The best boating holiday destinations for cycling
Our top recommendations to explore on two wheels
Hiring bikes or bringing bikes for your cruise allows you to explore beyond the waterways. With flat towpaths alongside most of the canals, cycling is an ideal way of keeping fit, having fun and collecting your morning baguette! Cycling also allows you to cover extra distance and explore villages and attractions that may be a bit too far to walk. While all of our regions provide an opportunity to cycle, Canal du Midi is a terrific area to take advantage of your wheels to see even more! In Holland, cycling is a way of life. The national passion for cycling makes it easy to explore on two wheels, and the flat landscapes and cycling routes make it easy to enjoy a day out!
Why combine cycling and boating holidays?
- Explore further than you’ll reach on foot
- Moor your boat and discover nearby villages
- Pedal along traffic-free canal towpaths
- Visit wineries, markets and historic attractions away from the water
- Return to your boat whenever you choose
Our top boating holiday destinations for cycling
The best cycling infrastructure: Holland & Friesland, Netherlands
Cycling is almost a “national sport” in Holland. Come here to discover a welcoming country with a great culture and gastronomy. Discover Amsterdam, a beautiful city where everyone owns a bike, moor in the coloured Spakenburg, and visit the numerous monuments of Muiden.
More about Holland & FrieslandBest for vineyard cycling: Canal du Midi, France
Along the pretty Canal du Midi, you will have the opportunity to take to your bike for as long as you want. Follow the verdant banks, cycle under the trees and enter typical villages and cities like the medieval Castelnaudary, or discover the huge stronghold of the thirteenth century in Carcassonne.
More about the Canal du MidiBest for traffic-free towpaths: Brittany, France
Enter the historic Brittany and discover its rich patrimony made of castles and churches, various gardens and typical Breton houses. Come in this warm region, taste its particular seafood gastronomy, and anytime, cycle along the beautiful Canal de Nantes à Brest and observe the numerous impressive Castle along your way, like the pretty one of Josselin.
More about BrittanyBest for scenic riverside routes: Aquitaine, France
Take your bike to discover this pretty and historic region gilded by the sun. You will enjoy riding around the verdant vineyards of Buzet; or maybe you will prefer going aside the refreshing lake of Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave and cycling in the nature.
More about AquitaineBest for lakes and nature: Mecklenburg & Brandenburg, Germany
Cycling along the canal banks of the Müritz Lake is the best way to explore the surrounding nature. Take a ride near Waren or Röbel to enjoy the scenery and peaceful moments.
More about Mecklenburg & BrandenburgBest for cycling and Gastronomy: Burgundy: Nivernais & Loire, France
Nivernais is a beautiful region known for its rich gastronomy. Here, you can cycle at any time along the pretty canal banks. Between Decize and Tannay, the wonderful and preserved pond of Baye, thanks its easy cycle paths, is perfect for peaceful tour.
More about Nivernais & LoireCycling and boating holidays FAQ
Yes. Bikes can be added as an optional extra with most Emerald Star holidays, making it easy to explore villages, markets, attractions and countryside beyond the waterways. Hiring bikes means you can leave your boat moored and discover more of the destination at your own pace.
Bike hire is available in many of our boating destinations. Availability may vary depending on the region and base, so we recommend checking the options available when booking your boating holiday.
Many of our destinations feature towpaths and waterside routes that are popular with cyclists. In some regions, extensive canal-side paths make it easy to explore by bike, while others offer a mix of country roads, dedicated cycle routes and scenic trails. Local conditions vary by destination.
Some of our most popular destinations for cycling include Canal du Midi in France, Brittany, Holland & Friesland, Aquitaine, Burgundy and Mecklenburg & Brandenburg in Germany. Each offers a different experience, from vineyard routes and historic villages to flat waterside trails and dedicated cycling networks.
Yes, many guests choose to bring their own bikes to enjoy cycling during their boating holiday. Bringing your own bike can be a great option if you’re planning longer rides or prefer using familiar equipment.
Alternatively, bike hire is available in many of our destinations, allowing you to enjoy the freedom of cycling without needing to transport your own bikes.
Family cycling options may be available depending on the destination and base. If you’re travelling with children, check the available bike hire options when planning your holiday to ensure you choose the most suitable equipment for your group.
Yes. Bikes can be taken with you during your boating holiday, allowing you to cycle whenever and wherever you choose to stop. This flexibility makes it easy to explore nearby towns, visit attractions or simply enjoy the local scenery between cruising sessions.
One of the great advantages of a boating holiday is the freedom to explore beyond the waterways. Many of our destinations offer excellent cycling opportunities, from canal-side towpaths and riverside trails to quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle routes.
Popular cycling destinations include the Canal du Midi, where you can follow scenic towpaths through vineyards and historic villages; Brittany, with its traffic-free routes along the Nantes-Brest Canal; and Holland & Friesland, famous for its extensive network of flat, well-maintained cycle paths. You can also discover the countryside of Aquitaine, the waterways of Burgundy, or the lakes and forests of Mecklenburg & Brandenburg by bike.
Whether you’re cycling to a local market, visiting a vineyard, exploring a historic town or simply enjoying the scenery, adding cycling to your boating holiday is a great way to experience even more of the destination.
Holidays feel better with bike hire
Many of our most popular boating regions feature flat towpaths, dedicated cycle routes and charming villages that are easiest to discover by bike.
Whether you’re picking up breakfast from a local market, visiting a vineyard or exploring a nearby town, adding bikes gives you the freedom to see even more of the destination.