Embark the boat at 11.00am. After a welcome by the captain, tour guide and crew its time for the first cycle. The first half day’s bike tour takes us along the quiet canal parallel to the Marne river to Ay and Mareuil-sur-Ay. We return via Dizy to visit Hautvillers. After a somewhat challenging ascent we'll reach this picturesque village of Champagne wine growers on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. A highlight is a visit of the chapel with the tomb of the monk Dom Pérignon. According to tradition, Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), who was in charge of the wine cellars of the abbey of Benedictine monks, was the first to succeed in blending various kinds of wine into a wine of superb quality. He also introduced double fermentation, a characteristic for the making of champagne. Return by bike to Epernay. After lunch, visit the centre of Epernay. Together with Reims, Epernay is the major wine centre of the Champagne region, where three extensive wine regions meet: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne. Epernay has many town houses in neo-renaissance or classical style dating from the 19th century, especially around the beautiful Avenue de Champagne where prestigious champagne houses are located such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier. We will visit one of the major Champagne houses for a tour and Champagne tasting. Dinner on board and overnight in Epernay.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today our first full day cycling leads along the canal and Marne river. We will see the Château de Boursault, built in 1848 by the widow of Mr Cliquot, who gave her name (Veuve Cliquot) to the famous Champagne wine. A ride up the northern valley slope to the village of Châtillon-sur-Marne rewards us with a stunning panoramic view over the Marne valley and the Champagne vineyards. Today we will leave the official Champagne area. Cycle along the Marne river to Dormans, a quiet village on the Marne with a castle and chapel in memory of the battle of the Marne. On the shorter option we join the barge in Dormans for a cruise to Château-Thierry, our destination for today. The longer cycling option will end at the lock of Mont St. Pierre. Château-Thierry owes its name to the castle that once was situated on the slopes above the Marne where you can still see some remnants. The town was the site of two important battles: the Battle of 1814 in the Napoleonic Wars between France and Prussia and of 1918 in World War I during which it was the scene of close battles. Château-Thierry is also known as the native town of the writer of fables Jean de la Fontaine. Dinner on board and overnight in Château-Thierry.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a somewhat challenging cycle from Château-Thierry to La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre. The first part of the track leads along the Marne river. After a few kilometres we will take a small side valley and follow country roads through various small villages and hamlets. Along the way we can visit the large WW1 American War Cemetery and Monument near Belleau. Follow the small river Clignon and continue riding uphill until we finally reach the plateau above the northern part of the Marne valley. The side valleys are mainly covered with forest, and agriculture is predominant on the plateau. Start our descent along the small river Ru de Bouillons to reach La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre, where we meet the barge followed by dinner on board. Overnight in La-Ferté-sous-Jouarre or a nearby village.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we will start cycling. After a few kilometres we will enjoy a presentation and tasting of the famous 'Brie de Meaux' and Brie noir cheeses at the family-run Fromagerie Ganot. Continue by bike, opting for a longer or shorter option to the city of Meaux. The short route leads over the hills and slopes of the Marne valley on the southern bank of the river through forests and small villages. The longer route follows a few large curves of the river to Lizy-sur-Ourcq and Trilport. Meaux, our destination for today, is famous for its brie and the magnificent Cathedral St.-Etienne. You may visit the historical city centre of Meaux. This evening you have dinner at leisure, a chance to sample one of the many restaurants in the town of Meaux.

Meals:  B,L

In the morning there's time to visit the beautiful city centre of Meaux then there are two cycling options. The first stage leads mainly along the Marne river and its parallel canal. The longer route leads along the Canal de l'Ourcq, that was built by Napoleon to transport wood, grain and drinking water to Paris. For the shorter route you can cruise with the barge from Meaux to Lagny-sur-Marne, on the outskirts of Paris where the barge will stay for the night. Dinner on board and overnight in Lagny-sur-Marne.

Meals:  B,L,D

The last day's cycle will lead us further along the river Marne. After about 10km we will pass the Château of Champs-sur Marne. The chateau is characteristic of the residences of leisure built in the countryside in the 18th century, giving rise to a new style of living. It is one of the most magnificently furnished châteaux in the Ile de France. The boat will wait for us just outside Paris to cruise the last stage, or we can cycle all the way along the Marne & Seine rivers to the mooring in the heart of Paris.

Meals:  B,L,D

The tour ends after breakfast by 9:00am. Note: Itinerary is provided as a guide and small amendments may occur.

Meals:  B