5 days / 4 nights
Depart: Tuesday evening to London, then Wednesday am set off from Greenwich
Return: Sunday Paris to London
They are almost ready for the off!
"Good Luck guys" - we'll all be thinking of you and supporting and cheering you on. Have set out the itinerary below again for all those who have asked where they will be going etc.
Hopefully we will have some good photos to pop on here when they are back (if they get chance to stop pedalling long enough to take some). If anyone would like to sponsor them - there is still time - we will continue to collect for LOROS until the end of the year. Either contact the guys or go via the Just Giving Link on this blog - every little helps and is much appreciated.
Thanks to everyone who has supported, sponsored and encouraged in every way!
Come on Lads - get pedalling - but most of all - ENJOY IT!
Val xx
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Introduction:
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. 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.
Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!
Introduction:
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. 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.
Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!
Day 1: London – Calais
We will set off and head to London late on Tuesday afternoon (Kevin Neale who also works for Everards, is kindly driving us using an Everards van - thank you all!!!). Hopefully, an early night and an early start of 6 am to start our adventure 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, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. 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 a Calais hotel.
Cycle approximately 153km (95 miles)
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
After a hearty breakfast 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. 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.
Cycle approximately 120km (75 miles)
Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town 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 man who died here. 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. Cycle approximately 110km (70 miles)
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. We will then join all the other cyclists for a celebration dinner in the evening for a well earned beer.
Cycle approximately 95km (60 miles)
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast we are free for a few hours to explore the city, or just relax and reflect on our wonderful trip. We then need to get ourselves to the Gare du Nord on time for our afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where we will meet up again with Kevin and our transport back home.
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
After a hearty breakfast 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. 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.
Cycle approximately 120km (75 miles)
Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town 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 man who died here. 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. Cycle approximately 110km (70 miles)
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. We will then join all the other cyclists for a celebration dinner in the evening for a well earned beer.
Cycle approximately 95km (60 miles)
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast we are free for a few hours to explore the city, or just relax and reflect on our wonderful trip. We then need to get ourselves to the Gare du Nord on time for our afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where we will meet up again with Kevin and our transport back home.
There are so many great places to see in France like Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower. Just to walk around is already an experience. Sipping a cup of coffee while cruising the Seine is one of the few things you can do to savor your trip.
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