3 minute read
Along the Towpath
One of the joys of a voyage of exploration aboard a hotel barge is that your vessel is only a few feet from the towpath, with the opportunity to step off and stretch your legs whenever you wish. Perhaps a brief afternoon stroll is in order after an indulgent lunch, or a further investigation of the idyllic countryside on one of the bicycles provided. In any case there is often the chance to hop off and explore those unique canal side locations that you simply wouldn't encounter anywhere else!
Every vessel in our fleet carries easy to ride, all-terrain bicycles with helmets for use throughout your stay. Our crew members are there to offload them at the next lock, or at one of the barge moorings and to make any adjustments to each bicycle to suit the rider. We can also provide children’s bicycles for family groups, or tandems for the romantics amongst you. Then you are free to set off along the towpath.
Biking Charters
For more committed cyclists, we can offer biking charters for groups over longer distances on upgraded bikes, with half-day guided itineraries that make the best of the local area each day, perhaps including a picnic in the countryside. If the idea of a little pedalling appeals, our reservations team can advise you on the biking opportunities for each cruise itinerary.
For those passengers who would like to be a little more adventurous than riding along the nearby towpath, a number of our hotel barges offer a “Biking Plus” option, when you can take a bike on most days and follow an interesting, but not too challenging route which we have already researched. With our carefully crafted biking maps and a backpack, you can explore the surrounding countryside and villages along the lanes, towpaths and byways for an hour or two. Our crew are on hand to fetch you, should you require any assistance. Otherwise, you can just rejoin the hotel barge where you left her, or maybe a little further along the canal. And reassuringly, the itinerary is arranged so that you won’t miss any of the organised excursions or much of the cruising.
e-Bikes
This is the ideal way to get even closer to the beautiful Burgundian, Alsatian, and Languedoc countryside – enjoying all that the unique surroundings have to offer, without breaking too much of a sweat! Our comfortable and robust shoreside fleet of electric bicycles are ready and waiting for you to take to the towpath in complete confidence, assisting you in your leisurely exploration of rural France. (e-Bikes must be booked in advance, at an additional supplement).
Our Bespoke Biking Maps
A Walk Nearby...
The beauty of hotel barging and walking is that two very relaxing activities are merged to give you the best of both worlds. From the moment you arrive at your vessel, you can explore the nearby surroundings at leisure on your own, or with your new-found ship-mates. An evening stroll along the towpath is a great way to sharpen your appetite for the next gourmet dinner on board.
...or Further Afield
Throughout the season, walkers can combine a hotel barge with some easy hiking – perhaps along the Great Glen Way in Scotland, the footpaths of Ireland, or in picturesque Burgundy in the Autumn when the colours of the vineyards are at their finest. In fact, walking groups return to us time and again to enjoy this satisfying blend of gentle exercise and relaxing indulgence. Whatever your chosen method of perambulation – on foot or on two wheels – you will have seen a little more of the people and places around you - and done yourself some good at the same time!
