Four old towns and what lies between...

NB! The ferry at Ameide does not sail in winter and in spring and autumn with a limited timetable. Check out https://veerponten.nl for the exact times. The ferry at Nieuwegein sails until 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday until 8:30 p.m.
It is largely a quiet route, with the exception of the cycle path along the busy N204 between Jaarsveld and Montfoort/Blokland. The polder between Montfoort and IJsselstein is a beautiful area. It is really nice cycling along the Merwede Canal, just like along the somewhat busier Zouwendijk. The parts over the Lekdijk with a view over the river are also beautiful.
This bike tour is a string of 4 old towns. Old buildings such as town halls, churches, remains of city walls and castles can still be seen in all towns. Montfoort still has a real city gate: the IJsselpoort, just like Vianen, which with the Lekpoort and the Voorstraat is a real gem.
IJsselstein also has a beautiful old core.
Ameide has been a town since 1277. Just before you can descend to the ferry you will see a long row of beautiful stately facades and the town hall that show the"urban\\\" features of Ameide.
The route crosses the Lek in Nieuwegein via the bridge of the A2, but those who turn left at junction 25 to junction 20 can cross the Lek with a ferry. A difficult choice, cycling over the Lekdijk to Vianen is beautiful, you imagine yourself in earlier times. But that also applies to the route over the ferry. Then you drive on the old road from Paris to Amsterdam that was built at the time of Napoleon! Hence Paris-Amsterdam!
Drive through the Lekpoort to the Voorstraat (just like in Culemborg!). In the distance you can see the Grote Kerk at the end of the Voorstraat. Also take a look at the special facade of the old town hall, which has extensions all around in a modern style.
Continue the route past the Lekpoort over the dike along Vianen, you will also see an old town there. Along the somewhat meandering Merwede Canal you can drive in peace to Meerkerk where you can also drive a bit on the old Paris-Amsterdam route via the Tolstraat. Napoleon must have once spent the night in Meerkerk.
The Zouwendijk towards Ameide lies along the Zouweboezem. Just before the route passes under a viaduct of the A2 or A27 for the last time, there is an opportunity to explore part of the nature reserve there.
The vast swamps and reed beds are the domain of the largest breeding colony of purple herons in our country. Marsh birds such as the black tern, crake, mustache and marsh harrier also breed here.
Do not immediately go with the ferry at Ameide. Really drive down and follow the route through the neat old streets, view the old church, the town hall and the beautifully restored houses. Ameide must look neat, because the largest of the beautiful buildings with a view over the Lek is home to Koninklijke Woudenberg, a renowned restoration company.
After crossing the river with the ferry you drive towards Jaarsveld and you can enjoy the view over the Lek. Jaarsveld has a protected village view with a number of special buildings. On the Lekdijk towards it, the tower of the church stands out, also note a number of houses on the outside of the dike and the stately Waterschapshuis and the estate on the inside.