Spend 8 sensational days cycling through Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg
Discover five spectacular European countries on the 8-day self-guided Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour, which spans the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Enjoy the freedom of zig-zagging your way across international borders, revelling in the unique charm of several of Europe’s top cycling destinations, all in one trip. This epic tour combines the Meuse Route (part of the RAVeL network) and the Vennbahn Rail Trail, making for an epic ride on some of Europe’s most beautiful bike paths.
Setting out from Maastricht, a small city on the southern tip of the Netherlands, you’ll jump into the adventure with a ride on Day 1 to Liège. The days that follow have you weaving your way through idyllic villages and unspoiled pastoral landscapes in all five countries, where you’ll take in spectacular sights, like the impressive Château de Sedan, Europe’s largest castle. With the River Meuse as your steadfast guide through much of the tour, you’ll enjoy stops in small riverside towns along the route, like lovely Monthermé, where you can enjoy lunch and a glass of local wine at one of several riverside café terraces.
Accommodations along the route are selected with optimal comfort in mind, meaning you’ll enjoy excellent 3- and 4-star hotels at each stop with nights in Givet, Bouillon, Monschau, and more!
Book this spectacular international cycling journey and discover a true cyclist’s paradise on the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour. 4
Highlights of the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
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Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Your international cycling adventure kicks off in Maastricht, a small city that sits on the southern tip of the Netherlands in the province of Limburg.
In Maastricht, you’ll receive a warm welcome, complete with coffee and a slice of mouth-watering Limburg pie. When you’re ready, set those wheels in motion for your first ride to Liège, known as the “city of fire.” Trace the Jeker River, which leads you through the pretty village of Kanne, then join the RAVel trail and press on to Liège, where you’ll find your first accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Liège
Distance: 35km, 210m of ascent, 199m of descent
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Meuse Routebanks and Walloon Villages to Namur
Following breakfast this morning, get ready to take on your second day of riding to Namur. This leg begins with a lively route, right through the center of Liège before joining a scenic path that traces the banks of the River Meuse. Then, enjoy a pleasant stretch alongside the John Cockerill railway to depart Liège, following signs for the RAVel.
An optional stop along the way at the Val St. Lambert crystal factory shop comes highly recommended before continuing through several pretty Walloon villages until you reach Huy. Hop off your bike to enjoy lunch at a brasserie on the Huy Grand Place (Huy’s central square) before embarking on today’s final stretch to Namur.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Namur
Distance: 75km, 708m of ascent, 690m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Dinant, Gardens of Annevoie, and the Castle of Freÿr
Today’s challenging ride has plenty in store, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast and set out to return to the banks of the Meuse this morning following the RAVel to Dinant. Cruise through the lovely village of Wépion, known for its abundant strawberry crops, and perhaps take in the beautiful Gardens of Annevoie while here, too.
Stop for lunch at one of several riverside cafés in Dinant, then continue on the route, taking in the impressive Castle of Freÿr in Hastière, where you can explore its Le Nôtre-style gardens in a fairy-tale setting right on the River Meuse.
To top off an already magical day, you’ll then cross the border into France, riding to Givet, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Givet
Distance: 50km, 626m of ascent, 603m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes to Charleville-Mézières
Depart Givet this morning, ready to seize another mesmerizing day of cycling as you set out on the first stretch to Haybes. The rest of today’s scenic ride unfolds on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, with the River Meuse as your guide.
En route to Charleville-Mézières, pause in the charming town of Monthermé, where you’ll delight in the authentic charm and warm ambience of this tiny village in northern France.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Charleville-Mézières
Distance: 55km, 988m of ascent, 930m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Visit Europe’s Largest Castle: Château de Sedan
Continue on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes this morning on the extended section created in 2015, pedalling to Sedan. In Sedan, you’ll lay eyes on Europe’s largest castle, the famous Château de Sedan, which boasts seven stories and sprawls over 35,000 square meters.
After taking some time to take in this most remarkable site, you’ll depart the Meuse Route cycle path and set out on the Vennbahn Rail Trail. Enjoy a steady climb on quiet country lanes towards the French-Belgian border, then cross over to your hotel in beautiful Bouillon, saying farewell to France.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bouillon
Distance: 50km, 618m of ascent, 560m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle the Countryside of South Belgium
Start your day with a visit to the spellbinding Bouillon Castle, if you didn’t get the chance to take it in yesterday, and then set out for the serene country roads carving a path through southern Belgium. Take in several villages seemingly untouched by time, then hop off your bike in Libramont-Chevigny for a tasty lunch.
Arrive in historic Bastogne, settling into your accommodations before setting out to admire the town’s fascinating monuments, many commemorating the famous Battle of the Ardennes during WWI.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bastogne
Distance: 70km, 1484m of ascent, 1189m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cross the Border to Luxembourg
Set out from the Gare du Sud railway station this morning, following the RAVel 13 north on one of the most beautiful tracks of the whole RAVel network.
Soon, you’ll cross the border into Luxembourg, where you’ll enjoy a stretch on peaceful rural roads on the Vennbahn Rail Trail. With a pleasant taste of Luxembourg’s serene countryside, you’ll cross the border back into Belgium, where you can visit the ruins of Burg Reuland before pressing on to St. Vith, today’s final destination.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. Vith
Distance: 63km, 918m of ascent, 953m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Cycle to Waimes, Montenau, and Monschau
Day 8 has a pleasant, easy route in store for the ride to Monschau. Zoom towards Waimes this morning, soon reaching the Belgian-German Ardennes-Eiffel Nature Park. Plenty of delightful options for a lunch break present themselves along the route—Montenau, which serves artisanal smoked ham sandwiches, is a superb choice.
Departing the Vennbahn, you’ll ride to Monschau to spend the night in this quaint town, which boasts half-timbered houses and lovely cafes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Monschau
Distance: 45km, 546m of ascent, 580m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Final Ride to Maastricht
Your final ride brings you back to Maastricht via the Vennbahn, but not without a visit to the monumental town of Kornelimünster in Germany.
Continue the route to Aachen, then cross over into the Netherlands to ride through the idyllic Dutch town of Kerkrade. From Kerkrade, you’ll catch the train to Maastricht, enjoying the majestic scenery afforded by the rolling green hills of southern Limburg.
Back in Maastricht, soak up your final evening of the tour, enjoying a farewell dinner and reflecting on the magical memories made!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren
Distance: 61km, 540m of ascent, 840m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Departure
Your international cycling tour comes to an end this morning, and with that, you’ve cycled in five of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Check out and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
Accommodation on the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Ramada Plaza Liege City in Liege ★★★★
A beautifully converted seventeenth-century monastery sets the scene for this charming hotel near the historic city centering, complete with wonderful views of the Meuse Route.
Ibis Namur Center in Namur ★★★
Modern, comfortable rooms and a range of helpful amenities make this a pleasant stay.
Hôtel Les Reflets Jaunes in Givet ★★★
Just a stone throw away from the center of Givet, this warm hotel has a unique charm with much of the décor fashioned with the colour yellow (as you may have guessed from the name).
Kyriad Charleville Mézières in Charleville Mézières ★★★
Located in the heart of the city, this hotel features a gym and sauna as well as comfortable modern rooms.
Hotel de la Poste in Bouillon ★★★★
This elegant hotel overlooks the Semois river and offers several helpful amenities such as room service and an in-house restaurant and bar.
Hotel Leo at Home in Bastogne ★★★
With a laid-back vibe and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Leo at Home prides itself on offering guests all the comforts of home during their stay.
Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff in St. Vith ★★★
Located nearby several top attractions in St. Vith, including some great museums, the Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff invites guests to enjoy an indoor swimming pool and several other modern amenities.
Hotel Michel and Friends in Monschau ★★★★
Surrounded by charming woodlands, Hotel Michel and Friends offers a tranquil setting, just a short walk from the border with Belgium. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool and room service during their stay here.
Novotel Maastricht in Maastricht ★★★★
A beautiful outdoor pool and several modern amenities make the Novotel Maastricht the perfect stay. Guests can enjoy the use of a free shuttle to the city center of Maastricht.
What’s Included in the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
Meals
9 breakfasts are included, as well as coffee and pie in Maastricht and Cugnon on day 1 and day 6.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Maastricht are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation during the tour is included. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Maps and route descriptions
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist tax
- 24-hour phone support
- GPS tracks in digital format available upon request
Not included
- Bike rental
- Guide services
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Tourist taxes (to be paid at the hotel)
- GPS
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Airport transfers
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- E-Bike
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
Operating since 2017, Dutch Biketours knows how to immerse travellers in Dutch life–best done on a bike, of course! Their experienced staff can lead your trip planning, or they can take your ideas and tailor a custom itinerary that reveals the charm of the Netherlands.
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