London to Paris Cycle Ride: July

About the Challenge

The London to Paris Cycle Ride run by Discover Adventure is a 5-day supported cycling challenge from London to Paris, with four days of cycling and a final day in Paris before returning by Eurostar.

For the Tour de France fans… the July dates co-incide with the finale of the Tour de France in Paris, so for those interested, it’s a great little bonus to spend your last day of the trip enjoying the atmosphere.

Itinerary

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 southwest, on 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 and up to finish at the Torocadero, overlooking 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
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 incredible atmosphere of the Tour de France! This (almost) always finishes on the iconic Champs-Elysées; this 71m-wide boulevard is by far the best place to watch the city laps, and spectators from all over the world gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event arrive home. You’ll need to allow time to get yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord in time for your Eurostar train back to St Pancras (where you will be reunited with your bike), so if you would rather see the whole Tour de France finale, we would suggest staying in Paris for an extra night. Your travel arrangements back to the UK will be at your own cost, but Discover Adventure can reduce your trip cost accordingly if you notify them before the deadline. (Lunch & Dinner not included)

This Cycle Challenge is organised by Discover Adventure

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