By Bike and Boat from Paris to Champagne

Your cruiser MS Zwaantje

The MS Zwaantj, the little swan, is not a typical river cruiser, but a small, family boat with a very individual type of service. You will be pampered on your holiday by Martijn and Marjorie, the couple who own the boat, with delicious food; from the large sun deck you can enjoy watching the changing scenes as you float by. In the saloon you will find a cosy corner for sitting and a small bar. You can enjoy chatting to your fellow passengers as you sail on to the next destination.

Day 1: Individual arrival in Paris

Wander a while through the windy lanes, witness to many a tale of this City of Love before you go aboard the MS Zwaantje at 14.00 at the Quay de Bercy. After being welcomed by the captain and a receiving a short briefing you can go off on a guided tour with your tour guide. The evening is spent on board enjoying your first dinner and the chance to discuss the cycle tours you can expect on your holiday.

Day 2: Paris – Lagny-sur-Marne, approx. 35 km

You leave Paris by bike, following the Canal de l'Ourcq. The canal was built in the early 19th century, commissioned by Napoleon. The reason for the canal was the need for drinking water in Paris. But it was soon used to also transport goods to the French capital. In Lagny-sur-Marne, you are rejoined with the MS Zwaantje.

Day 3: Lagny-sur-Marne – Meaux, approx. 35 km

From Lagny-sur-Marne, you get pedalling and follow the Marne canal. After you have mastered the first hills on your bike, the famous Brie de Meaux awaits you, aka the King of Cheeses.

Day 4: Meaux – La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre, approx. 30 / 50 km

Passing the famous cathedral St. Étienne, you leave Meaux by bike to soon reach Marne valley with its expansive green slopes and fields. On the way you can visit the remains of the impressive Châteaux de Montceau, a stately castle, which Catherine de Médicis had built.

Day 5: La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre – Château-Thierry, approx. 45 km

Today's section is challenging, but you are rewarded by wonderful scenery and a long descent. After following the Marne for a few kilometres, you leave the river via a side valley, captivating because of the incredible shades of green and its densely forested hills. You ascend a Plateau and follow the little River Clignon to Château-Thierry.

Day 6: Château-Thierry – Dormans – Epernay, approx. 35 / 50 km

You can choose whether to either follow the Marne from Château-Thierry by bike or enjoy the morning air from the sun deck of the boat a little longer and begin your bike section in Dormans. Today you will enter Champagne territory! The green hills have been listed by UNESCO World Heritage since 2015. Champagne has been cultivated and pressed here since the 17th century.

Day 7: Bike tour around Epernay, approx. 25 km

This half-day circular tour takes you to the picturesque town of Hautvillers in Montagne de Reims nature park. The local monastery is considered to be the place where Champagne was born, as it was a monk here, Dom Pérignon, who was the first to give this wine its sparkle. You can, of course, visit a champagne cellar and taste the wine. Indeed you should not miss up on the opportunity.

Day 8: Debarkation from boat, individual departure from Reims

After your last breakfast on board at your  MS Zwaantje, your bike and boat cruise from Paris to Champagne comes to an end. At about 9.30 am you can take the transfer (on demand, not included) to the next train station.

Not included: 

• Drinks on board
• Fees for excursions and entries
• Tips
• Transfer

No minimum number of participants

Changes are possible on a ship journey due to the weather, water level, or technical conditions. We reserve the right to make changes.

MS Zwaantje

• 12 outer cabins
• Individually regulated air conditioning, shower / WC, window (cannot be opened)
• 10 double cabins: 2 single beds, at ground level
• 2 double cabins: double bed, additional bed possible as folding bed

Boat facts

• Built in 1991
• Interior partially renovated in 2014 / 2015
• 1 passenger deck | 12 outer cabins
• Maximum capacity: 24 passengers
• Length 40 m
• Fittings: Large sun deck with seating, saloon and bar, wifi (subject to availability)
• Languages on board: German, English, Dutch

Types of rental bikes

• 21-gear Unisex bike derailleur with free wheel
• E-Bike

Fittings

Pannier, bike lock, repair kit, map holder