The Loire to Fontainebleau by Bike and Barge

After arriving at the barge this afternoon, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in a relaxed setting. It’s a great opportunity to meet your guide, skipper, crew and fellow travellers. Boarding is between 2 and 3 PM. That evening, your onboard dinner sets the tone for the journey ahead. Over a relaxed meal, your tour leader will walk you through the next day’s plans and share an overview of the week ahead. You’ll also be given important cycling safety tips and route info to ensure a smooth start. To round out the day, there’s a short warm-up ride after dinner to help you get familiar with your bike and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect intro to your journey — scenic, sociable, and stress-free.

To begin your first full 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 start your cycling experience through the heart of France.

After breakfast, hop on your bike and take a short detour to explore one of the region’s highlights – the impressive aqueduct at Briare, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering that carries the canal over the Loire River. Briare itself has a rich ceramics history, and if you’re curious, the quirky “Tile Hill” – a slope covered in discarded ceramics – is worth a quick stop. Pedalling along the quiet riverside paths, you’ll soon reach the larger town of Gien, known for its elegant château that towers above the Loire. It’s a great place to pause for a coffee and enjoy the local rhythm. From here, continue your ride through picturesque countryside to the Château de la Bussière, a 17th-century castle surrounded by water – a peaceful spot to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, cycle through the tranquil lake district near Ouzouer-sur-Trézée before arriving in the historic village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famed for its remarkable staircase of seven canal locks – a true feat of early canal design.

Leaving Rogny behind, you'll cycle through a peaceful mix of farmland, forest trails, and quiet rural roads en route to Châtillon-Coligny. 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. Later you arrive at your destination: Châtillon-Coligny, a welcoming canal-side town with a rich local heritage.

Today’s ride leads you to the elegant canals and cobbled laneways of Montargis, often nicknamed “the Venice of the Gâtinais.” Setting off along the peaceful Loing River, you’ll soon arrive in Montcresson – a quiet village worth a pause to enjoy the riverside setting. From here, your route turns inland along scenic country roads toward Château-Renard. This medieval town, with its half-timbered houses and well-preserved castle – where Joan of Arc reportedly stayed for two nights – offers a lovely place to stop for coffee or lunch. The final stretch follows the gentle curves of the Ouanne River through tranquil countryside, delivering you into Montargis, a town full of charm, bridges and history.

Another great day of cycling as you make your way through the quiet backroads of rural France, leaving the river behind as you cycle from Montargis to the historic town of Nemours. Around the halfway mark, stop to explore the intriguing archaeological site of Aquae Segetae – once a vast Roman spa complex built atop an ancient Celtic sanctuary, complete with hot springs and temples. From here, continue to the hilltop town of Château-Landon. With sweeping views over the Loing River and canal, its medieval streets and scenic outlook make it a perfect spot for lunch. Afterward, enjoy a gentle descent through open countryside, finishing the day in Nemours, where a 12th-century château watches over the Loing.

Your final day in the saddle begins with a peaceful ride along the Loing River before a short climb takes you into the heart of the majestic Forêt de Fontainebleau. As you pedal beneath the forest canopy, keep an eye out for the ancient rock formations scattered through the woodland – many with striking, almost sculptural shapes. Arriving in Fontainebleau, there’s ample time to explore the renowned palace grounds and manicured gardens, once the retreat of French royalty. From here, a relaxed descent leads you to Moret-sur-Loing, a beautifully preserved medieval town that once inspired Impressionist painter Alfred Sisley. Before the journey ends, take a moment to wander the cobbled lanes and admire the town’s historic gates, fortress tower and striking riverside cathedral.