European Waterways has added E-bike rentals as an option on most itineraries in France for 2020. The company has also upgraded its tailored biking maps to provide more detailed and easier-to-follow route information that includes historical context for self-guided bike tours through the towns and attractions along the barging routes., according to a statement.

The maps are available in printed form and can be downloaded to mobile phones.

La Belle Époque, L’Art de Vivre, and L’Impressionniste in Burgundy, Renaissance in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy, Anjodi in the Canal du Midi, and Panache in Alsace are among the barges offering them, the company said in a press release.

“E-bikes are an absolute pleasure to ride,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.  “Technology allows them to offer riders just the right amount of assistance to handle slopes on surrounding terrain with greater ease.  Riders can concentrate on the view and soak in the natural beauty of the French countryside, rather than tackling that ‘daunting’ little hill or the final mile on extended treks!”

Every vessel on European Waterways’ fleet carries bicycles and helmets which are available and free for the guests. 

The company can also provide children’s bicycles for family groups, with advance notice.

“Barging and Biking” charters are available for individuals and biking groups and they can also include guided, half-day itineraries with a picnic in the countryside.

“With more flexible biking options, our guests are free to roam near and far, whether on the gentle towpaths alongside our barges or the moderate and sometimes challenging slopes of the charming French countryside,” said Banks.

E-bikes can be pre-ordered for charter and cabin bookings for $580 for the first bike and $290 for each additional bike.