07:00
£130
Age 18 & over
This four-day ride covers 300 miles of beautiful countryside, through the picturesque hills of Kent and the stunning villages of northern France. Starting in Chessington, Greater London, the route weaves its way out to the coast along country roads, passing through picturesque market towns and the rolling Surrey Hills. Once across the channel, immerse yourself in the French countryside with peaceful hamlets and wooded valleys paving the way.
On day four, the finish line awaits in the shape of the iconic Eiffel Tower... what better way to finish such an incredible challenge! You are free to enjoy the sights of Paris on the Sunday and soak up the spectacular atmosphere of the Tour de France before returning home on the Eurostar.
Soak up the cycling vibes as the final stage of the Tour de France rolls into Paris.
Look out for steam trains in the old market town of Alton and pass Jane Austen's house in Chawton.
Heart of the Normandy Landings where parts of the mulberry harbour can still be seen out at sea and on the beach.
Juno beach, Gold beach and Pegasus Bridge where the first house to be liberated from the Germans in June 1944 still stands.
Two-thirds of the town of Lisieux was destroyed by allied troops in the D-Day bombardment but the cathedral survived unscathed.
The finale of the Tour de France is 23 July 2023 in Paris which is the same day as the final day of this challenge!
An early start avoids the morning traffic as the group passes through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. On through the Surrey countryside and into the North Downs near Guildford. The route undulates gently, though there are some steeper climbs too. Heading predominantly southwest, it's through Hampshire and Alton. Look out for steam trains, as this old market town is also the terminus of the famed Watercress Line. Pass Jane Austen’s house in the lovely village of Chawton soon after, and continue to ride south across the sweeping South Downs, where more hills await. Finally reaching the outskirts of Portsmouth, make your way to the harbour for the overnight ferry to Caen.
Ride west along the coast to the small town of Arromanches, heart of the Normandy Landings. Parts of the mulberry harbour built here can still be seen out at sea and on the beach. Ride to Juno and Gold beaches, then head back east on small roads towards Pegasus Bridge, near Caen, where the first house to be liberated from the Germans in June 1944 still stands. Now a café and museum, there is an opportunity to visit and see the original bridge, time permitting. Continue east on quiet rolling roads through farmland and apple orchards – this area produces lots of cider and calvados! See Lisieux’s 11th-century cathedral at the end of today’s ride; approximately two-thirds of the town was destroyed by allied troops in the D-Day bombardment but the cathedral survived unscathed.
Another long day through lovely, typically French rural countryside. Passing through picturesque hamlets and small towns, it’s hard to picture this peaceful countryside dominated by the battles of World War II. There are some short sharp climbs, though your legs should take them in their stride by now! Ride west through rolling farmland and wooded valleys to the ancient cathedral city of Evreux.
The last day and Paris beckons! Cycle east, crossing the River Eure and riding through small towns through the valley of the Seine. Nearing the city, cross the River Seine and cycle through the suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. Head towards the centre of this iconic city, and look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Pass the Arc de Triomphe and down the famed Champs-Elysées to the celebrated finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower – an impressive end to the challenge. After checking into the hotel enjoy a great celebration to mark the achievement.
After breakfast you are free to explore the famous sights of Paris a little more and soak up some more cycling vibes as the final stage of the Tour De france rolls into Paris! You are responsible for getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord in time for your evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike.
Chessington Safari Hotel
Leatherhead Road
Chessington
Greater London
KT9 2NE
UK
Soak up the cycling vibes as the final stage of the Tour de France rolls into Paris.
Look out for steam trains in the old market town of Alton and pass Jane Austen's house in Chawton.
Heart of the Normandy Landings where parts of the mulberry harbour can still be seen out at sea and on the beach.
Juno beach, Gold beach and Pegasus Bridge where the first house to be liberated from the Germans in June 1944 still stands.
Two-thirds of the town of Lisieux was destroyed by allied troops in the D-Day bombardment but the cathedral survived unscathed.
Hotels or lodges of a 2-3* standard or equivalent. Standards may vary between the hotels but they are generally comfortable and convenient for the route. Hotels are often on the outskirts of towns to minimise unnecessary extra mileage and avoid traffic.
Local businesses are supported wherever possible and food is sourced locally. Lunches will be in restaurants along the route and dinners are usually eaten at the hotel. Most dietary requirements can be catered for.
Your trip will be led by experienced leaders and support crew, including mechanics. Leaders are selected for their knowledge and experience, friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises; they are also trained in first aid. The crew will have mobile phones and/or radios where appropriate, medical kit and other safety apparatus where necessary.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-marked, making you lunch and sorting out any mechanical problems. Support vehicles are with the group all of the time, and carry all luggage and spares.
Helping the hospital offer a better future to seriously ill children across the UK.
Fundraising to enhance Great Ormond Street Hospital’s ability to transform the health and well-being of children and young people. Donations help to fund advanced medical equipment, child and family support services, pioneering research and rebuilding and refurbishment.
The support crew were outstanding. Making the seemingly unachievable, achievable. Janet
Simply the best experience of my life, the whole trip could not have gone any better. The professionalism shown by the crew was first class, without them pushing us along on day two and day four it would have been easy to give up. Could not wish for a more friendly and knowledgable team. Chris
I had the most amazing experience going on this journey alone, and having never done anything like this before I was made to feel welcome and had all the support I needed. I’ve met many new friends. Sarah
The support team and guide were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble, they were great fun and full of enthusiasm. They made each client feel special. It was evident that the focus of the team from booking through to the end of the challenge was to help clients achieve their goal and to have the best possible experience during the challenge. All I did was turn up and ride my bike. Margot