Cycle London To Paris TdF 4 Day Picture 1
Next departure:
Please Call for Details
Best Time of Year: April - October
Cycle London To Paris TdF 4 Day
Bike Adventure
Join us on the ultimate London To Paris Tour de France Cycle challenge that will see you riding into Paris 24 hours before the Tour arrives. Enjoy a night in Paris before going on to watch the Tour race in on their last day and those famous laps on the Champs Elysees.
This grand 280 mile route from London (Greenwich) to Central Paris is a classic, with a carefully thought out route, utilising a mixture of good fast direct roads, and small country back roads. We have taken time to consider our routes in and out of London and Paris to make them as enjoyable and pain free as possible! Ride from one exciting European capital to another—in just four days!
Upon leaving the familiar sights of London, with fantastic views from Greenwich Park we pass through England’s delightful Kent countryside, alongside the North Downs and to the White Cliffs of Dover. We’ll make a stop at the historic crossing point of the River Medway at Rochester for refreshments along the way. Dinner is taken on board our Ferry crossing before our first night’s rest in Calais. Our ride through France takes us through the attractive Pas de Calais area, on fast open country roads. We’ll glimpse poppy fields through the Somme valley and stay en route in charming French villages. We cycle on through the picturesque Picardy countryside and on our approach to Paris, we really get going! It’s downhill into Central Paris and we’ll eventually pass right beside the impressive Arc de Triomphe and swoop along the grand Champs Elysees to our finish point, bang in the middle of the excitement of Paris. From one capital to the other…. The evening is then yours to enjoy; celebrate in this beautiful and culturally vibrant capital. You are accommodated in Paris and the following day you are free to sample the delights of city before finding your place along the Champs Elysees to watch those famous last 10 laps of the Tour de France as it races towards it's climax after 3 gruelling weeks riding around this fantastic country. Then it's catching the Eurostar train directly back to London. Your bike will have a head start on this journey and you will be reunited back in London. This could be the start of something big... have we told you about our Paris to Munich ride??
Itinerary
Pre-Event meet at agreed location for pre-event briefing - 18:00, Wednesday evening
**N.B This night's accommodation is not included**
Day 1 (Thursday) – London To Calais (75 miles)
Early departure from Greenwich Park (Approx 08:00 You will need to arrive at the observatory for around 07:15). Our chosen route takes us through the historic town of Rochester then it's onto Canterbury, Dover and then on board the ferry for dinner time crossing to Calais. On disembarking the ferry there will be a short cycle to our Calais hotel. Hopefully, we'll be here in time to see the sun set over the English Channel.
Day 2 (Friday) – Calais To Abbeville (78 miles)
Morning departure from Calais, bound for Boulogne via the pretty coastal road and then Abbeville (half-way point of our adventure). Our route is undulating for the first section and then shortly after Boulogne flattens out considerably. We make regular contact with the coast during the day - eventually passing the historic and beautiful Baie de Somme before heading inland to Abbeville. Hotel accommodation in Abbeville.
Day 3 (Saturday) – Abbeville To Beauvais (65 miles)
Morning departure through Picardy’s attractive countryside and villages on to the lively town of Beauvais, we should arrive mid afternoon, with time to relax and take a look at the stunning cathedral, prior to the evening's entertainment! We're now nearing Paris - get ready for a great day tomorrow!
Day 4 (Sunday) – Beauvais To Paris (56 miles) 'Le Tour'
Early morning departure for final leg to Paris. Although this is a shorter distance to travel, excitement builds as we cycle through the Oise region. We shall ride in via the pretty town of Pontoise, and then along the river Seine. We will finally enter over the 'peripherique' ring-road, over the River Seine one more time and on to the Arc de Triomphe before riding carefully down the Champs Elysees, and a quick visit to the Eiffel Tower viewpoint with our bikes before riding to our hotel. Camps Elysees for the arrival of Le Tour and the famous 10 laps on the cobbles of the Champs Elysées. Find your places early before this spectacular climax races into town and the final sprint for the line is made. Once the teams and the mayo jaune are over the finish line it's time to celebrate, drinks and an evening meal round off the trip perfectly.
Day 5 (Monday) - Return to UK
You will have the morning to enjoy the sights and sounds of the magnificent city before your return Eurostar back to London St Pancras. Once back in London you will retrieve your bike from St. Pancras station in London from the support crew who left Paris earlier in the day.
Accommodation
Will be in a simple hotel for 4 x nights (including buffet breakfasts) You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
What is a Level 3.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
These rides are typically multi day rides, with medium distances and undulating terrain. Level 3 rides suit riders who ride regularly, and are looking for something challenging but manageable. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 8 hours of cycling with breaks. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect a slightly lower daily duration - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You should be a competent rider, with regular training outings - both at the weekend and ideally with another session during the week. A 10 week training programme is available for our 3 star rides.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long bike rides in the countryside of 5 hours + and distances of between 45 - 55 miles . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training (at least twice per week in the run up to the event). Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 21-23 km/hr on flat and gently undulating terrain, and you should be able to cycle at higher speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km (on a road bike). You may also blend in other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Pre-event briefing Ferry Crossing to Calais, Baggage Transfer, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Paris accommodation, Return journey to London on Eurostar Transfer of bikes back to London, Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
Transport to/from London start/finish points. Pre Event Accommodation in London. Lunches and Dinners.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
You must stay in contact with your leader at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each morning. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader.
Weather
The weather is obviously dependent upon the time of year - but typically from April to September when we run these rides, you can expect reasonable weather. If we prepare for all conditions then we may be pleasantly surprised!
You should prepare for both the possibility of hot and cold weather - as it can be fairly unpredictable
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events