Introduction

Embarking on a cycling journey from London to Paris is not just a physical challenge but an adventure that promises breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of biking from London to Paris, providing insights, tips, and inspiration for anyone considering this epic cycling adventure. Whether you’re riding the route self supported or joining an organised cycling tour, this article gives an overview of what to expect and answers many of the questions you may have.

Planning Your Route

The journey from London to Paris offers multiple route options catering to different preferences and skill levels. Cyclists can choose from the classic Dover-Calais route, the scenic Avenue Verte, or other variations that suit their desired level of challenge and time constraints.

The Classic Dover-Calais Route

Starting your journey from London, you’ll head south to Dover, where you can catch a ferry to Calais. This iconic route takes you through English and French countryside, offering picturesque views and a mix of challenging terrains.

Having organised many London to Paris rides over the years, this four day itinerary is by far our favourite and can be enjoyed over four fantastic riding days either via Arras and Compiegne or via Abbeville and Beavais.

The Scenic Avenue Verte

For those seeking a more leisurely ride, the Avenue Verte is a dedicated cycling route that connects London and Paris through the beautiful countryside of both England and France. The route passes through charming villages, historic sites, and lush greenery, providing a more relaxed and scenic experience.

This route begins with a ride from London to Newhaven where you’ll board a ferry to Dieppe. From Dieppe you’ll ride through glorious French countryside to Paris. If you’re looking at riding from London to Paris in 24 hours, this is also the best route.

Preparation and Training

Undertaking a long-distance cycling trip requires careful preparation and physical conditioning. Make sure your bike is in top condition, pack essential gear, and consider a training regimen to build your endurance. Cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and practice rides will help ensure you’re ready for the challenges ahead.

Packing Essentials

Packing efficiently is crucial for a successful cycling trip. Some essentials include a well-maintained bike, spare parts and tools, comfortable cycling clothing, a lightweight tent for camping if you choose, a first aid kit, and, of course, your passport and travel documents.

Cultural Stops Along the Way

One of the highlights of biking from London to Paris is the opportunity to explore charming towns and historical landmarks en route. From the Canterbury Cathedral to the enchanting gardens of Giverny, each stop offers a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of each region. Instead of looking at tarmac, look around, take your time and enjoy this unique experience.

Navigating the Language Barrier

While cycling through France, you may encounter language differences. Learning a few basic French phrases can go a long way in enhancing your experience and connecting with the locals. Most people appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

Arriving in Paris

Reaching Paris after a challenging and rewarding journey is a momentous achievement. The iconic Eiffel Tower welcomes cyclists at the end of their adventure, providing a sense of accomplishment and a stunning backdrop for celebratory photos. All of our routes finish overlooking the Eiffel Tower as it’s the perfect ending to an incredible journey.

Conclusion

Biking from London to Paris is more than just a physical feat; it’s a journey that promises personal growth, cultural exploration, and a deep connection with the landscapes traversed. Whether you choose the classic Dover-Calais route or the scenic Avenue Verte, the memories and experiences gained from this cycling adventure will last a lifetime. 

So, saddle up, embrace the open road, and pedal your way from the heart of England to the enchanting streets of Paris. Your two-wheeled adventure awaits!

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Different types of fundraising events

Whether it’s a charity run, a cycling marathon, a climb up a mountain, or even a daring skydiving expedition, these challenges capture the attention and enthusiasm of participants and supporters alike.

Fostering community

One of the key aspects of fundraising challenge events is the sense of community they foster. Participants often form teams, creating a supportive network that encourages each member to reach their fundraising goals. This community spirit not only enhances the overall experience but also amplifies the impact of the fundraising efforts. The shared commitment to a cause builds camaraderie among participants, making the challenge more than just a physical feat—it becomes a collective effort to make a difference.

The importance of storytelling in fundraising events

These events also leverage the power of storytelling. Participants often have personal connections to the cause they are supporting, and their stories serve as powerful motivators for potential donors. Through social media, blogs, and other platforms, participants can share their journey, creating a narrative that resonates with supporters and inspires them to contribute to the cause. The storytelling aspect adds a human touch to the fundraising process, making it more relatable and emotionally compelling.

Fundraising challenge events are not only an effective way to raise funds but also contribute to raising awareness about critical issues. The physical challenges participants undertake act as symbolic representations of the obstacles faced by those affected by the cause. This heightened awareness helps draw attention to the cause and encourages a broader audience to get involved. Overall, these events create a win-win situation by combining personal growth, community engagement, and philanthropy to make a positive impact on the world.

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Embarking on a cycling journey from London to Paris is a thrilling adventure that combines the charm of two iconic cities with the physical challenge of a long-distance ride. As cyclists gear up for this exciting expedition, they often find themselves flooded with questions. In this article, we aim to address the ten most popular queries surrounding the London to Paris ride.

1. What is the best time to undertake the London to Paris ride?

The optimal time for the London to Paris ride is typically during the spring or summer months, from May to September. This period ensures milder weather and longer daylight hours, enhancing the overall experience and making the ride more enjoyable.

2. How long does it take to cycle from London to Paris?

The duration of the ride varies depending on factors such as your fitness level, the route taken, and the number of stops. On average, cyclists can expect to cover the approximately 300-mile distance in 3 to 4 days.

3. What is the recommended route for the London to Paris ride?

Several routes can be taken, each offering a unique experience. The classic route involves cycling from London to Newhaven, taking a ferry across the English Channel, and then riding from Dieppe to Paris. Alternatively, cyclists can choose routes through Calais or Dunkirk, catering to different preferences and abilities. In our opinion the route via Calais through Arras and Compiegne is the best route to take.

4. Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to attempt this ride?

While prior cycling experience is beneficial, the London to Paris ride is accessible to cyclists of varying skill levels. Training beforehand and gradually increasing your mileage will enhance your stamina and confidence. Additionally, participating in group rides and seeking advice from experienced cyclists can be invaluable.

5. What type of bike is best suited for the journey?

A road bike is the preferred choice for the London to Paris ride due to its lightweight design and efficiency on paved roads. Ensure your bike is in good condition, with appropriately inflated tires and functioning brakes. Consider getting a professional bike check before embarking on the journey.

6. Where can I find accommodation along the route?

Accommodations along the London to Paris route range from hotels to bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. Planning your route in advance allows you to identify suitable places to stay, ensuring a comfortable and restful night after a day of cycling. For a self-supported ride with a GPX route, details of hotels and logistics, get in touch.

7. What should I pack for the journey?

Essential items include a helmet, cycling clothes, repair kit, first aid supplies, and a water bottle. Packing lightweight and versatile clothing, along with any necessary personal items, is crucial. Check the weather forecast before departure to pack accordingly.

8. How can I navigate during the ride?

GPS devices and cycling apps are invaluable tools for navigation. Many cyclists use devices like Garmin or smartphone apps such as Strava or Google Maps to stay on course. Having a paper map as a backup is also wise, especially in areas with limited connectivity.

9. Is it safe to cycle from London to Paris?

Cycling from London to Paris is generally safe, but it’s essential to prioritize safety measures. Follow traffic rules, wear reflective gear, and use lights on your bike, especially if riding during low-light conditions. Staying vigilant and riding defensively contributes to a safer journey.

10. Are there organized tours for the London to Paris ride?

Yes, several tour operators offer guided and supported tours for the London to Paris ride. These tours often include logistics, accommodations, and support vehicles, making the journey more accessible for those who prefer a structured experience. We have run London to Paris rides since 2013, check out our favourite route here.

Conclusion

The London to Paris ride is an incredible adventure that combines physical challenge with cultural exploration. Armed with the answers to these ten common questions, cyclists can better prepare for their journey and make the most of this unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newcomer to long-distance rides, the London to Paris route offers a rewarding and memorable adventure.

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But what could go wrong?

The list of things that could go wrong with a bicycle is seemingly endless, with so many moving parts and numerous components to wear out and fail. However, in my many years of guiding hundreds of people throughout the world, I’ve found that there are a few essential items that can get you out of most of the more common issues. Almost all of them are relatively inexpensive and don’t weigh a great deal.

• Pump. The lighter the better. I prefer ones with a flexible hose (not the technical name) to avoid bending or damaging the valve. Check out this one.

• Tyre levers. These vary hugely in quality. My preferred brand is Park Tools and I always carry two, here they are.

• Multitool. These are not all equal. At my last count I own six multitools that I’ve accrued over the years, some now don’t get much use, others are favourites. It’s definitely worth checking your multitool to see if it can do what you want it to do. A classic example are torx (or star) ended wrenches. If you discover mid ride that your bike has these and you don’t have them on your multitool, it can be a day-ender. This one from Topeak is great.

• Inner tubes. I ride with two inner tubes. Even if you have tubeless (a debate we won’t get into here) you’ll need to carry at least one.

• Emergency inner tube patch. These are for when you’ve used both your inner tubes (trust me it can happen) and allow you to temporarily fix a puncture without messy glue and faff. Get them here.

• Emergency tyre boot. When a tyre fails and develops a larger hole, this forms a barrier to prevent the inner tube from ballooning out of the tyre. Usually a temporary fix but essential to get you home. Get them here.

• Chainlink remover. Some multitools have a chainlink remover included but I’ve yet to find one I 100% trust so I carry a lightweight one.

• Speedlink. This makes a broken chain far more convenient. Check that your speedlink is compatible with your chain (based upon the brand and the number of gears you have). Find one here.

• Derailleur hanger. This is the piece of metal that connects your rear derailleur to your frame. If you fall off your bike or even if it accidentally falls over, there’s a chance you could bend this piece of metal which can be catastrophic. If gone unnoticed, this could cause your derailleur to end up in your spokes which makes a big (and expensive) mess. These hangers are bike-specific so even if you visit a bike shop there’s a big chance they won’t be able to help. They weigh next to nothing and are tiny so I carry mine with me everywhere.

• Lights. Even if it’s a bright sunny day I will ride with at least a rear light. Anything at all to improve your visibility on the road and warn drivers of your presence is justifiable weight in my opinion. Here are some.

• Cable ties. Just a few small cable ties are fine, they can get you out of a surprising number of problems.

• Gaffa tape. Not a whole roll, I have about a metre length wrapped around an old credit card. Again, takes up virtually no space and can be a lifesaver for fixing things (and body parts!).

• Spare gear cable. Unplanned riding in one gear is no joke. Weighs next to nothing and takes up very little space. 

• Small zip lock bag. If you get caught out in the rain then a small zip lock bag can be useful to pop your phone in.

Believe it or not, it is possible to cram all of the above (except the lights) into a small saddle bag.

What to add for longer rides

For longer more remote rides I’d also consider taking the following:

• Leatherman multitool. This may seem excessive but these really are a useful bit of kit. The pliers are particularly useful for managing cables. I have this one. 

• Spare spoke. These are wheel-specific so you’ll need to contact your bicycle shop. You’ll also need a spoke tool for this, many are included on good multitools so it’s worth checking.

• Small first aid kit. Ensure to include some large self-adhesive patches and antibacterial wipes for larger cuts and abrasions. Tubigrip and physio/kinesiology tape are also very useful for keeping dressings where you want them to be.

• Portable battery. If you’re relying upon technology for navigation and emergency use then you’ll want to avoid dead batteries. This extremely portable battery from Anker gives my phone a full charge. I also have a super short USB cable like these for this very purpose.

I hope the above helps you to avoid sticky roadside situations!

Do you carry anything different? What would you change? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

Want to learn more about how to use it all?

If you’re interested in learning more about all of the items above and how to use them, we’re going to be publishing brand new videos on YouTube about exactly that in the coming months. Make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube Channel here to get the latest updates.

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Having organised countless London to Paris bike rides over the years, we’ve explored many different routes and definitely have our favourites. If you’re organising your own ride however, here’s an overview of some of the routes you could consider. Bear in mind that the mileage on each day are estimates depending on where you’re planning on sleeping and where the start and end point are located.

1. 226 miles, 3 days riding via Portsmouth. Going via Portsmouth on the overnight ferry to Le Havre looks like this:

Day 1: London to Portsmouth (83 miles)

Day 2: Le Havre to Vernon (89 miles)

Day 3: Vernon to Paris (54+ miles)

This is a pleasant route and riders tend to love the overnight ferry aspect of the journey. The mileages are however a little on the longer side per day.

2. 200 miles, 2-3 days riding via Newhaven. It is also possible to ride to Newhaven, get an overnight ferry to Dieppe then ride from here to Paris. This is the route that many attempting to complete the ride in 24 hours take. The itinerary looks like this:

Day 1: London to Newhaven (80 miles);  board a ferry to Dieppe

Day 2: Dieppe to Paris (120+ miles)

As mentioned, the ferry from Newhaven leaves at 11pm and arrives into Dieppe at 4am which means very little sleep for the riders and, at that time of year, a fair amount of cycling in the dark. It is of course possible to split the second day into two more manageable chunks, stopping at Beauvais en route (next route).

3. 220 miles, 3 days riding via Newhaven

Day 1: London to Newhaven (80 miles); board a ferry to Dieppe

Day 2: Dieppe to Beauvais (75 miles)

Day 3: Beauvais to Paris (65 miles)

This is a pleasant route though it will mean lack of sleep on the first night due to the ferry timings from Newhaven to Dieppe.

4. 275 miles, 4 days riding via Calais

Our most popular London to Paris route is via Calais is four days riding an average of 75 miles a day.

It is possible to reduce to three days by combining the riding days in France to two riding days of 105 miles, but in our opinion it’s better to take it slower and enjoy the wonderful French countryside:

Day 1: Join tour in London, cycle to Calais (77 + 4 miles)
Day 2: Calais to Arras (74 miles)
Day 3: Arras to Compiègne (76 miles)
Day 4: Compiègne to Paris (58 miles)

We’ve been running London to Paris bike rides since 2010 and can provide as comprehensive as you like packages. Here’s what we’d include in one of our standard packages:

Our standard London to Paris inclusions
Our aim on all trips is to provide an all-inclusive, turn-up-and-ride experience, where we take care of everything to allow participants to simply concentrate on cycling. Here’s what we’d include on a normal standard itinerary:

• Cycle Leader/s
• Support Driver/Bike Mechanic
• First aid cover
• All hotel accommodation
• All breakfasts
• Buffet-style lunches
• Ferry crossings
• Return transport from Paris to London via Eurostar
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Return of bicycle and luggage from Paris to London at the end of the trip

If you’d like to know more about our supported and guided London to Paris bike rides, please visit https://www.moreadventure.co.uk/event/london-to-paris-bike-ride/ or get in touch here.

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	Cycle California – LA to San Francisco Duration: 13 days Dates: 2nd – 14th October 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	Lands End to John O’Groats Cycle Duration: 11 days Dates: 23rd July – 2nd August 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	London to Paris Cycle Duration: 5 days Dates: 1st – 5th June 2017 7th – 11th September 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	Coast to Coast Italy Cycle Duration: 5 days Dates: 31st August – 4th September 2017 22nd September – 26th September 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	London to Amsterdam Cycle Duration: 5 days Dates: 4th – 8th May 2017 6th – 10th July 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	Coast to Coast Cycle (UK) Duration: 4 days Dates: 13th – 16th July 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE
	London to Cologne Cycle Duration: 5 days Dates: 18th – 22nd May 2017 CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

If 2017 is too soon, there are some dates for 2018 live already, so please check out the site for further information: www.moreadventure.co.uk.

We hope you’re well and warm and hope to hear from you soon – have a great weekend!

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There are simply no limitations to the lengths More Adventure leaders will go to…here, Jon tapes Vicky’s broken cycling shoe with the finest of fixes – GAFFA TAPE!

If you’re interested in finding out more about any of our trips and/or leaders, please visit http://www.moreadventure.co.uk/adventures/ for inspiration!

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Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Are you thinking about your next challenge yet? Our London to Amsterdam Cycle is the perfect next trip, more details can be found here: http://www.moreadventure.co.uk/event/london-to-amsterdam-cycle/

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It was the final day of the trip and the team had 52 miles to cycle from Compiegne to Paris. The previous evening’s all-you-can-eat had given them the fuel needed for the last ride of the trip, and luckily neither Lorna or Jeanie had been injured running up and down grassy banks on the way home.

We met outside of the hotel for a ride briefing as Danny explained where the lumps, bumps and planned breaks were throughout the day.

The ride began with a flat section alongside the River Oise, the cycle lane providing an excellent warm up for the first climb of the day – Windy Climb. This climb begins in Verberie and, as the name suggests, winds up through the trees, topping out next to wide open fields and a large layby. It was clear that a few members of the team had now caught the Strava bug, so were pitting themselves against every segment going! The first to arrive at the top were Ben and Josh, who’d pushed themselves hard up the climb.

The rest of the team began to join them at the top, many of them commented how easy they found it!

From here, the route opened up, with beautiful tree-lined roads with some fantastic flat sections. Kim and Lizzie took the opportunity to take some photos!

The team were really working together well, taking it in turns up at the front of their cycling pods as they passed through open farmland.

Karl and Jeanie even found time to have a hug!

The team were flying along and had soon reached the lunch spot in the village of Fontenay-en-Parisis.

Just as the group were leaving lunch, Lucy realised that she may have been riding with her rear brake on! For how long was uncertain, but the callipers were definitely in need of some TLC. A spray of GT85 and a little adjustment of the tension screws and the brakes were good as new.

The group were soon on the outskirts of Paris and entering Saint Denis. The previous few days of cycling through open countryside had come to an end, and soon the team were faced with seemingly endless sets of traffic lights as they made their way in the city then alongside the river.

As the team turned off the river, Danny pulled them over to discuss the next challenge – The Arc De Triomphe! This iconic roundabout is a real highlight of the trip, especially as only days before, the Tour De France riders had ridden along the very same cobbles. It really is a thrill to cycle over but there is a definite feeling of relief on reaching the other side!

The team caught their first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as they crossed the Seine. Moments later they were rolling up onto the dusty patch in front of the infamous landmark.

They’d made it!!!! Over four days, the team had cycled 275 miles from London, through Kent, got the ferry over to Calais, then cycled for a further three days through Northern France to the beautiful city of Paris.

Some friends of Lorna and Annalise, had come to congratulate them. Rob, Josh and Kim’s family were also there to celebrate their fantastic achievement.

There were plenty of hugs…

And plenty of photos in front of one of the most famous monuments in the world.

Danny and Ben helped Jeanie and Brittney lift their tandem over their heads – it really did weigh a ton – how they managed to get up the hills is anyone’s guess!

Then came out the bubbly! Some people used glasses to drink it…

Dave called home to spread the news!

Then Ben got hold of a bottle of bubbly…showering everyone with fizz.

Father and son team Stuart and Louis had made the journey from London together, and was perhaps the beginning of many adventures together.

All that was left to do was take one last photo as a team, before jumping back on their bikes for the ride to the hotel.

A massive congratulations to everyone in the team, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and hope to see you again soon!

A special mention is required for the cocktail/ice cream bar found by Nathalie!!!

If you want to know more about cycling from London to Paris, please visit here or get in touch by phone or email.

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As the market stall owners arranged their wares in the Grand Place of Arras, the team gathered in front of the hotel for their morning briefing.

As Tom explained the route, there were concerns expressed about the climb of the day after lunch. The route on this day is relatively flat to begin with but trends uphill, with some long, flat (but exposed) sections in the afternoon, and then begins the climb. From here it’s pretty much downhill (with one bump) to overcome to our destination, Compiegne.

The team had nothing to be concerned about, all of them had climbed harder hills in the previous two days but there were some sore legs and bums to contend with (judging by some of the groans as people sat on their saddles for the cobbles as we left!).

From the town, the route leaves on open roads through farmland. The sun was already warm, with a gentle breeze for the first ten miles.

Some of the roads in this part of France are simply stunning, with beautiful rows of trees either side and pretty impeccable tarmac.

Our first stop of the day was at 22 miles, at the British War Cemetery at Sailly-Saillisel.

Silence descended upon the group as they wandered around the immaculate graves of young men and boys who sacrificed themselves in the Great War.

Sailly-Saillisel houses 700 burials and commemorations of the First World War, at least 300 of which are unnamed or unidentified. As the team would discover, this is just one of the countless cemeteries in the area that echo the history of the land through which they were passing.

Our visit was particularly powerful as two of the team, Josh and Louis, were the same age of some of the younger soldiers named within the complex.

A further six miles on and we stopped in the town of Peronne for coffee. Well, most of the team chose coffee…but a couple of beers miraculously appeared on one of the tables…we won’t name and shame…

We pushed on to lunch where Ben had laid out a vast array of breads, cheeses and other delightful items near the village of Cizancourt. Despite being over halfway, it was clear that some of the group were still apprehensive about the climb that was still to come in the afternoon.

First however, we had some glorious, flat sections as we skirted around the town of Roye and headed south. Ben had pulled over the van at the start of one of these sections – six miles of unhindered tarmac under a series of striking wind turbines.

The team set off, with Lisa, Josh, Stuart and Annie pacing them out over the six miles of time-trial bliss.

Karl went it alone, tucking in over his handlebars as his legs powered him along.

Jeanie, Brittney and Lucy were flying along too!

From the end of the flat, windfarm section, the team reached the town of Lassigny and regrouped. Between them lay the main climb of the day, which could be seen in the woods in the distance.

The climb is a well-known Strava segment, so a few of the group found their rhythm and gave their best shot at claiming the King Of The Mountain title.

Upon arriving at the top Jeanie remarked, “I don’t want to sound big-headed or anything, but I actually thought we were going downhill at some points on that climb”. Whether or not the rest of the team agreed was unclear, but the laughter that ensued confirmed that the team had bonded over the last few days and were certainly more confident climbing hills!

The team had an exhilarating descent before another small bump, then trended downhill and flat for the final six miles into the town of Compiegne. Another day was complete and they refuelled in the only sensible way – an all-you-can-eat oriental buffet!

London to Paris Bike Ride

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