Germany, Luxembourg and France: Cycling and Barging on the Moselle River

The countryside on both banks of the Moselle is splendid, the cool wines taste deliciously, the picturesque little towns have rich histories and the conditions for cycling are excellent indeed. You follow the river Moselle, partly in Germany, partly in France and partly in Luxembourg, along the endless vineyards and the enchanting old cities like Cochem and Bernkastel. It goes without saying that you can taste the local wine as often as you like.

Then, of course, there is Trier, once an imperial Roman city. You will see the remnants of this glorious past in Germany’s oldest cathedral, amphitheater, the emperor’s throne hall and famous “black gate,” the remains of the ancient city wall.

After Trier you will follow the river Saar to visit charming Saarburg, with the stunning waterfalls in the city center. Then onto Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in Europe. It’s strategic position between two super powers (France and Germany) made it a contested area to control over the ages. The last day you cycle in France with her welcoming villages, where the inhabitants are proud of their sweet, smooth wines and golden “Mirabellen” liqueur. The tour end in the city of Metz, with her splendid Gothic cathedral.

The ship – Your sailing hotel

In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

Bike barge tour France — bon vivant by bike and boat

Fine French cuisine, equally good wine, charming chateaus, and a lust for life par excellence — it’s not hard to be tempted by a bike barge tour in France. And who are we to stop you! In fact, we too are lovers of cycle cruises exploring France’s classic landscapes, tumultuous history, indomitable culture and dangerously-good boulangeries, and offer a wide range of cycle and cruise tours throughout this diverse and very bike-friendly country.

Let’s start with the south: The city of Bordeaux combines cycling adventures, the finest of wines, the sun of southwest France, and the exceptional, culturally-rich city of Bordeaux itself. The Bordeaux bike and boat tour explores this wine region, discovering castles, grand architecture, beautiful rivers, superb museums, and world-class vineyards. Or perhaps opt for our Provence – Camargue tour from Avignon to Aigues Mortes, passing through wild nature, the Rhone Valley and Van Gogh’s Provence — and even spotting the Pont du Gard.

All roads lead to Paris on a bike barge tour France

Paris. Little needs to be said about the City of Light and its famous Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, grand bridges over the Seine River or its cozy bistros…  But it must be said that Paris is a wonderful starting (or ending) point for bike barge tours in France.

Take, for example, the voyage of exploration along the Seine River from Paris to Montargis, taking in the forests and history of Fontainebleau, and the Impressionist hotbeds of Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing. Or instead depart in search of the homeland of Champagne, Epernay- biking, cruising and tasting your way through this region of Brie and sparkling wine.

Take French cycle cruise routes to Belgium and Germany

Paris is also a fantastic departure point for bike barge tours out of France, with our Paris – Bruges tour passing through the many delights of northern France’s rolling rural countryside. You’ll then enter the French-speaking part of Belgium, also known as Wallonia, visit Somme Valley battlefields, and the gorgeous medieval city of Ghent on your way to romantic Bruges.

Or take a cross-European bike barge tour through France, Luxembourg and Germany as you follow the Moselle River Valley; stopping off to sample its wonderful Rieslings, and relaxing in towns full of half-timbered houses, before pedaling on under the watch of hilltop fortresses.

Highlights of this tour

• Gentle vineyard biking in 3 countries
• Learn about Roman history in Trier
• Taste the region’s fine Riesling wines
• Barge with max. 31 passengers

Prices & information

We understand how daunting it is to try and plan a trip in our current circumstances. So we’ve introduced a new flexible booking policy that allows you to easily change your booking without paying any penalties.

This promotion only applies to the premium tours organised by Boat Bike Tours itself. The terms and conditions of the free rebooking can be found here.