France, London to Paris Cycle Challenge
Cycling from London to Paris in 4 days is the perfect pace to enjoy this iconic ride. Taking you on a fantastic journey from Greenwich Observatory through Kent, the Somme valley and picturesque Picardie before arriving 280 miles later at the iconic Eiffel Tower.
London to Paris Cycle Challenge
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycling challenges, and a great experience for all those who take it on. You do not have to be a world-class cyclist to succeed on this challenge nor do you need to be exceptionally fit.
The 455lm route from London to Paris's Eiffel Tower will take you on a fantastic journey through some truly fantastic countryside.
Cycling approximately 113km per day you will ride through picturesque Kent, and the South Downs before boarding an evening ferry to Calais.
The journey will then take us through the attractive Pas de Calais area, and along the Somme valley before cycling on through the picturesque Picardie countryside eventually arriving at the impressive Arc de Triumph and the short journey to our final port of call; the symbolic 'Eiffel Tower'.
Trip Information
Dates & Prices: View Prices
Price Rate: £850
(4 days cycling, inc rtn transport to Lincoln/Bexley for bags and bikes)
Charity Rate: £1700
Grading: B (more info)
No of People: 10-20
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Itinerary
Day 1:
London - Dover - Calais
After overnighting in Bexley (participants can park their cars here and leave throughout challenge and depart Eurostar at Ebbsfleet (15 min taxi) on return to meet their bikes and bags at Bexley parking) we will cycle through Kent, commonly known as the garden of England. Enjoying sweeping views of the North Downs en-route to the white cliffs of Dover from where we will catch the early evening ferry to France. Overnight in Calais. Distance: approx 117km / 1424m ascent
Day 2:
Calais - Abbeville
Departing Calais we are soon into the pretty French countryside, - a picturesque area of rivers, meadows, rolling hills and lush forests. This morning we pass through the historic towns of Desvres and the fortified town of Montreuil, setting of Victor Hugo's novel, Les Misérables. Our afternoon snack stop is at Crécy-en-Ponthieu, site of the 14th-century Battle of Crécy. Tonight we overnight in Abbeville, on the banks of the River Somme. Distance: approx 125km / 1365m ascent
Day 3:
Abbeville - Beauvais
After leaving Abbeville we soon cross the River Somme and into the Picardie countryside. Today is the quietest of the whole ride. This is in contrast to its wartime history as location of many of the fiercest battles of World War I. We pass several cemeteries and other memorials to the men who gave their lives. Our destination is Beauvais, a town dominated by the imposing Cathédrale Saint Pierre. Distance: approx 118km / 1124m ascent
Day 4:
Beauvais - Paris
An exciting day as we head into Paris - We enter the city centre via the famous Bois de Boulogne park. From there it's a thrilling ride along wide tree-lined boulevards, finally crossing the Seine to finish at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. There will be an incredible sense of achievement to have completed the challenge. This evening enjoy a celebratory meal and share memories of a wonderful London to Paris bike ride. Distance: approx 95km / 891m ascent
Day 5:
This morning is free to explore Paris before catching the Eurostar back to Ebsfleet or London St Pancras. (participants can either collect their bags and bikes from Bexley or collect from Imp Adventures in Lincoln at a later date.
What's Included
- Professional Leadership by experienced Cycle Guides whom are current first-aiders.
- Quality hotel accommodation including breakfasts.
- Dedicated support vehicle and driver throughout the challenge
- Return transport for bikes and bags to Bexley (start location) or Lincoln.
- Spare cycle in case of mechanical failure, and cycle mechanic throughout
- Am/Pm rest stops with snax and drinks.
- Lunches (either picnic style or local restaurant / cafe)
Outbound Ferry crossing and return Eurostar to London
Not included
- Evening Meal (less celebration meal in Paris)
- Clothing and Equipment
Other Information
Accommodation
5 x night's hotels (shared room) including breakfasts.
Equipment
A complete clothing and equipment list will be sent out on booking.
Transport
A support vehicle will transport cycles and baggage throughout the challenge and also act as a safety vehicle throughout. Cycles and Bags will be returned to either Bexley start hotel (parking available throughout) or by arrangement to Imp Adventures office - Lincoln. (Bikes and Bags can be delivered to Imp Adventures office Lincoln prior to the challenge if desired)
Notes
Participants are to ensure that they are in posession of a road legal cycle suitable for covering long distances comfortably. Any specialist cycle repair items should be brought as well as normal consumable items and lights and helmets.
