Discovering Île-de-France by Bike: @valmarc’s Gentle Adventure with DolceVia & L’Escale Royale

Creating content around sports is part of daily life for Valentin, aka @valmarc, a passionate tennis, running, sailing… and of course, cycling enthusiast. With DolceVia and L’Escale Royale, he set off to explore Île-de-France on two wheels: 6 days through forests, peaceful waterways, and floating accommodations. A great opportunity to talk about micro-adventures, comfort, and slow travel.

Last month, you explored Île-de-France by bike with your partner Joannie. Can you tell us about it?

With pleasure! We rode for six days, staying four nights in L’Escale Royale’s floating accommodations—right in nature, alongside the water. We discovered three rivers: the Seine, the Oise, and the Marne.

Our itinerary took us from Paris to L’Isle-Adam, then Port Ilon, Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry (where we stayed two nights, with a rest day off the bike), and finally La Ferté-sous-Jouarre.

We rode at a relaxed pace: I was on a gravel bike, Joannie had an electric bike. That allowed each of us to go at our own rhythm and enjoy the adventure in our own way—I like pushing myself, while Joannie prefers taking her time to observe.

Was it your first bikepacking trip?

Not at all! I bought my first bike ten years ago. At first, it was mainly for sport. But a few years ago, a friend was riding from Marseille to the North Cape in bikepacking style, and I joined him for a few days. That was the spark—I loved this way of traveling. Since then, I do it regularly. One or two micro-adventures a year, often with family or friends.

And Joannie? Was it her first time?

Yes, it was a big first for her. She really enjoyed it, though she might have preferred a traditional bike over an electric one to feel more of the effort. That said, it was a great compromise for a first experience—going on a multi-day cycling trip is physical and can be exhausting for someone not used to it. With the e-bike, she could just enjoy the ride.

It definitely made her want to do it again, so mission accomplished!

What did you like most during this adventure?

Honestly, I was blown away by how close nature is to Paris. Within an hour by bike, you’re in peaceful, green, beautiful surroundings. I’ve lived the Parisian lifestyle, and I have to say—it’s too much hustle for me. So discovering how easy it is to escape into the countryside with just a few pedal strokes was a great surprise.

Did you feel frustrated staying in Île-de-France?

Not at all. We covered more than 300 kilometers in six days and really appreciated the region’s diversity.

I often say that every region in France is beautiful. But when people think of Île-de-France, they only think of Paris. There are incredible spots beyond the capital: the Chevreuse Valley, the Rambouillet forest, the Vexin, the Marne riverbanks… Places where you’d never guess you’re just outside Paris. It’s a truly beautiful region.

What did you think of L’Escale Royale’s accommodations?

They were amazing. I’d say there are two types of bike trips: the rugged kind, with hammocks or tents, and the more comfortable kind. I enjoy both.

But for a couple’s trip, focused on vacation and relaxation, it was perfect: having a cozy bed, a hot shower, not needing to worry about where to pitch a tent—that makes a big difference. It allows you to rest and start the next day fresh, which makes the whole journey more enjoyable.

And the location of the floating accommodations, right by the water, was pure bliss. I highly recommend it!

A word about DolceVia?

I was really happy with their service. In the shop, we were warmly welcomed when picking up the bikes.

We had a minor issue with the speed sensor on the electric bike, which was solved with just one phone call. The support was responsive and available.

It was great to set off with peace of mind, not worried about technical problems, and knowing that help would be available if needed. That’s worth highlighting.

Do you need to be athletic to go on a bike trip?

Not at all. You just need the desire to do it. Sure, it’s not all easy, but it’s far from unmanageable. What matters is pacing yourself. You adjust, take breaks, wait for each other. I often ride with my parents—my mom’s usually in the back. We do U-turns, go back to meet her, find a nice spot to rest while waiting… Cycling is accessible to everyone.

What do you love about bike travel?

What I love most is the feeling of moving slowly but surely. The joy of slow travel, while still being able to cover a decent distance—more than you could on foot, for example.

You see landscapes, you take it all in, without just rushing past places. It’s also a form of total freedom. If you want to stop somewhere, you can. If you like a place, you can stay an extra day. That kind of flexibility is a real luxury.

This kind of travel quickly becomes addictive. You just want to do more, go further, for longer. Every time I’m on a bike trip, I feel like going for three months.

A big thank you to Valentin for sharing his experience.

Want to try the adventure yourself? With DolceVia, hit the road with ease and enjoy the perfect mix of freedom, nature, and comfort thanks to our partnership with L’Escale Royale.

Your next adventure starts here.