London to Paris Cycle

Day 1: London - Dover - Dunkirk

An early start allows us to avoid the worst of the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the rolling fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We follow country roads across the hills of the North Downs to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Dunkirk, we have dinner on board and cycle the short distance to our hotel. Night hotel. (Dinner on ferry not included) 

Cycle approx. 130km (80 miles)

Day 2: Dunkirk - Cambrai

We head south from Dunkirk, riding roughly parallel to the Belgian border. A long day in the saddle lies ahead, but the terrain is fairly flat as we pass through small villages and farmland, with some areas of shady woodland. A few hills mid-way through our morning stretch the legs a little! The area we pass through saw a great deal of action in WW1 and many road-names in towns and villages testify to the history. Our afternoon is predominantly flat as we ride southeast, though a few hills await us before Cambrai, a town which dates back to Roman times. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 163km (102 miles)

Day 3: Cambrai - Soissons

Today is shorter, but almost continually hilly, as we cross beautiful rolling landscapes, where fields of crops stretch for miles. For the first part of the day we pass small war cemeteries, reminding us of events a century ago. We have a great view of the River Somme, which we cross before our first water-stop. Narrow lanes lined with hedgerows take us through small villages with ancient crumbling buildings, and we follow wider boulevards through historic towns with striking churches and town halls. The last section of our route runs through an area involved in the WW1 Battles of the Aisne, with more cemeteries and memorials to the fallen. With roughly ten miles to go, the road climbs steeply out of the pretty village of Vauxaillon, winding through woodland and into open fields with wonderful views. A rewarding descent brings us to Soissons, an ancient town which lies on the River Aisne. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 117km (73 miles)

Day 4: Soissons - Paris

Our final day’s cycling takes us southwest, on yet more undulating roads through small villages and farmland. There are some short sharp climbs in the morning, before we reach busier roads. As we cycle through the Parisian streets we look out for distinctive landmarks, feeling excited at being this close to our goal! Then we sweep around the Arc de Triomphe on our way to the finish point with the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower behind us. After photos and celebrations we cycle the short distance to our hotel and get ready for a final meal together as a group to mark our achievement. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 130km (80 miles)

Day 5: Paris - London

After breakfast you are free to explore the city; why not go up the Eiffel Tower or visit renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You are responsible for getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord on time for your afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike

For the July departure date, you can enjoy the huge spectacle that is the Tour de France! We don’t have a set area to gather, but the 71m-wide Champs-Elysées is by far the best place to watch the laps before the final sprint; head over with your new cycling buddies, pick a spot and enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Spectators gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event arrive home, and if you want a good view you are advised to get there many hours before the peloton! You are responsible for getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord in time for your evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike. If you would rather see the whole Tour de France finale, we would suggest that you stay in Paris for an extra night and make your own travel arrangements back to the UK (at your own cost). If you intend on doing this, you will need to inform us prior to the confirmed deadline, so that we may cancel your return ticket and reduce your trip cost accordingly. (Lunch & Dinner not included) Please note that this trip does not start and finish in the same location

Day 1: London - Dover - Calais

An early start allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the rolling fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We follow country roads across the hills of the North Downs to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais, we have dinner on board and cycle the short distance (approx 5 miles) to our hotel. Night hotel. (Dinner on ferry not included)

Cycle approx. 136km (85 miles)

Day 2: Calais - Abbeville

After a hearty breakfast we head south through beautiful rural landscapes. We ride through ancient Desvres, pedalling quiet winding roads running parallel to the coast. After lunch we reach the valleys of the Canche River and head further south towards Crécy-en-Ponthieu – site of the 14th-century Battle of Crécy. Continuing south, our final leg brings us to Abbeville, on the River Somme. Abbeville suffered badly from WW2 air raids, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 114km (71 miles)

Day 3: Abbeville - Beauvais

Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of men who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 104km (65 miles)

Day 4: Beauvais - Paris

Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb of St. Denis we come to the River Seine; following its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne, we ride until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. We check into our hotel and enjoy a great celebration to mark our achievements. Night hotel. 

Cycle approx. 80km (50 miles)

Day 5: Paris - London

After breakfast you are free to explore the famous sights of Paris. Later you can enjoy the huge spectacle that is the Tour de France! We don't have a set area to gather, but the 71m-wide Champs-Elysées is by far the best place to watch the laps before the final sprint; head over with your new cycling buddies, pick a spot and enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Spectators gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event arrive home, and if you want a good view you are advised to get there many hours before the peloton! You are responsible for getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord in time for your evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike. (Lunch & Dinner not included)