Avenue Verte: Paris to London - BikeTours.com

Tour Type: Guided Self-guided

Tour description

Welcome to Paris, the Ville Lumière! Let’s start our amazing journey to London!

Paris and London are connected by this picturesque historic route from Notre-Dame Cathedral to Westminster Abbey. Along the way we take in a mosaic of landscapes scattered with castles, cathedrals and charming villages. From the French capital to the port town of Dieppe we cycle the vibrant countryside of the Epte Valley, down the wooded banks of the River Seine where Monet painted his water lilies, and through beautiful Vexin Français Nature Park in the Oise Valley.

We explore the region of Normandy where we cycle converted railways and quiet country roads. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we reach Dieppe overlooking the English Channel. A 4-hour ferry crossing takes us to the port city of Newhaven England. From here we cycle along the rugged cliffs of South Downs to Brighton and across the rolling hills of Sussex. The parks and bike paths of the beautiful English countryside mark the last stage of our journey to the cosmopolitan heart of London.

Highlights

Paris-London Avenue Verte, a new largely traffic-free route between Paris and London (via the Dieppe – Newhaven ferry) for cyclists, walkers and horse riders
Paris
Seine River
Monet's gardens at Giverny
Oise Valley, source of inspiration for Daumier, Pissarro, Cezanne and Van Gogh
Vexin Francais regional park
Renowned spa resort of Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy
Brighton, popular vacation spot for its pier, cafes and old town
Rolling hills of Sussex, a legendary valley in England
Thames River and North Downs countryside
London

Learn more

Not sure which type of tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.

Program

Daily program

Day 1: Paris (6 miles/10 km)
Individual arrival in Paris and hotel check in. At 6:00pm attend a welcome meeting with your guide and receive your bike. We then take our first ride together, a short trip to Notre Dame Cathedral and then back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own in this beautiful City of Light.
Overnight in Paris.

Day 2: Paris – Maisons Laffitte (31 miles/50 km)
We begin our tour following the bike path through Paris taking in the beautiful and historic sites of the city. We ride through Bastille Square, along Canal St. Martin and next to the Villette Park, the largest park in Paris and home to Cité des Sciences et de la Musique.

We continue along canals leading us to the banks of the Seine and to the stunning Parc des Impressionistes in Rueil-Malmaison. Inspired by Monet's garden at Giverny, this park delights us with its famous bridge, colorful water lilies and unique landscape. 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 – Chars + Train to Gisors (29 miles/46 km)
Our day starts in the shade of oaks and beeches as we 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.

Our ride takes us on to Chars where we board a train for a short journey to Gisors, our destination for the day. This ancient medieval town is rapt in the mystery and legend of the Templar Knights.
Overnight in Gisors.

Day 4: Gisors – Forges-les-Eaux (40 miles/63 km)
In the morning we continue our 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 our destination. Enjoy an evening stroll on the path around the lake, test your luck at the casino, or book a massage at the hotel spa.
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 our stress-free route to Dieppe. The landscape along this stage is dotted with thriving farms and castles. These farms supply the modern-day markets of Normandy and Paris. The castles, such as Mesnièresen-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 (37 miles/59 km)
Our first day in England begins with a ride along the Newhaven marina toward the stunning cliffs of South Downs. A bit of climbing takes us to breathtaking views as we ride along the top before descending back down to a seaside path. For 10km we enjoy this scenic pathway with immaculate cliffs on one side and the English Channel on the other.

Day 7: Crawley – London (40 miles/64 km)
The last cycling day marks the return to urban life, although our re-entry is gradual. We start our day in the English countryside passing through the County of Surrey and into the suburbs of London. Our route traverses city parks filled with runners, cyclists, and dog walkers as we make our way to the city center. We connect with the River Wandle which leads us to the River Thames and on to the heart of London. We arrive at the renowned Westminster Abbey, the final destination of this amazing journey.
Overnight in London.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast end of the tour.

Resources

Avenue Verte official
www.avenuevertelondonparis.com

Cycling routes in UK
www.sustrans.org.uk

Paris-London cycling guide
www.chamina.com

Daily program

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 (31 miles/50 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 46 km/29 mi.
Overnight in Gisors.

Day 4: Gisors – Forges-les-Eaux (40 miles/63 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 (37 miles/59 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 (40 miles/64 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.
Overnight in London.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast end of the tour.

Surface and terrain

This tour follows a route that is flat to undulating/hilly. The flat stages alternate with the undulating stages.

The average change in elevation is 300 meters and the average time for the cycling route each day is four to six hours. The tour is on paved surfaces for 65% of the route and unpaved country roads for 35%.

This tour is suitable for children 13 and older.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Pullman Paris Centre Bercy, Paris
www.pullmanhotels.com

Hotel Ibis, Maisons-Laffitte
www.ibis.com

Hotel Moderne, Gisors
hotel-moderne-gisors.com

Hotel le Continental, Forges-Les-Eaux
www.forgescontinental.com

Premier Inn, Newhaven
www.premierinn.com

Arora International Hotel , Crawley
www.gatwick.arorahotels.com

Pullman St. Pancras, London
www.pullmanhotels.com

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport: Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly (PRY), Beauvais (BVA)
Nearest train station: Paris

Tour end
Nearest airport: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN)
Nearest train station: London

Tips for getting to and from your tour

Map

Route Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Sundays: Jul 15, 22; Aug 5, 12, 19, 2018 (minimum 8 persons)

Prices

Tour package

When you book, please enter the passport number, name as it appears on the passport, country of citizenship, gender, and date of birth for each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.

Per person, double occupancy

€1160

Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room)

€440

Bike Rentals

Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed

€90

Electrically assisted bike

€180

Extra Nights, London, prices starting at:

Per person, double occupancy

€128

Single room (1 person/1 room)

€252

Extra Nights, Paris, prices starting at:

Per person, double occupancy

€89

Single room (1 person/1 room)

€178

Discounts

Child, ages 0-12 sharing a room with 2 full-paying adults (on base package price)

€-210

Dates

Sundays: May 27-Jul 22; Aug 5-Sept 9, 2018 (minimum 2 persons)

Prices

Tour package

When you book, please enter the passport number, name as it appears on the passport, country of citizenship, gender, and date of birth for each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.

Per person, double occupancy

€795

Single room surcharge (1 person/1 room)

€440

Bike Rentals

Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed

€90

Electrically assisted bike

€180

Extra Nights, London, prices starting at:

Per person, double occupancy

€128

Single room (1 person/1 room)

€252

Extra Nights, Paris, prices starting at:

Per person, double occupancy

€89

Single room (1 person/1 room)

€178

Discounts

3rd person sharing a room with 2 full-paying adults (on base package price)

€-195

Included services

7 nights accommodations
Half board (5 dinners and 7 breakfasts), dinners in Paris and London not included
A English speaking guide
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person, max 20kg)
Support service plus (hotline for tour operator as well as roadside assistance)
Ferry Dieppe-Newhaven (deck passage pax + bike)
Train Chars-Gisors (Day 3)
Route materials and tour documents (1 per room)

Included services

7 nights accommodation
Breakfast each day
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person, max 20kg)
Support service plus (hotline for tour operator as well as roadside assistance)
Ferry Dieppe-Newhaven (deck passage for you and your bike)
Verde Natura App: (downloadable on your smartphone) includes your tour map and itinerary, with points of interest, services and GPS position (GPS tracks can be used offline)
Route information, guide books, and maps (1 per room)

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent (must be reserved at time of booking) include:

Hybrid bikes, 21- or 24 speed with Shimano parts
Electrically-assisted bikes, aluminum

Hybrid bikes come equipped with the following at no additional cost:

One big waterproof lateral pannier bag
Reinforced rims and Swalbe puncture-proof tires
One bike lock per room

Electrically-assisted bikes come equipped with the following at not additional cost:

Mudguards
Front and rear lights
Pannier rack

Further specifications on the electrically-assisted bikes:
Assisted pedal with rear engine 8FUN CST 250W and Panasonic battery of high quality. They also have the simplified monitoring of the assistance LED and the pedal sensor PAS, safety switch into the Tektro brake levers and puncture-resistant tires. If used correctly, the battery has an autonomy of 80 km and the maximum speed is 25 km / h.

Pedals
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets
Helmet rental is available on this tour for €15, bookable in advance. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Tour Company Terms

Please note: Instead of operating bicycle tours ourselves, BikeTours.com represents local bicycle tour operators around the world. Review the tour operator's information and terms below, then submit your booking request through BikeTours.com. The primary benefits of booking your tour through BikeTours.com include:

Lower cost: You pay local tour company prices—less than what big American companies charge
Variety: Choose from more than 200 tours offered by local operators in 35 countries.
Advice: Our informed advisors help you choose the trip that's right for you.
Great exchange rates: Pay low rates thanks to the millions of dollars in foreign currency we buy each year. Or pay in euros!
Convenience: We handle the full booking and payment process.
Support: We’re your advocates from initial planning through final pedal stroke.

Contact us with any questions about booking and paying for your tour through BikeTours.com. We look forward to serving you!

Verde Natura Terms and Conditions

Individual reservations:

Cancellation fees
If clients need to cancel their booking before departure of a bike and hotel tour:

60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 15% of the total amount (min €50)
59 – 30 days before the trip begins: 25% of the trip price
29 – 21 days before the trip begins: 40% of the trip price
20 – 11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price
10 – 4 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price
3 days before the trip and no-show: 100% of the trip price

The calculation of the penalty fee does not include the day of withdrawal and the departure date. A declaration of withdrawal must be made in writing within the deadline of one working day prior to the booked departure date.

Cancellation fees
If clients need to cancel their booking before departure on a bike and boat tour:

60 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price
59 –31 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
30 –21 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
20 –11 days before the trip begins: 70% of the trip price
10 –1 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price
No-show: 100% of the trip pric

If the minimum number of participants required for a trip is not met (4 or 8 participants), we reserve the right to cancel it. The decision about whether the trip will take place or not will be made as early as possible, 21 days before the beginning of the trip at the latest. In case of trip cancellation, the payments you have made for the only tour will be fully refunded. There can be no additional claims made against us.

Cancellation fees for a Charter

For cancellation after the confirm:

180 days or more before the beginning of the trip: 20% of the trip price
179 – 120 days before the trip begins: 30% of the trip price
119 – 60 days before the trip begins: 50% of the trip price
59 – 30 days before the trip begins: 90% of the trip price
29 – departure day: 100% of the trip price

Reviews

Ratings

Ratings Snapshot

5 Star 4
4 Star 4
3 Star 1
2 Star 0
1 Star 0

Average Ratings

Overall

4.3
Difficulty level (Actual vs. expected) 3.1
Value 4.4
Included meals 4.2
Bikes & equipment 4.8
Hotels or boat 4.2
Scenery 4.1
Ease of navigation 3.8
Tour documents 4.5
Local tour company services 5
Route selection 4.1
Guides (if applicable) 5

Reviews

jack65185 August 27, 2017

Flawless execution

I was delightfully surprised at how well organized the trip was. From arrival in Paris to the return from London, everything went as planned. The rental bike was well maintained and more than adequately equipped. The hotels were great ( i chose the 4 star option). Our organizer, Ricardo, was always punctual, and helpful with advice. The biggest surprise for me was the Navigation app provided by the outfitter. It was 100% dead on for the entire ride. This eliminated lost time due to navigation problems and allowed me to focus on riding and enjoying. I did have a small administrative problem during the setup for the trip, but biketours promptly remedied the issue to my complete satisfaction. I definitely will be a repeat customer.

Dick August 20, 2017

Food poisoning cut this one short

This was to be the 3rd of 5 tours for this summer. We started with London to Amsterdam and decided on a guided rather than self-guided tour. Next we did Sarbrucken to Koblenz (self Guided). After a stop in Stuttgart to pick up friends, we all traveled to Paris when we stayed in the same hotel we would be spending the first night of the Paris to London tour. We had originally scheduled this tour as "self-guided" but (since the Tour Company for the London/Amsterdam and the Paris to London were the same) we decided to upgrade to Guided. Very happy we did because we would not have been able to do anything as self-guided. I, apparently got some kind of food poisoning in Paris a couple days before the tour was to begin. I could not ride the first day of the tour so I rode with the luggage- I would have been on my own if we had "self-guided" The second day I was even worse so I spent the day in a French Hospital and on the 3rd day, my wife and I went back to Paris to fly home so we missed the last 5 days of the tour and, the extra days in London as well as the last 2 tours we had scheduled in England. The support from the Italian Tour Company (Verde Natura) AND Bike Tours Direct were GREAT. Hope to returner the remaining tours in the UK but we'll see how that goes.

PATTERSON August 8, 2017

ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE

What can we say!! We thoroughly enjoyed our very well organised self guided trip. Our leader Rickardo was just amazing and is the person for the job. We have so many photos full of great memories riding from Paris to London. It has been a once in a life time adventure that we would recommend to anybody. Even though we were self guided we have met some friends for life. Wish we could go back and do it again.

cordeluaba August 15, 2016

Life-changing experience!

My first bicycle tour, and first time in both of these countries. It was, in a word, amazing. A totally unique experience. The guide, the group, everything was perfect. Can't wait to do my next bike tour! My blog about the trip: http://myavenueverte.wordpress.com/

KimberlyBR July 31, 2016

Paris to London

We initially selected the self guided tour, but found the directions very difficult to follow and after a frustrating 1st day ask to join a group. The company happily accommodated our request and provided us with a couple of options. Our guide and support team (Ricardo and Ricardo) were extremely kind and helpful and went out of their way to make sure our experience was enjoyable. The hotels and included meals were above average, with wonderful breakfasts at every stop. The majority of the ride offered picturesque scenery and pleasant riding terrain. Given the miles/day, 30-40miles, we had anticipated having time to relax and sightsee. However, riding with a group meant the ride took the entire day leaving no time for additional exploring and a fairly regimented schedule. Overall our experience was positive and I can't say enough about Ricardo and Ricardo who did everything within their power to make the trip a pleasant experience!

markwplatt June 20, 2016

Well organized, excellent trip

This was a great trip from Paris to London. Good hotels , especially in Paris and London. Helpful driver and, luckily for us, good weather. The French routes were better than the English and the company should consider scrapping the Brighton section and going through the standard Avenue Verte route.

Marcie May 27, 2016

L'Avenue Verte . . . cycling from Paris to London

Anticipation was high as we packed for our sixth self-guided bicycle tour through BikeTours.com. The idea of biking through the French and English countrysides was a dream come true. Verde Natura was our tour operator and the guides (we called them Ricardo uno and Ricardo due) were fluent English speakers. Since we were "self-guided," Ricardo due was our liaison support system. We saw him every evening at the hotel and could ask him questions, get assistance with any bicycle issues and go over the next day's itinerary. At times, there were challenges, but the "Road Book" included both written and visual instructions. I suspected the text had been translated from Italian to English, but it was 90% comprehensible! That said, we were able to put away the road book for the actual "L'Avenue Verte" portion of the ride between Mesnières-en-Bray to Arques-la-Bataille. Lunch in Dieppe, a leisurely 4-hour ferry trip to Newcastle, and finding our hotel in the dark added to the sense of adventure. Must admit, the Newhaven to London portion was more challenging that anticipated, so we opted for a couple of alternate train rides to avoid a big hill and again from Three Bridges/Gatwick Airport to Coulsdon South. I would recommend the guided over the self-guided tour if you haven't done a lot of touring.

Pekka60 January 5, 2016

Once in a lifetime !

Yes, we agree with alpskiers review, it has been very cool to say your friends, when they ask what did you do on your summer holiday, we cycled from Paris to London.
This was our 4 Tour from Biketours, and we have been very satisfied how everything has been taken care of.
We had this Tour guided in august 2015. Our group included 15 cyclist, our guide and car driver with a van. We 2 finns, me and my wife, made this Tour international, because we were the only participant outside Italia.
I am very happy that we decided to choose the guided tour. In my opinion, this route is not ready yet. There was some parts (not many, not long) when we cycled in a really tricky places, (in the middle of bushes, really rocky roads), when I thought that we must be lost. And cycling in the heart of Paris and London, I bless the god for our guide.
All in all; Weather was excellent, our group was great, guide was very experienced and made cycling very safe. After the Tour we had 2 extra nights in London.
Do I recommend this to my friends, absolutely.
Pekka and Kirsi

Alpskier November 14, 2015

How Cool: Telling Your Friends You Rode a Bike From Paris to London!

My wife and I have taken 8 rides with Biketours over the years. By far, this was the coolest trip, if not just for the bragging rights. Jaws will drop! Double takes abound. You did WHAT? The ride was fairly easy, coursing through the French countryside, a 4 hour ferry across the English Channel, and then two days of riding in England. The local tour operator - from Italy, no less - was on hand every night to adjust your bike and pass-on tips, even though we opted for the self-guided package. We've never experienced that luxury on a self-guided ride. In France, the ride was very easy - flat, suitable for just about everyone. It was well-marked and either followed asphalted bike paths or along low-trafficked country roads. Language? No problem. Just about everyone speaks English. Hotels in France and England were fine, not particularly charming, but fine, featuring solid breakfasts, and they were easy to find after a day's ride. Crossing the channel, seeing the magnificent white cliffs, and in a single day going from one distinct culture to the next were definitely the highlights. The second to last day of riding in England was certainly hilly, and challenging. Fair is fair. The signage in England wasn't as evident as in France. Slightly tricky. But you'll figure it out. Consider it part of the adventure. Finally, the scenery along the way wasn't the best we've ever seen. It was fine, just not remarkable as you rode to workaday towns rather than charming villages. But just saying that you rode from Paris to London is the reward in itself. You need to do this ride!

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Why Book with BikeTours.com?

Tour description

Highlights

Learn more

Daily program

Daily program

Surface and terrain

Hotels

How to get there

Route Map

Dates

Prices

Tour package

Bike Rentals

Extra Nights, London, prices starting at:

Extra Nights, Paris, prices starting at:

Discounts

Dates

Prices

Tour package

Bike Rentals

Extra Nights, London, prices starting at:

Extra Nights, Paris, prices starting at:

Discounts

Included services

Included services

Bike rentals

Terms & Conditions

Ratings

Ratings Snapshot

Average Ratings

Reviews

Flawless execution

Food poisoning cut this one short

ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE

Life-changing experience!

Paris to London

Well organized, excellent trip

L'Avenue Verte . . . cycling from Paris to London

Once in a lifetime !

How Cool: Telling Your Friends You Rode a Bike From Paris to London!

We also recommend

London to Amsterdam (and reverse)

Bruges to Paris by Bike and Boat (and reverse)

After you’re confirmed

Trip Prep

General