London to Paris Cycle
311 miles
Approx. Distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
5 days
Challenge Duration
UK & France
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Travel between two iconic capital cities by bike!
Pass by war memorials and through the Somme
Celebrate your achievement in style in Paris
Combine iconic landmarks and history with picturesque scenery
The Challenge
Our London to Paris Bike Ride is an awesome cycling challenge and by far one of the best fundraising events in Europe, attracting hundreds of riders each year and raising thousands of pounds for charities nationwide. We’ll spend 4 days in the saddle, cycling from capital to capital. Our journey begins in London, with our route taking us through glorious English countryside as we cycle from Kent to Dover, before crossing the Channel and continuing through the rolling green fields of Northern France, where we pass the war memorials and cemeteries of the Somme. A spectacular finish awaits us as we reach the home stretch around the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysées, before reaching the pièce de résistance, the Eiffel Tower, which marks our finish line.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Calais
After registration we set off early to avoid the main hustle and bustle of the London traffic. It’s not too long before we’re past the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent. It’s a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and seeing the famous white cliffs, there’ll be 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 well-deserved rest and get our heads down for the night.
Cycling distance – approx. 86 miles
Day 2 - Calais to Arras
Following breakfast at our hotel we leave Calais behind us, remembering to stay on the right! We begin cycling on smooth, flat roads for approximately 10 miles, before we start to pull up towards our first water stop. The route then becomes more undulating as we cycle through the French countryside up to our lunch stop. Some small climbs after lunch bring us to a gentle descent into the beautiful medieval town of Arras, one of the prettiest towns in northern France, where we check into our hotel.
Cycling distance – approx. 82 miles
Day 3 - Arras to Compiègne
After breakfast, we continue with our cycle and head south through the Region of the Somme and its WWI battlefields – rolling, green meadows studded with the many war memorials and cemeteries of the First World War. Following traditionally French, tree-lined avenues, we approach our next overnight stop in Compiègne. Since 1968, Compiègne has been the starting place of the “Paris-Roubaix”, the most famous French cycling race after the Tour de France.
Cycling distance – approx. 76 miles
Day 4 - Compiègne to Paris
The final day of our European cycling adventure! Our last day in the saddle sees us leaving Compiègne riding through the beautiful forest surrounding the town – it was in this forest that the 1918 Armistice was signed. Our route then continues through pretty towns and villages towards the outskirts of Paris. Cycling is the national sport of France and it’s not uncommon to see locals cheering and waving us on. We cycle through the hustle and bustle of the Parisian streets until we reach the Louvre where we stop to re-assemble. We then ride as a group up the majestic Champs Elysées to our finish line at the Champ de Mars, looking back at the Eiffel Tower! This evening we toast our achievements at a celebratory dinner.
Cycling distance – approx. 67 miles
Day 5 - Paris to UK
After breakfast at our hotel,we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. Take a trip up the Tower, visit the renowned Arc de Triomphe or famous Notre Dame Cathedral, or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafés – the choices are endless! In the early afternoon, each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Gare du Nord in order to catch the Eurostar back to England. Bicycles will be transported back to London by our crew in the support vehicles and will be waiting for you on arrival at the starting point, ready for you to continue your homeward journey.
Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- One way ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
- One way Eurostar ticket from Paris to London
- All accommodation with the exception of the evening prior to the start of the challenge
- Lunch on day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 2, 3 and 4, and breakfast on day 5
- Refreshment stops including water, fruit and a variety of snacks/energy bars/cereal bars every 15-20 miles cycled approx.
- Back up and support vehicles
- Route markers or cycle guides
- English-speaking guides
- Global Adventure Challenges Event Crew
- Mechanic support. Basic spare bike parts will be taken but please note, we cannot cater for every eventuality, therefore it is vital that participants ensure that their bike is in full working order and in good condition. You will be billed for any spare parts used.
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 5
- Alcoholic drinks
- Bicycle hire – each participant must bring their own recently serviced bicycle
- Bicycle insurance
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip for me?
ABSOLUTELY! This cycle is suitable for all ages with the correct training. The minimum age for this cycle is 18 years old (14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and a desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This cycle ride has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, and is designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone – as long as you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are cycling for 4 consecutive days, covering approximately 311 miles so expect to be in the saddle for about 7-8 hrs per day – the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge. Cycling training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to put you in the right direction.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Each participant will need to bring their own bicycle for this challenge. Other items of kit will be required, such as cycling shorts, cycling helmet and cycling gloves – other than this, you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation by our support vehicles. You will need a small day pack/bum bag/‘camel bak’ while cycling to carry items such as camera, sun-screen, energy snacks, etc.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided with the exception of breakfast on day 1, the evening meal on the Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and lunch and dinner on day 5. Whilst cycling, we will either stop at local cafes/restaurants or eat at open air buffets – this depends on the size of our group. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your enclosed registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with professional Global Adventure Challenges Leaders from the UK. Full comprehensive medical kits will be taken and we are never too far away from hospitals if needed. A vehicle will travel with the group providing medical and mechanical support if needed.
Can I stay in France after the challenge?
Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange for you to stay in Paris after this challenge. You can of course make your own arrangements to return at your convenience and stay in Paris as long as you wish, but remember you will need to keep your bicycle with you too. If you do decide to make your own return to the UK please notify Global Adventure Challenges as soon as possible, as your challenge balance may be adjusted accordingly.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks after approximately every 20 miles of cycling – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. Remember, this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
£125
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£1,880
Option B - Self-Funding
£940
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£350
When?
5 - 9 June Fully Booked
25 - 29 September Fully Booked
2025
£149
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£1,900
Option B - Self-Funding
£950
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£375
When?