London to Paris Itinerary
Day 1 – Wednesday
London to Calais – 125km
An early start from Greenwich allows us to avoid the early morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. Soon we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional coast houses where hops are stored. Reaching the ancient city walls of Canterbury we glimpse the famous cathedral before taking the North Downs Way along country roads to Dover and the Coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board before reaching our overnight hotel.
Day 2 – Thursday
Calais to Abbeville – 120km
After a hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes to the old market town of Guines. Cycling inland from the coast we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through Desvres. Following quiet windy roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the historical battlefields of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us 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.
Day 3 – Friday
Abbeville to Beavais – 110km
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the river Somme east out of the town and 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 typically French shady treelined avenues into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town known for its vast Gothic cathedral. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4 – Saturday
Beauvais to Paris – 95km
Our final days cycling takes us over the river Théram and south towards Paris. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and whilst the Tour de France attracts thousands of supporters, the locals will usually stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out in the skyline. Reaching the suburbs of St Denis we come to the River Seine and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois de Boulogne until we reach the Pont D’Iena and finish by the Eiffel Tower. Our celebration meal will then commence!
Day 5 – Sunday
Paris to London
After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city, going up the Eiffel Tower and visiting famous Parisien landmarks such as the Arc De Triomphe and the Notre Dame catherdral. We meet back at the Gare Du Nord for the Eurostar back to the UK.
