Day 1: Paris
Individual arrival in Paris and hotel check in. At 6:00pm attend a welcome meeting with our assistant and receive your bike.
Overnight in Paris.
Day 2: Paris – Maisons Laffitte (32 miles/52 km)
Begin your tour with a short ride to Notre Dame Cathedral. Then follow the bike path through Paris taking in the beautiful and historic sites of the city. Ride through Bastille Square, along Canal St. Martin and alongside Villette Park, the largest park in Paris and home to Cité des Sciences et de la Musique.
Continue along canals leading to the banks of the Seine and to the stunning Parc des Impressionistes in Rueil-Malmaison. The day ends in Maisons Laffitte just steps from the castle, a fine example of French Baroque style built on the banks of the Seine to host King Louis XIV.
Overnight in Maisons Laffitte.
Day 3: Maisons Laffitte – Gisors (47 miles/75 km)
Your day starts in the shade of oaks and beeches as you ride through the St. Germain-en-Laye Forest and into the Oise Valley. With its vibrant landscapes, this valley was a source of inspiration for many Impressionist painters including Daumier, Pissarro, Cézanne and Van Gogh.
You continue into the Vexin Français Regional Nature Park, an area rich in history, nature, and architecture. Enjoy the ancient villages, churches and castles; picnic on the grounds of Themericourt Chateau. Continue on to connect with the River Epte, a tributary to the Seine, and then cross into Normandy and the town of Gisors, our destination for the day. This ancient medieval town is rapt in the mystery and legend of the Templar Knights. You can choose to cycle the whole distance or take a train from Chars to Gisors to shorten the stage 47 km/29 mi.
Overnight in Gisors.
Day 4: Gisors – Forges-les-Eaux (38 miles/60 km)
In the morning continue your ride through the rich countryside and quaint villages of the Epte Valley. See the beautiful Abbey in Saint-Germer-de-fly, stop for lunch in a typical French village, cool off as you dip your toes in the crisp clean natural spring waters of Haussez. The historic Forges-les-Eaux, once a spa retreat established in the XVI century, is your destination.
Overnight in Forges-les-Eaux.
Day 5: Forges-les-Eaux – Dieppe + ferry to Newhaven (35 miles/56 km)
A converted rails-to-trails bike path is your stress-free route to Dieppe. The landscape along this 48km stage is dotted with thriving farms and castles. The castles, such as Mesnières-en-Bray and Arques-la-Bataille, serve as a reminder of the France’s rich history. Along the way we pass through of Neufchatel-en-Bray, famous for its namesake soft cheese. Try a sample and hear the romantic legend of its heart-shaped packaging. Once in Dieppe, park your bike, play on the beach, and savor local oysters before boarding the ferry to cross the Channel to Newhaven England.
Overnight in Newhaven.
Day 6: Newhaven – Crawley (39 miles/62 km)
Your first day in England begins with a ride along the Newhaven marina toward the stunning cliffs of South Downs. A bit of climbing takes you to breathtaking views as you ride along the top before descending back down to a seaside path. For 10km enjoy a scenic path with immaculate cliffs on one side and the English Channel on the other.
Soon we arrive in Brighton, a lively destination popular for its pier attractions, cafes, and charming old town. Next we head inland through the rolling hills of Devil's Dyke, a legendary valley in the County of Sussex that is said to have been dug by the Devil. We continue to our day’s destination, Crawley. Spend the evening strolling the cobblestone streets, visiting the cathedral or mixing with the locals at the pub.
Overnight in Crawley.
Day 7: Crawley – London (42 miles/67 km)
The last cycling day marks the return to urban life, although re-entry is gradual. Start the day in the English countryside passing through the County of Surrey and into the suburbs of London. The route traverses city parks filled with runners, cyclists, and dog walkers as we make our way to the city center. Connect with the River Wandle which leads to the River Thames and on to the heart of London. Arrive at the renowned Westminster Abbey, the final destination of this amazing journey.
Bikes must be returned no later than 6:00 pm.
Overnight in London.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast end of the tour.
