Ready for your next challenge?
Cycling from London to Paris is one of Europe’s most iconic cycling experiences and a fantastic fundraising challenge.
Riding approximately 300 miles, you’ll travel through the picturesque countryside of Kent before crossing the Channel and continuing through the charming villages and historic market towns of Northern France.
With long days in the saddle and some demanding hill climbs along the way, this is a challenge that will test both your endurance and determination. But knowing you’re raising funds for Wessex Cancer Support and helping local people affected by cancer across the region can provide all the motivation you need to keep going.
As the Eiffel Tower comes into view and you cycle towards the finish line in Paris, you’ll experience a tremendous sense of achievement, knowing you’ve completed an unforgettable journey while making a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.
What does it cost?
Full Payment Option
– Pay £149 to Discover Adventure as your registration fee today (this is non-refundable)
– Then £1,025 to DA 8 weeks before departure
– If you wish to, you can still fundraise under this payment option without a set fundraising target
Part – Payment Option
– Pay £149 to Discover Adventure as your registration fee today (this is non-refundable)
– Then £250.00 to DA 10 weeks before departure
– And £1,550 to Wessex Cancer Support 10 weeks before departure
Fundraising Option
– Pay £149 to Discover Adventure as your registration fee today (this is non-refundable)
– Then £2,050 to Wessex Cancer Support 10 weeks before departure
Why your support matters
It costs more than £2.1m per year to keep four support centres open, where we provide vital support to more than 2,000 people affected by cancer every year.
We receive no government funding and rely wholly on income from our fundraising and retail teams to cover these costs. We rely on the generosity of our local communities to help us continue being there for everyone who needs us.
Day 1 - London - Dover - Calais
−An early start allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the rolling fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We follow country roads across the hills of the North Downs to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais, we have dinner on board and cycle the short distance (approx 5 miles) to our hotel. Night hotel. (Dinner on ferry not included)
Cycle approx. 136km (85 miles)
Day 2 - Calais - Abbeville
+After a hearty breakfast we head south through beautiful rural landscapes. We ride through ancient Desvres, pedalling quiet winding roads running parallel to the coast. After lunch we reach the valleys of the Canche River and head further south towards Crécy-en-Ponthieu – site of the 14th-century Battle of Crécy. Continuing south, our final leg brings us to Abbeville, on the River Somme. Abbeville suffered badly from WW2 air raids, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 114km (71 miles)
Day 3 - Abbeville - Beauvais
+Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of men who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 104km (65 miles)
Day 4 - Beauvais - Paris
+Our final day’s cycling takes us southwest, on more undulating roads through small villages and farmland. There are some short sharp climbs in the morning, before we reach busier roads. As we cycle through the Parisian streets we look out for distinctive landmarks, feeling excited at being this close to our goal! Then we sweep around the Arc de Triomphe and up to finish at the Torocadero, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. We check into our hotel and enjoy a great celebration to mark our achievements. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 80km (50 miles)
Day 5 - Paris - London
+After breakfast you are free to explore the city; why not go up the Eiffel Tower, or visit renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral. You are responsible for getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord on time for your afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike.
Since this July departure date will coincide with the Tour De France, you can enjoy the incredible atmosphere! This (almost) always finishes on the iconic Champs-Elysées; this 71m-wide boulevard is by far the best place to watch the city laps, and spectators from all over the world gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event arrive home. You’ll need to allow time to get yourself and your bags to the Gare du Nord in time for your Eurostar train back to St Pancras (where you will be reunited with your bike), so if you would rather see the whole Tour de France finale, we would suggest staying in Paris for an extra night. Your travel arrangements back to the UK will be at your own cost, but we can reduce your trip cost accordingly if you notify us before the deadline.
(Lunch & Dinner not included)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All transport from London to Paris return (by ferry and Eurostar)
- 4 nights hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
- All meals except where specified
- Discover Adventure crew (number dependant on group size)
- Vehicle support throughout the trip
- Route information
- Standard bike return for your collection at St Pancras following group Eurostar
- Discover Adventure offset 100% of the carbon emissions from your trip
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Any meals specified ‘not included’ in the itinerary
- Bicycle, cycle helmet (compulsory) and water bottles
- Optional Discover Adventure bike courier return to home service
- Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
- Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions
Who are Discover Adventure?
Discover Adventure specialises in worldwide cycling and trekking, with fundraising at its heart. Behind their challenging, fun and often life-changing trips is a dedicated team of friendly staff and experienced leaders, who take pride in every participant’s achievements.
With over 30 years of experience, their core passions and goals remain the same: to operate safe, fun, adventurous trips which offer extraordinary challenges to ordinary people, while providing a fundraising platform to positively change the lives of others. They have enabled thousands of people to experience unforgettable achievements, while collectively raising over £100 million for worthwhile causes.
“This challenge is not to be taken lightly as it’s all about the ups and downs. But the spirit of the group is what makes this adventure one of a kind. The crew are truly amazing and will do anything and everything they can to make you feel great throughout. Even if you feel out of place, no-one is turned away but welcomed as family.”
Steven