Cycle London to Paris Caen Edition Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Cycle London to Paris 3 Day Caen
Bike Adventure
This grand 225 mile route from London to Central Paris is a classic, with an Adventure Cafe twist. Ride from one exciting European capital to another—in just three days! We are sure this unique Adventure Cafe event will inspire and enthuse those who are new to the sport, as well as the experienced cyclists out there who want an unforgettable challenge. A multi-day ride with the added spice of all the beauty of northern French back-roads, and Europe's most romantic city at the end.
Upon leaving the familiar sights of London, with fantastic views from Richmond Park, we pass through England’s delightful Surrey and Hampshire countryside, on our way to Portsmouth for our overnight ferry. Our ride through France takes us through the attractive French countryside and along reclaimed railway lines through poppy fields and charming French villages. We cycle on through the historic town of Eveux then on to our approach to Paris. It’s downhill into Central Paris and we’ll eventually pass right around the impressive Arc de Triomphe to the Place du Trocadero before swooping 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 (aching legs permitted!) you are free to sample the delights of city before catching the Eurostar train / flight directly back to London. Your bike will have a head start on this journey in our support van and you will be reunited back in London. All in a day’s work for you, your selected charity and Adventure Cafe — well done!
Itinerary
Pre-Event Meet at designated team hotel in London for pre-event briefing and dinner - 18:00. Stay overnight at hotel - optional, not included.
Day 1, London - Portsmouth, 125km.
Early departure from our start location. Travel south via Richmond Park into the countryside past Woking and Farnham, then down through the edge of the South Downs and into Portsmouth. We shall stop for lunch en-route. We will have dinner in Portsmouth before catching an overnight ferry to Caen.
Day 2, Caen - Evreux, 130km
After our overnight ferry crossing, today we head through the pretty French countryside on quiet, undulating roads and paved ex-railway line cycle paths. We pass through the Seine valley, continuing through the postcard-French countryside until we reach the historic town of Evreux. Here we talk over the day and get a good nights sleep at our accommodation.
Day 3, Evreux - Paris, 110km
Today we have more beautiful French countryside and quiet roads, pretty villages and sweeping countrylanes await! We will approach through Pontoise and as we near the city centre you will be greeted by all of Paris’ famous sites such as the Arc De Triomph and the Eiffel Tower. Congratulations you have reached your destination!
Day 4
You will have some time in Paris before catching the Eurostar from Gare du Nord or a flight directly back to London and retrieve your bike.
Accommodation
The first night will be spent on the Portsmouth to Caen ferry, in cabins with beds. The two other nights will be in simple hotels (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 3.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenge rides are either longer, with more ascent, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be a keen cyclist for these events, and to enjoy training, and to ride regularly. If the ride is outside the EU, it is likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to more basic living conditions (in the case of Asia / Africa especially)
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 6 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be at least 22-24 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on 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.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader
Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic
Pre-event briefing - Ferry Crossing to Caen
Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route and Paris accommodation
Full buffet breakfasts every day - Return journey to London on Eurostar
Easy transfer of bikes back to London for collection.
Excluded From Trip
Transport to London at start
Dinners* Lunches*
*See optional extras
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. You should make sure you have programmed your leader's phone number in your own phone. If you are stuck at the roadside - please make yourself safe. Also it is essential that you check your bicycle is in good working order before joining this event.
Weather
Although it will be summer, expect possible showers. It is wise to prepare for all weather types, you never know we may be pleasantly surprised!
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