Cycling from London to Paris is one of the
great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing
through picturesque Kent countryside, you
cross the Channel and continue through the
small villages and medieval market towns of
Northern France, passing the famous battlefields
of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days
in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs,
the sight of the Eiffel Tower, your finishing
point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.
Your last day in Paris allows you to explore
the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic
atmosphere of this majestic city!
For a tour brochure and reservation form
please contact
us.
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Calais (125 km/80 miles)
An early start from Greenwich allows you
to avoid the early morning traffic as you
pass through the outskirts of London onto
quieter roads. It is not long before you
are among the fields and villages of rural
Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast
houses where hops were dried. Reaching the
ancient city walls of Canterbury, you glimpse
the famous cathedral before taking the North
Downs Way along country roads to Dover and
the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais, you
have dinner on board and stay overnight
in your Calais hotel. (Lunch included, riders
buy their own dinner on the ferry.)
Day 2: Calais - Abbeville (120 km/75
miles)
After a hearty breakfast you head south
from Calais, passing through beautiful rural
landscapes to the old market town of Guines.
Cycling inland from the coast, you avoid
busy Boulogne
and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned
for its pottery. Following quiet winding
roads you reach the valleys of the Canche
river, and cross the river to Hesdin, a
pretty town near the site of the battle
of Agincourt. Continuing south, your final
30km brings you to the River Somme and the
town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly
in a German air raid in World War II, but
its beautiful Flemish-style architecture
is still in evidence and its Gothic church
has been largely restored to its former
glory. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch
and dinner included.)
Day 3: Abbeville - Beauvais (110 km/70
miles)
Leaving Abbeville behind you, you 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. Your route soon turns
south and you follow shady beech-lined avenues
so typically French, into meandering valleys
and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling
is mostly flat and through agricultural
lands. Your day ends at Beauvais, a town
renowned for its large gothic cathedral.
Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and
dinner included.)
Day 4: Beauvais - Paris (95 km/60 miles)
Your final day's cycling takes you over
the river Theram and south of Beauvais towards
the great capital city. Following small
country roads you head towards the small
town of Meru and continue south through
beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national
sport of France and while the Tour de France
attracts supporters in its thousands, it
is normal for the locals to stop and cheer
you on as you pass through their towns and
villages. As you reach the suburbs of Paris
you look out for the distinctive landmarks
of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur
standing out on the skyline. Reaching the
suburb of St Denis you come to the River
Seine, and follow its northern esplanade
in the shadow of the Bois de Boulogne until
you reach the Pont d'Iena and finish beneath
the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. Overnight
in hotel. Celebration meal. (Breakfast,
lunch and dinner included.)
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast you are free for the rest
of the day to explore the city, going up
the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions
such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame
cathedral. You are responsible for getting
yourself to the Gare du Nord for your evening
Eurostar train back to Waterloo, from where
those who prefer will be transferred back
to their start point in Greenwich. (Breakfast
included; riders buy their own lunch and
dinner.)
General information
Accommodation
4 nights in 2/3* hotels. All rooms have
ensuite facilities.
Temperature
16-18°C. The climate of northern France
is very similar to that of southern England.
It may be windy in flatter areas.
What's included?
The tour cost includes all meals (other
than dinner on the ferry and lunch and dinner
on Day 5), accommodation, support vehicle
and Discover Adventure leaders/medical staff,
drivers and cooks. It also includes return
transportation to London by Eurostar. Insurance
is not included. Approx. £70-100 is
recommended for personal expenses.
What's it really like?
Though only a five-day challenge, the cycling
distances are long (averaging 110 km daily)
and the first day is particularly tough.
You cycle mainly on small rural roads with
light traffic. You are free to cycle at
your own pace, but need a good standard
of fitness to complete the distance each
day and enjoy yourself!
You'll stay and eat in hotels of a good
but not luxurious standard; lunches en route
are picnic-style and very generous.
Tour costs
A non-refundable registration fee of £99
is required to secure a place on this challenge.
We then ask that you raise your minimum
sponsorship target of £1,500 to be
received by Epilepsy Research UK at the
latest 8 weeks before departure. Epilepsy
Research UK then pays the full cost of your
tour.
Alternatively you can pay the full tour
costs of £600 (plus the registration
fee) and fundraise as you choose with 100%
of your donation remaining with Epilepsy
Research UK.
Please note that prices may be subject
to change.
For a tour brochure and reservation form
please contact
us. This trip is organised by Discover
Adventure (ATOL Protected 5636).
