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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 29 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: Sep 22, 2012; and Apr 27- July 13; Aug 3- Sep 21, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €849 |
| Start city: | Paris, France |
| End city: | Paris, France |
Located between the towns of Nevers and Montargis you will find a beautiful area in the Loire Valley that is very suitable for cycle holidays. This area, approximately 62 miles (100 km) in length, offers a great variety of history and culture. In a relaxed way, you cycle on quiet roads and through a rolling landscape.
The many castles and small villages make this cycle tour a unique experience. From Paris you are transferred by bus to your hotelship. In Apremont you find a castle from the 12th century that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old-roman city La Charité sur Loire when walking there and in the afternoon you cycle through the vineyards of the Pouilly Fumé wines to Ménétréol.
The village of Sancerre is the center of the wine area with the same name. You cycle through a unique landscape and pass various wine villages on your way to Beaulieu. In the area of Chatillon-sur-Loire you visit the small historical locks and go on cycling to the castle of St.Brisson. Later that day you embark and make the trip, across the aquaduct, Pont Canal, to Briare.
Passing Castle Pont Chevron, nicely situated at a small lake, you arrive in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its 7 antique locks. You pay a visit to the cozy market in Châtillon-Coligny and make the last cycle trip to fishing castle La Bussière and return to the barge. On Saturday your bus arrives around noon for the transfer to Gare du Nord Paris. Each next tour will be in reverse: starting in Rogny and ending in Cours-les-Barres.
Be impressed by this peaceful part of the Loire Valley in Burgundy. By bike and boat you'll explore historic towns, imposing castles and quaint villages, and you'll enjoy excellent food and wines both aboard ship and in hospitable towns along the way.
You'll visit castles and lakes, the ancient town of La Charite-sur-Laire and the famous vineyards of the Pouilly Fumé.
Learn more about guided tours.
Located between the towns of Nevers and Montargis you will find a beautiful area in the Loire Valley that is very suitable for cycle holidays. This area, approximately 62 miles (100 km) in length, offers a great variety of history and culture. In a relaxed way, you cycle on quiet roads and through a rolling landscape.
The many castles and small villages make this cycle tour a unique experience. From Paris you are transferred by bus to your hotelship. In Apremont you find a castle from the 12th century that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Enjoy the atmosphere of the old-roman city La Charité sur Loire when walking there and in the afternoon you cycle through the vineyards of the Pouilly Fumé wines to Ménétréol.
The village of Sancerre is the center of the wine area with the same name. You cycle through a unique landscape and pass various wine villages on your way to Beaulieu. In the area of Chatillon-sur-Loire you visit the small historical locks and go on cycling to the castle of St.Brisson. Later that day you embark and make the trip, across the aquaduct, Pont Canal, to Briare.
Passing Castle Pont Chevron, nicely situated at a small lake, you arrive in Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its 7 antique locks. You pay a visit to the cozy market in Châtillon-Coligny and make the last cycle trip to fishing castle La Bussière and return to the barge. On Saturday your bus arrives around noon for the transfer to Gare du Nord Paris. Each next tour will be in reverse: starting in Rogny and ending in Cours-les-Barres.
Be impressed by this peaceful part of the Loire Valley in Burgundy. By bike and boat you'll explore historic towns, imposing castles and quaint villages, and you'll enjoy excellent food and wines both aboard ship and in hospitable towns along the way.
You'll visit castles and lakes, the ancient town of La Charite-sur-Laire and the famous vineyards of the Pouilly Fumé.
Learn more about guided tours.
Day 1: Paris - Cours-les-Barres
In the afternoon, you leave from Gare du Nord by coach (included) and head to Cours-les-Barres. You arrive in early evening at the ship where you meet your tour leader and the crew and settle in. Dinner will be served aboard.
Overnight in Cours-les-Barres.
Day 2: Cours-les-Barres - Aprémont - Nevers - Cours-les-Barres (31 miles/50 km)
From Cours-les-Barres you cycle to the town of Aprémont. You may visit the 12th century castle and its fabulous gardens. After that you cycle on to the beautiful town of Nevers. The trip ends again in Cours-les-Barres.
Overnight in Cours-les-Barres.
Day 3: Cours-les-Barres - Ménétréol (34 miles/55 km)
First the boat sails in the morning to the village of Beffes. The cycle trip then takes you to La Charité-sur-Loire, an ancient Roman town. Crossing the 16th century stone bridge to the centre, you have a splendid view over the town and its Notre Dame Church. Then you enter the region of the Pouilly Fumé wines. In Ménétréol, situated under the Sancerre vineyards, you will be given the opportunity to try some wine.
Overnight in Ménétréol.
Day 4: Ménétréol - Beaulieu sur Loire (31 miles/50 km)
For a start, you visit Sancerre and then take a picturesque route right across the Sancerre vineyards. Your cycle ride continues and passes several wine villages that are situated in an impressive and attractive scenery. The trip ends in Beaulieu, the stop for the night.
Overnight in Beaulieu sur Loire.
Day 5: Beaulieu sur Loire - Briare (25 miles/40 km)
By bike you pass the historic locks of Châtillon-sur-Loire and the aqueduct that will take you over the Loire River later on. After St. Brisson, where you pass a nice castle, you start your way back to the barge, while enjoying the fresh forest air in the Fôret de St. Brisson. In the evening you cross the Loire River through the magnificent aqueduct and stop for the night in Briare.
Overnight in Briare.
Day 6: Briare - Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses (28 miles/45 km)
Today begins with some time to explore Briare. The cycle trip leads to the castle 'Pont Chevron' which is picturesquely situated at a small lake. Via Ouzouer-sur-Trézée you go right across an area with some beautiful lakes to the 16th century castle near Bléneau. Your trip ends in the village of Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, known for its seven historical locks.
Overnight in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses.
Day 7: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses - Châtillon-Coligny - Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses (31 miles/50 km)
The barge will stay in Rogny. Today you will cycle to the market in Châtillon-Coligny, from where the trip continues to the castle in La Bussière. Via Escrignelles the tour ends back in Rogny.
Overnight in Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses.
Day 8: Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses - Paris
In the morning, you may wish to go for a stroll. At approximately 11:30. your guide andcrew will say good-bye and you will travel by coach (included) to Paris.
Routes change direction each week:
Departures from Cours-les-Barres:
May 4
May 18
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jun 29
Jul 13
Aug 10
Aug 24
Sep 7
Sep 21
Departures from Rogny:
Apr 27
May 11
May 25
Jun 8
Jun 22
Jul 6
Aug 3
Aug 17
Aug 31
Saturdays: Sep 22, 2012; and Apr 27- July 13; Aug 3- Sep 21, 2013
2013 Departures from Cours-les-Barres:
May 4
May 18
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jun 29
Jul 13
Aug 10
Aug 24
Sep 7
Sep 21
2013 Departures from Rogny:
Apr 27
May 11
May 25
Jun 8
Jun 22
Jul 6
Aug 3
Aug 17
Aug 31
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Anna Maria IV
Your floating home for the week will be the 110-foot “Anna Maria IV." The builders of this ship reckoned with the future sailing area: the French canals. Length, width and height are adjusted to sail the narrow waterways of France. The relaxed atmosphere aboard makes you’ll find yourself at home quickly. Cabins are provided with private facilities (2 cabins shared facilities) with bunk beds, a sliding window and an electrical fan.
Anna Maria IV
Your floating home for the week will be the 110-foot “Anna Maria IV." The builders of this ship reckoned with the future sailing area: the French canals. Length, width and height are adjusted to sail the narrow waterways of France. The relaxed atmosphere aboard makes you’ll find yourself at home quickly. Cabins are provided with private facilities (2 cabins shared facilities) with bunk beds, a sliding window and an electrical fan.
The bikes included are 24-speed hybrid touring bike with saddlebags.
The bikes included are 24-speed hybrid touring bike with saddlebags.
The route follows quiet back roads and asphalted side roads with some hilly stretches. This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The route follows quiet back roads and asphalted side roads with some hilly stretches. This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
"The Loire Valley Bike and Barge trip is a great choice for those looking to ride and relax. It offers a very relaxing ride through nice countryside, small towns and picturesque villages, with a few challenging hills on the way to the vineyards. There is plenty of good food and warm hospitality. If you want to get away from the big cities and tourists, consider this tour."
- Neil G.
2011
"My wife and I can't speaking highly enough of this trip. The hosts and cooks were a Scottish couple who couldn't do enough for us. When we arrived on the first evening we were all greeted with a glass of champagne. Each evening we were supplied with a beautiful 3-course meal. The tour guide spoke excellent English and had a good knowledge of the area. He was half everybody’s age but was very patient. Since getting back and on our travels we have become your unofficial ambassadors in Australia and have passed your web site on to numerous people."
- Robert D.
2011
"The Loire Valley Bike and Barge trip is a great choice for those looking to ride and relax. It offers a very relaxing ride through nice countryside, small towns and picturesque villages, with a few challenging hills on the way to the vineyards. There is plenty of good food and warm hospitality. If you want to get away from the big cities and tourists, consider this tour."
- Neil G.
2011
"My wife and I can't speaking highly enough of this trip. The hosts and cooks were a Scottish couple who couldn't do enough for us. When we arrived on the first evening we were all greeted with a glass of champagne. Each evening we were supplied with a beautiful 3-course meal. The tour guide spoke excellent English and had a good knowledge of the area. He was half everybody’s age but was very patient. Since getting back and on our travels we have become your unofficial ambassadors in Australia and have passed your web site on to numerous people."
- Robert D.
2011
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Paris
Neartest train station: Paris
Frequent bus service available from Paris airports to downtown train stations.
Round-trip transfers included between Paris/Gare du Nord (North Station) and ship, mid-afternoon.
Please note:
Regardless of sailing direction, the tour commences and ends at Paris Gare du Nord rail station, with an included transfer to and from the boat.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Paris
Neartest train station: Paris
Frequent bus service available from Paris airports to downtown train stations.
Round-trip transfers included between Paris/Gare du Nord (North Station) and ship, mid-afternoon.
Please note:
Regardless of sailing direction, the tour commences and ends at Paris Gare du Nord rail station, with an included transfer to and from the boat.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.
France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.
With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.
France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.
