Cycling London to Paris

London to Paris by bike is one of cycling's most satisfying achievements — a journey between two iconic cities that takes in the Kent countryside, the White Cliffs of Dover, the Somme valley and the streets of the French capital. Two routes are possible: Dover/Calais or the Avenue Verte via Newhaven and Dieppe.

Mike Wells's Cicerone guidebook covers both routes in full, with stage-by-stage descriptions, 1:100,000 maps and practical information for every stage. Suitable for first-time and experienced long-distance cyclists alike, both routes follow quiet roads, dedicated cycle tracks and canal and river paths, with gently rolling terrain throughout.

• The classic route covers 490km (304 miles) in 11 stages, starting at the Tower of London and finishing at the Eiffel Tower, passing through Rochester, Ashford, Dover, Calais, Abbeville, Amiens, Beauvais and Chantilly
• The Avenue Verte covers 387km (240 miles) in 9 stages, starting at the London Eye and finishing at Notre Dame cathedral, passing through Redhill, Newhaven, Dieppe, Gournay-en-Bray and Gisors, making greater use of dedicated cycle paths and old railway trackbeds
• Both routes are described north to south, with a summary description also provided for those wanting to ride in the opposite direction; they can also be combined for a round trip
• Stage descriptions are supported by 1:100,000 maps and elevation profiles, with refreshment and accommodation information for every stage and GPX files available to download
• An introduction covers preparation, navigation, getting there and back, accommodation, food and drink, and what to take, alongside a French language glossary and list of cycle shops along the route

Two iconic cities, one unforgettable ride. This is a complete guidebook to everything you need to know to cycle from London to Paris.

Seasons

Both routes can be cycled at any time of year, though April-October is the best period. Off-road sections of Stages 2 (Pilgrims' Way) and 8 (Coulée Verte) of the classic route are best done after a period of dry weather.

Centres

The classic route passes through London, Rochester, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Calais, Desvres, Hesdin, Abbeville, Amiens, Beauvais, Chantilly and Paris.
The Avenue Verte passes through London, Crawley, East Grinstead, Newhaven, Dieppe, Gournay-en-Bray, Gisors, Cergy and Paris.

Difficulty

Both routes are straightforward, with gently rolling hills and a few short ascents (the maximum altitude reached is only 204m). City street riding in London and Paris can be avoided by using trains to reach the edge of town. Much of the route follows dedicated off-road cycle tracks along old railway track-beds and canal/river towpaths. Where roads are used, these are mostly quiet country lanes or suburban streets. Mainly asphalt or compacted gravel surfaces in good condition, suitable for hybrid or touring cycles. Off-road options in Stages 2 and 8 of the classic route are suitable for mountain bikes at all times and hybrids or tourers in dry weather.

Must See

The two cities of London and Paris, with their many tourist sights, cultural offerings and gastronomic opportunities; the maritime centre of Greenwich; the North Downs with the Pilgrims' Way and White Cliffs of Dover; the Wealden landscape of Sussex and Kent (England) and the Bray (France); the medieval French towns of Calais, Hesdin, Montreuil, Abbeville and Gisors; the Somme and Oise valleys; the cathedral cities of Rochester, Amiens and Beauvais; the chateau of Chantilly; the limestone plateau of the Vexin

Map key

Overview map

Route summary tables

Introduction

Background

The routes

Natural environment

Preparation

Getting there and back

Navigation

Accommodation

Food and drink

Amenities and services

What to take

Safety and emergencies

About this guide

Classic route (via Dover–Calais)

Stage 1 Tower of London to Rochester

Stage 2 Rochester to Ashford

Stage 3 Ashford to Dover

Stage 4 Calais to Desvres

Stage 5 Desvres to Hesdin

Stage 6 Hesdin to Abbeville

Stage 7 Abbeville to Amiens

Stage 8 Amiens to Beauvais

Stage 9 Beauvais to Chantilly

Stage 10 Chantilly to St Denis market

Stage 11 St Denis market to Eiffel Tower

Avenue Verte (via Newhaven–Dieppe)

Stage 1 London Eye to Redhill

Stage 2 Redhill to Eridge

Stage 3 Eridge to Newhaven

Stage 4 Dieppe to Neufchâtel-en-Bray

Stage 5 Neufchâtel-en-Bray to Gournay-en-Bray

Stage 6 Gournay-en-Bray to Gisors

Stage 7 Gisors to Neuville-sur-Oise

Stage 8 Neuville-sur-Oise to St Denis station

Stage 9 St Denis station to Notre Dame cathedral

Appendix A Facilities summary tables

Appendix B Tourist information offices

Appendix C Youth hostels

Appendix D Useful contacts

Appendix E Language glossary