens or nearby. From here, you descend toward Gien, a riverside town dominated by its striking castle overlooking the Loire. The route then follows the river downstream, offering scenic views all the way to Briare, your final destination. Before returning to the barge, take time to visit Briare’s most iconic feature – the magnificent canal aqueduct, a marvel of 19th-century engineering that carries the canal high above the Loire. If time allows, you might also visit “Tile Hill”, a quirky local site where remnants from the area’s once-thriving ceramics industry were discarded – now a colourful relic of the town’s past.

To begin your final day of exploration, you'll take a short train ride with your bike to the hilltop town of Sancerre, world-renowned for its crisp and elegant Sauvignon Blanc wines. Once there, enjoy time to wander the historic streets and visit the Maison de Sancerre, an interactive centre where you can discover the region’s winegrowing history, soil diversity, and grape varieties – all brought to life through engaging displays and tastings. From Sancerre, your return ride to Briare follows the picturesque Loire à Vélo trail, winding through vineyards, riverbanks, and quiet countryside. It’s a beautifully scenic way to close your cycling experience through the heart of France.