Paris - London

After checking in at the hotel, you will have time to settle in and get a first impression of the 'City of Lights'. Why not stroll along the Seine or enjoy a glass of wine in one of the city's many street cafés? You could also visit the Louvre Museum or marvel at the Eiffel Tower. Whatever you decide to do, one thing is certain: you will never be bored in Paris!

The first stage of your cycling tour along the Avenue Verte takes you from the heart of Paris into the city's green suburbs and onwards to the modern town of Cergy. For the most part, you will follow the course of the River Seine, passing numerous parks, small gardens and modern residential areas along the way. The further you travel from the centre, the quieter and more natural the route becomes, and the more striking the contrast between urban flair and rural tranquillity. This stage ends in Cergy, a lively town in the Greater Paris area with contemporary architecture and large green spaces.

Today, you will discover the rural heart of northern France. Leaving the urban surroundings of the Paris suburbs behind you, you will quickly discover the full charm of the Avenue Verte. This stage features a varied landscape with quiet forests and extensive fields. Small villages such as Chaussy and Bray-et-Lû offer the perfect opportunity to take a short break, whether for a coffee and a croissant or simply to enjoy the peace and quiet.

A particular highlight is crossing the Vexin Français nature park, a protected area renowned for its pristine landscape, ancient stone walls and traditional farmhouses. Here, time seems to stand still. The stage destination Gisors welcomes you with medieval charm. The town is characterised by an imposing fortress as well as its lively old centre with narrow streets, cafés and historic buildings.

Shortly after setting off, you will find yourself immersed in the peaceful countryside of the Pays de Bray. This region is renowned for its bocage landscapes, characterised by hedgerows, pastures and apple trees. There are plenty of places to stop for a break along the way. In Gournay-en-Bray, for example, you can enjoy a café au lait or a fresh baguette. The small villages quietly tell tales of the past, and it feels like time has slowed down here. With every kilometre, you get closer to the spa town of Forges-les-Eaux, which boasts well-kept parks, a thermal spring and a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere.

The final stage of the Avenue Verte in France leads from Forges-les-Eaux to Dieppe on the Channel coast. Much of the route follows a disused railway line through the gently rolling countryside of Normandy. The route is lined with forests, apple orchards, lush meadows and typical Norman villages. Along the way, there are picnic areas, old railway stations and charming cafés where you can stop for a short break.

The crowning glory of today's stage is Dieppe, a vibrant coastal town with a maritime atmosphere. The tower of the Church of Saint-Jacques can be seen from afar, and the wide panorama of the English Channel is enchanting. You can end the day by taking a stroll along the harbour, enjoying fresh fish in one of the many restaurants or taking a refreshing dip.

After enjoying one last café au lait on the quay, it's time to say goodbye to France. It takes about 4 hours for the ferry to bring you across the English Channel to Newhaven in England, so you'll have plenty of time to relax, read, or enjoy the open sea views.

Once you're on British soil, the route takes you away from traffic along the former Cuckoo Trail railway line. Quaint villages, open fields and dense deciduous forests provide constant variety. The destination for this stage is the peaceful town of Heathfield in East Sussex - the perfect place to finish the day with a cup of tea.

Today's stage will take you right through the green heart of southern England. As you approach West Sussex, the scenery changes, with open fields, small farms, quaint English villages and traditional pubs lining the route. Time and again, expansive vistas unfold over the undulating landscape of the South Downs - truly a postcard scene on a clear day.

While the route requires a certain level of fitness, the varied surroundings make every climb worthwhile. You can take breaks in places such as Forest Row and East Grinstead, where you can experience the English way of life in tea rooms and village shops. Crawley, today's destination, surprises with its mixture of modern urban structure and a historic town centre. You can relax and unwind here at the end of the day, whether with a classic ale in a pub or with a stroll through the city park.

The grand destination at the end of the last stage of the Avenue Verte is, of course, London. The route from Crawley to the heart of the British capital offers an exciting contrast between peaceful countryside and green parkland with a gradual immersion into the vibrant life of the big city. One of the route's highlights is crossing the National Trust area around Reigate Hill, where you might be able to catch your first glimpse of the London skyline.

As you approach the city, the surroundings become increasingly urban. Although there will be more traffic, this part is still easy to navigate thanks to numerous cycle lanes and green corridors. Westminster Bridge offers magnificent views of Big Ben and the Thames.

After breakfast, your cycling adventure from Paris to London comes to an end and you’ll begin your journey home with a suitcase full of memories. If you would like to continue exploring the British capital, we would be happy to book additional nights for you.