Along the Seine: From Paris to Vernon
Day 1
55 km
Paris → Conflans-Saint-Honorine
Depart from our Paulette agency in Paris’s 15th arrondissement (115 rue Brancion). Pick up your rental bike, pack your panniers, and set off on a three-day riverside adventure.
The first stretch leads you through Parisian bike lanes and along the Saint-Denis canal. This is an urban, industrial start—walls of street art, barges lining the quays. Gradually, the Seine reclaims the scene.
In Chatou, the mood changes. You’re in the land of the Impressionists. Stop on the Île des Impressionnistes and step into Renoir’s world—guinguettes, riverbanks, and soft light. Continue to Sartrouville on a flat, leafy greenway, then glimpse the hills of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. By late afternoon, you reach Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise meets the Seine. This historic boatmen’s town, with its moored barges, quiet quays, and hilltop old town, is the perfect place for a riverside dinner and well-earned rest.
Day 2
47 km
Conflans-Saint-Honorine → Mantes-La-Jolie
Refreshed, you set off again through the peaceful loops of the Seine. The route is flat and signposted, with the river nearly always in view. Consider a short detour to Poissy to visit the Villa Savoye—Le Corbusier’s modernist masterpiece.
The path leads into the Parc du Peuple de l’Herbe, a vast natural reserve alive with insects, birds, and early joggers. The city feels far away now. You pass Triel-sur-Seine, cross the river, skirt the Gallardon pond, and ride through Les Mureaux, then follow the banks to Mézières-sur-Seine. The river widens, the terrain undulates, and cargo boats glide silently below.
Mantes-la-Jolie awaits, crowned by its grand collegiate church of Notre-Dame. It’s a town of confluence, commerce, and calm. In the evening, stroll its quiet streets or enjoy dinner facing the river.
Day 3
44 km
Mantes-la-Jolie → Vernon
On your final day, leave Mantes-la-Jolie by crossing the Seine via the Île aux Dames footbridge. The surroundings soon turn rural. Small roads follow the river through the wetlands of Port-Ilon (a Natura 2000 site), alongside ponds, hedgerows, and open fields. This portion of the Seine à Vélo hugs the river closely, offering a calm and contemplative ride.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Vétheuil, a winegrowing village where Claude Monet lived and painted for years. Then comes Haut-Île, with its surprising cliff-carved homes. Soon after, you reach La Roche-Guyon—listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Its château, hilltop keep, and medieval charm make it a perfect stop for lunch or a visit.
The last stretch glides gently along the Seine. Giverny appears, nestled between river and hills. Everything here exudes light and calm: Monet’s green shutters, flower-lined paths, and the reflective lily pond. Whether you visit the house and gardens or simply soak in the village’s ambiance, Giverny leaves a lasting impression. You’ll understand why so many masterpieces were born here.
A few more pedal strokes bring you to Vernon, a discreet yet charming Norman town. Half-timbered houses, the old mill hanging above the water, and quiet banks make for a soft landing. This escape ends just as it began: along the Seine, with the feeling of having traveled far—powered by your own two legs.