Overview
The Build Up
You will be part of the team from the outset, with online monthly feedback sessions where you can share your fitness goals and progress, and guidance on how to train and prepare for the ride. In your comprehensive participant pack there will be plenty of advice on suitable clothing and equipment for the ride in addition to a fantastic training plan to structure your fitness goal and advice on fundraising. For further details on what’s included in the build-up, please CLICK HERE.
The Ride
On the first day of the Paris ride we’ll meet on Blackheath Common and cycle through the Garden of England before crossing the English Channel by ferry. You’ll then ride through the rolling countryside of Northern France before entering the romantic city of Paris along the Champs Elysees, around the Arc de Triomphe and finishing under the Eiffel Tower. You’ll have a free day to explore Paris before catching the Eurostar back to London where you’ll be met by the More Adventure team with your bicycle and luggage.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Achieving a group fitness goal by completing an incredible journey
- Riding through the Garden of England, Kent
- Arriving at Dover for our ferry crossing to France
- Cycling through quaint French villages on the backroads of Northern France
- Riding around the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysees
- Taking that photo of you and your bike under the Eiffel Tower!
- A free day to explore Paris before returning to London
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
THE RIDE
Day 1: Join tour in London, cycle to Calais (76 miles)
We meet at Blackheath Common at 07:00am. After a short cycle through the outskirts of London, our route passes along country roads then through Rochester and Canterbury, before boarding 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.
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