Fact file

Tour:

If you prefer to have your luggage with you every night, there are companies that offer daily drop-off and pick-up luggage services, and pre-booked accommodation. Freewheeling France has a helpful directory of different tours.

If you are happy to organise your own route, Bagafrance offers luggage and bike transfers.

Our bike and helmet hire, plus luggage storage, from O2Cycles cost €292 (NZ$494) a person. Visit freewheelingfrance.com; bagafrance.com; o2cycles.com.

Stay:

There are many towns to stay in along the canal. When booking accommodation look at reviews that mention perks such as safe bike storage and filling breakfasts, which can signal it is popular with cyclists. We found all our accommodation through booking.com, spending between $200 and $345 a night for accommodation for all four of us. More information: au.france.fr/en.