Freewheeling in France: Explore the Beauty of the French Canals by Bicycle

For casual cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to explore the European countryside on two wheels, recreational bicycling along France’s towpaths is one of barge cruising’s most indelible pleasures.

Built concurrently alongside the canals hundreds of years ago, France’s extensive network of towpaths now serve as inviting inland corridors of manicured adventure trails, ideal for savoring gentle morning spins, exploring canal-side villages on relaxed afternoon rides, and soaking up the scenery during leisurely sunset cycling.

All hotel barges in France carry a fleet of bicycles onboard, just waiting for a spontaneous spin. From laid-back cruisers to easy-pedaling countryside companions to petite “bicyclettes” for children, every bike is kept in tip-top shape by the crew. The result? “SPOKE-tacular” cycling opportunities for guests of all ages and abilities. For those who wish to wear them, helmets are also on offer.

Scenic cycling along the CAnal-side towpath  

As they make their way through France’s inland waterways, many hotel barges are lifted or lowered through a series of “ecluses”, aka locks. Not only are locks an amazing aspect of the cruising experience, it is during these short stops when guests can comfortably disembark while crew members offload their bicycles.

Barge Lady Cruise Correspondent Dana Freeman advises, “While cruising, the Captain must stop the barge at regular intervals in order to go through the locks. This is an ideal time to hop off the barge and use one of the ship’s bicycles to take a ride right beside the canal.”

Active guests can set off on carefree cycling excursions along the towpath. Adventures on two wheels might include zipping ahead to the next lock to watch the barge glide into view, pedaling at an easy pace toward a sunlit town square for tea, or winding through boutique vineyards on historic estates.

“Guests are encouraged to enjoy a casual bike ride along the Canal de Bourgogne’s towpath or into the French countryside,” reports Rendez-Vous’ Barge Manager Spencer Hayes. “Bicycles are always onboard, always available, and always ready to go.”

Depending on if a barge is cruising or docked, returning to the boat means either meeting at a pre-determined lock, or heading back to where the vessel is moored.  Upon your arrival, crew members will be there to greet and assist you, and just like magic you (and your bicycle) are once again on the barge. Of course, all barges offer bicycling opportunities when docked for the day, as guests can hop off and come back as they wish.

Bicycling in Burgundy is “Barge Lady Approved”

When it comes to the best regions and routes to cycle in France, it is Burgundy, both Northern and Southern, that is 100% “Barge Lady Approved”.

Barge Lady Caroline reveals, “Linked together by the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal de Bourgogne to form a magnificent network of traffic-free towpaths and canal-side trails, bicycling in Burgundy seems to take its travelers to an experience outside of time.”

Boasting many locks scattered over 500 miles of easy-to-cycle adventure trails, Burgundy is a bicyclists paradise.  Best of all, everyone has a blast while mingling with the locals who are also bicycling Burgundy’s tranquil towpaths.

Other cruise regions to consider for cycling opportunities

Other cruise regions to consider for cycling opportunities are both established and emerging. The towpaths of Gascony entice cycling enthusiasts with lazy rides through idyllic countryside; the forested landscapes of the Alsace-Lorraine beckon bicyclers with woodland scenery and bracing Alpine air.  Most excitingly, the Upper Loire has recently seen major restorations of the region’s towpaths, offering miles of manicured trails for leisurely two-wheeled exploring.

From coasting along canal-side villages to pedaling through sun-kissed vineyards, it’s so secret that luxury barge cruises make bicycling in France WHEELY fun!

Contact Barge Lady Cruises today to chat about your “SPOKE-TACULAR” barge cruise!