Bike & boat trips
Trips for pedalling & sailing
Bike & boat offers a naturally fluid way to travel by bike. During the day, you ride along rivers, canals or coastlines, on itineraries chosen for their gentleness and beauty. In the evening, navigation takes over. The boat is waiting for you, cabin ready, calm atmosphere, shared meal on board.
Whether it is a river cruise or a coastal route, the journey flows without interruption or logistics to manage. You ride light, return to the same comfort each evening and let the landscapes pass by, between land and water.
The rhythm is simple and constant. You move forward by bike, then in another way. Distances remain accessible, and the routes favour bike paths and secondary roads, often as close as possible to the water. Each day naturally finds its balance between moderate effort, cultural discoveries and moments of pause.
The boat becomes your anchor point. You find your bearings there, your crew, and a friendly atmosphere without it being intrusive. This continuity changes the way you travel: fewer transitions, more presence.
It is a trip type suited both to regular cyclists and to those who want to discover cycling travel in a reassuring, structured and comfortable setting, faithful to the spirit of cycle touring: moving forward, observing, taking your time.
Our favourite tours
Bike & boat Trips
Benefits
FAQ
A bike & boat trip combines cycling days and navigation time, with the boat serving as accommodation throughout the route. You cycle during the day along rivers, canals, or coastlines, then return to the boat at the end of the stage for the night.
This trip type allows you to travel itinerantly without changing hotels or managing luggage. The boat offers comfort, meals on board, and relaxation areas. Whether it is a river cruise or a coastal itinerary, bike & boat offers a fluid and enjoyable way to discover a territory, between road and water.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Bike & boat trips are designed to remain accessible and balanced, with stages created to let you enjoy the route without pressure.
The distances and rhythm are adapted to the setting of the trip, and the comfort of the boat at the end of the day helps you recover well. Depending on the itinerary, the E-bike option also makes it possible to approach the stages with even more flexibility.
To make sure the trip suits you, our advisors take the time to discuss your cycling practice and your wishes with you. The goal is simple: that you ride comfortably and fully enjoy the experience, both on the bike and on board.
No, not necessarily. On some trips, especially bike & boat trips, it is possible to choose not to ride for a day and to enjoy the navigation and the comfort on board.
This flexibility depends on the boat and the itinerary, however, and is not available on all trips. Our advisors always specify what is possible before departure, so you can travel with peace of mind and adapt the rhythm to your wishes.
No, not necessarily. Bike & boat cruises often welcome Travelersfrom different backgrounds, which creates an international and friendly atmosphere on board.
That said, there is always a French-speaking Ekilib guide present to accompany the group, facilitate communication and make sure everything runs smoothly for you. Other French-speaking Travelers are also generally present. It is often a great opportunity to meet people, exchange and share the travel experience, both on the bike and on board.
Both options exist. Bike & boat trips can be guided or offered self-guided, depending on the itineraries and boats.
On guided trips, support is present to supervise the cycling outings and ensure the smooth running of the stay. In the self-guided version, you ride at your own pace, with daily briefings and clear information about the routes, while enjoying the comfort of the boat and assistance available if needed. The terms are always specified before departure so you know exactly what is included.
On board the boat.
During a bike & boat trip, your luggage stays in your cabin throughout the stay. You therefore have nothing to prepare or move each day: you find your belongings in the same place every evening.
This is one of the great advantages of this trip type: travelling itinerantly by bike while keeping the comfort of fixed accommodation, without daily luggage management.
The day begins with breakfast on board. During this time, the crew prepares the bikes and brings them ashore. You then set out for the day’s cycling stage, following the planned itinerary, with possible stops along the way.
Lunch is generally a picnic or at a local café, depending on the route and the mood of the moment. In the late afternoon, you return to the boat, either in the same place or at a new stopover.
The end of the day is shared between navigation or time at the quay, then dinner on board. The evening is free or sometimes organized, with the possibility of exploring the surroundings before spending the night at the quay, comfortably settled on board.
No, not always. Breakfast and dinner are generally taken on board, depending on the boat and the trip.
Lunches are usually taken en route, as a picnic or in a local café. When lunch is planned as a picnic, the meal is provided in the morning before departure. This organization makes it possible to vary the pleasures, enjoy the cycling stages and discover the places crossed, while keeping the comfort of meals on board.
On board, with a view of the water (or almost).
The bikes are stored on the boat, in a dedicated and secure space. In short, while you sleep peacefully in your cabin, your bikes do the same, ready for the next day of adventure.
Our other themes
Some regions are particularly well suited to cycling travel. Between panoramic roads, historic villages and emblematic landscapes, each destination offers a unique way to explore the territory.