Overview
Cycle from London to Paris in four days – an epic journey of 270 miles through southern England and Northern France.
This is a fully supported and guided trip between two iconic capital cities and begins in Blackheath where you’ll cycle south-east into the Garden of England, Kent. We then catch a ferry from Dover to Calais where we spend our first night.
Over the next three days you’ll cycle through quintessentially French countryside, quaint villages and beautiful roads to one of the most romantic cities in the world, finishing up under the legendary Eiffel Tower.
After a celebratory meal on Day 4, we’ll spend a night in Paris after which you’ll have a day to spend sightseeing in this incredible city. In the afternoon of Day 5 you’ll catch the Eurostar back to London where you’ll be met by the More Adventure team with your bicycles and luggage.
Once you have paid the £500 fee you will be required to raise a minimum sponsorship of £500 for Canine Partners, but don’t worry – you’ll receive help and support along the way!
Single room option is an additional £180 which can be added upon booking.
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour in London, cycle to Calais (76 miles)
We meet at Blackheath Common at 07:00am and after a short cycle through the outskirts of London, our route passes along country roads then through Rochester and Canterbury, before meeting our ferry in Dover. We will arrive at the ferry for a late afternoon crossing to Calais. Dinner can be purchased on the ferry. Once in Calais it is a short cycle to our hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 2: Calais to Arras (74 miles)
After a good nights’ rest we begin our second day cycling through the picturesque region of Pas-de-Calais. Numerous War Cemeteries echo the area’s troubled history but today much of the land is now used for agriculture. There are a few hills but nothing too strenuous. Our overnight stop is in the historic town of Arras, which survived front-line action in both World Wars. Heavily damaged in the Second World War, much of it was rebuilt in the aftermath, and the cobblestone streets, fantastic squares and white stone buildings are, quite simply, delightful.
Day 3: Arras to Compiègne (76 miles)
We head directly south along small country lanes, most of them undulating with few serious climbs. We cross the Somme River today and cycle through an area rich in nature and wonderful food. Our destination for the evening is Compiègne which is located alongside the Oise River. Compiègne Forest is famous as the location of the signing of two wartime armistices and the spot where Joan of Arc was captured. It is also the start of the famous Paris-Roubaux cycle race!
Day 4: Compiègne to Paris (58 miles)
It’s a relatively short final day into Paris. There are a couple of short, steep climbs but by now you will be ready and prepared. Skirting around the Compiègne Forest, we head for the northeast corner of the city. As we enter the city the roads become considerably busier and great care must be taken. Heading into the centre of Paris, we pass the famous Arc de Triomphe, down the cobblestone Champs-Elysées before finishing under the Eiffel Tower for our all-important photos. Well done, you’ve made it! From here, we’ll make a short cycle to our hotel and prepare for our celebratory meal.
Day 5: Paris to London (0 miles)
Today, you have the morning and afternoon to explore this wonderful and diverse capital city. Highlights include a trip up the Eiffel Tower (not for the faint-hearted!), sampling some local cheese, visiting Le Louvre, a boat trip on the Seine, or simply a stroll (walking, not cycling!) around the atmospheric streets. You will have now received your Eurostar ticket for your journey home, and are responsible for getting yourself back to London. Your Tour Leaders will meet you at St. Pancras station in London with your bicycles and main bags in the late afternoon. We then say our goodbyes and the trip ends.
Map
Includes
- Cycle Leader(s) and Support Driver/Bicycle Mechanic
- 4 x night’s hotel accommodation
- 4 x breakfasts
- 4 x buffet-style lunches
- Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
- Eurostar train back to London from Paris
- All luggage transported during your trip
- Bicycle and main luggage transfer back to London from Paris
Not Included
- Bicycle and Helmet
- Transport to and from pick-up and drop-off points
- Evening meals, drinks and snacks
- Optional excursions in Paris
FAQs
Do you transport our bicycles back to London?
Yes. On the final day the More Adventure team will drive back to London early with your bicycles and luggage. They will meet you off your Eurostar train at St Pancras station in the evening to hand your bicycle and luggage then we say our goodbyes and the trip comes to an end.
Will we have time to explore Paris?
Yes. On the final day you will have the opportunity to explore Paris before getting the Eurostar back to London in the afternoon.
What time is the ferry to Calais on day 1?
We generally get the 17:25 ferry with the aim of arriving into Dover at least an hour before.
What time do we start riding?
This can be dependent on weather and group ability, however as a general rule we start cycling at 8am each morning.
What is the typical average speed?
Over the course of the full day it normally comes in at 13 - 14mph.
Where are bikes stored overnight?
In locked rooms at your hotels. We do recommend you still bring a lock for your own peace of mind.
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