Join on us this fantastic challenge from the Tower of London to the Eiffel Tower and raise money for deaf children. Over three days you will cover 300km, starting in the streets of South London, cycling through the beautiful South Downs, sleepy Normandy villages and wide Parisian boulevards.
Day 1
London to Dieppe
104km cycling
It’s a breathtaking early morning start in the shadow of Tower Bridge with great views across the Thames to the Tower of London. We have an early start thismorning and set off at 7.30 am. Waving ‘au revoir’ to our well-wishers we cycle out of London as a group through Camberwell towards Streatham and Mitcham. We pass through Reigate and Redhill then cycle to the far side of the M25 where the scenery becomes gradually more rural and pretty. We will be ready for our lunch stop after about 60km at a 16th century farmhouse, which has been converted into a public house
This afternoon we cycle south towards the East Sussex border where the road undulates through lovely countryside. Approaching Lewes we must climb steeply, but once past the town we are rewarded with fabulous views across the South Downs. The “Welcome to Newhaven” sign will fill us all with a sense of achievement and probably relief as we head for the ferry terminal. Our Transmanche Ferry departs at 17.30 for the 4 hour crossing to France. We will wheel our bikes on-board and eat dinner on the ferry. During the journey there will be the opportunity to change clothes and relax with our fellow cyclists. The boat is due to arrive in Dieppe at 22.30pm where we disembark with our bikes and weather-permitting can either walk or cycle the remaining 1.7 km to our hotel.
Day 2
Dieppe to Gournay en Bray
87km cycling
Late mid morning we re-join our bikes and head out of Dieppe, an old-fashioned port town nestled between two limestone cliffs whose streets are likely to be crowded due to the traditional Saturday street market. Within 2 ½ km we are into the pretty Normandy countryside, passing through typical villages all of which, regardless of size, seem to have at least one Boulangerie and bar/tabac. The route to our first stop in the village of Torcy le Grand is gently undulating. The terrain is similar for the next stretch to the centre of Saint Saens, with its pretty central square and church, where we'll stop for lunch. From there we encounter a few uphill sections - some longer and more challenging than others. From Bosque Eveline (51km into the day) the route becomes undulating once more. The last stretch to Gournay en Braytakes us through another succession of sleeping villages along quiet roads. We will spend the night in Gournay en Bray. This evening we are bound to celebrate today's achievement over a glass or two of French wine or beer in these picturesque surroundings.
Day 3
Gournay en Bray to Eiffel Tower, Paris
99km cycling
e leave Gournay en Bray in a south-easterly direction bound for Paris. Normandy is known for its bocage, farmland criss-crossed with hedges and trees and we are soon cycling amongst this type of rural landscape. The terrain is mainly undulating but there are some short climbs.
Our surroundings start to change and we enter the suburbs of Paris. Straight after lunch we enter a forested area known as Le Parc aux Etoiles. From there it’s a strong descent towards the River Seine. We cross the river over a bridge close to Poissy. This is a main road and there is likely to be lots of traffic. Once through Poissy we head uphill through more forest on a dedicated bike lane. The next main place we reach is St Germain-en-Laye. It is here that we cross the Seine once more. The route is mainly uphill with one very steep climb followed by a long downhill.
We re-group inside a park for the final stretch. Cycling together along the wide Parisian boulevards we enjoy a sense of mounting excitement as we approach our final goal. We cross the Pont d’Iena and straight ahead of us is the city’s unmistakable landmark, the Eiffel Tower. It is here that we celebrate the end of this wonderful challenge before a short coach transfer along the Seine to our hotel accommodation in the Bastille area. From the coach we will be able to admire many of the city’s most important and famous sites en-route. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal in a restaurant close to the hotel.
Day 4
Paris to London
We make the most of a free morning to explore Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our mid-afternoon Eurostar leaves from the centrally located Gare du Nord. On arrival at London Waterloo station we will be re-united with our bikes and supporters saying ‘au revoir’ again, this time to our challenge companions.
This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change
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