The Challenge

Day 1 – London to Calais

After registration at the start point in Bexley, we start early at approx. 7am to avoid the hustle and bustle of the London traffic. It’s not too long before we’re cycling to the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent.

We push on cycling to Rochester, where we join some of the 2007 Tour De France route – here’s when we’ll feel like cycling champions as we tackle some rolling hills, following the track marks of the giants! It’s a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and witnessing its famous white cliffs, we’ll experience a great sense of achievement. We then board the ferry to Calais and have dinner whilst on board. Upon reaching Calais it’s just a very short push onto our Hotel, where we have a much deserved rest and get our heads down for the night

Cycling distance – approx. 128km / 67 miles

Day 2 - Calais to Arras

Following breakfast at our Hotel, we start cycling ‘French style’, remembering to stay on the right! We cycle through traditional French countryside, with views of green meadows as far as the eye can see as Calais is left behind us. We soon reach Quercamps – a very quaint little village where we stop for water and snack. The roads are much straighter and quieter and after approx. 43 km, (and a good uphill section!) we soon reach Westrehem, where we stop for our open air buffet lunch

After lunch, we continue south cycling adjacent to many fields filled with corn and wheat as far as the eye can see. We then reach Avesnes-le-Comte, where we join the road leading east into Arras.

Cycling distance - approx. 125km/78 miles

Day 3 – Arras to Compiègne

After our hearty French breakfast at our Hotel, we continue with our cycling for approx. 23 km as we head south towards Bapaume, where troops battled in WWI, in the famous “Battle of the Somme”. After a refreshment stop, we continue cycling south to Suzanne, where we stop for lunch next to the stunning lake – a perfect to relax and enjoy our buffet lunch. We continue cycling through rolling green meadows passing the many war memorials, in a blurred world where land and water are indistinguishable and filled with picturesque pools.

We continue cycling as we follow tree-lined avenues which are so traditionally French as we approach our next overnight stop in Compiègne. Compiègne is located along the Oise River and was a favourite spot for the rulers of France – with its great castle and large stunning forest, we can see why! It was here that Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians and handed over to the English.

Cycling distance - approx. 121km/73 miles

Day 4 – Compiègne to Paris

The final day of our European cycling adventure! Our final day in the saddle sees us leave the beauty and history of Compiègne, as we cycle south through the stunning forest and the lush parks that surrounds this majestic city. It’s not long until we reach we the east outskirts of Paris. We then cycle around to the north and then proceed through the small villages and towns. Not surprisingly, cycling is the National sport of France and it’s normal to see locals cheering and waving us on an cars beeping their horns. The sight of the Eifel Tower will push and spur us on with encouragement as we bike closer. We stop for the group to re-assemble before we reach the Tower, then we ride through as a group finishing our Challenge beneath this landmark of Paris! This evening we celebrate our achievements at our Celebratory Dinner.

Cycling distance - approx. 100km/66 miles

Day 5

After breakfast at our Hotel, we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. Why not take a trip up the Tower, or visit the renowned Arc de Triomphe or famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Or you can simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafés – the choices are endless!

In the afternoon, each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Gare du Nord in order to catch the Eurostar at approx. 8pm back to Kings Cross. Bicycles will be transported back to London this morning in the support vehicle and upon our arrival at Kings Cross; we’ll catch our short transfer back to the starting point in Bexley, for farewell and goodbyes.

(Itinerary correct at time of printing but strictly subject to change)