Cycle from London to Paris! Passing through the picturesque Kent countryside, cross the channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France.
With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.
Register before 18 July to secure your place
Dates: 17 - 21 September 2008
The route
Day 1: London – Calais
An early start from Greenwich 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 fields and villages of rural Kent. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board and stay overnight in our Calais hotel.
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
We head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville.
Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. 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.
Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. 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 while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to 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 on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city, going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral. You are responsible for getting yourself to the Gare du Nord on time for our evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras.
Costs
Fundraising option:
- Registration fee £100
- Fundraising target £1,000
Self-payment option:
- Registration fee £100
- Remaining tour costs £400
- Suggested fundraising commitment £600
The deadline for registration is 9 May
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