Day 1 - London to Dieppe
An early start from Kingston (Seething Wells Halls of Residence) allows us to avoid the morning traffic. Our route takes us through Purley, Coulsdon and the outskirts of London onto quieter roads just south of Caterham. We continue south to Crawley Down riding through the beautiful Sussex and Surrey countryside and small, quiet villages. As we head further south we come to the hills of the South Downs, cycling through the bustling town of Lewes with its impressive medieval castle. From Lewes we climb up and over the beautiful chalk downs and descend into the harbour town of Newhaven to catch our ferry to Dieppe. Our hotels in Dieppe are a short ride away
Cycle approx: 60 miles
Day 2 - Dieppe to Lisieux
We start the day with a good breakfast to prepare us for the cycling ahead. We head out of Dieppe along the coast, before heading inland along the Saane Valley. This spectacular valley cuts through the low-lying hills, and passes through lots of small tranquil villages en route. We head towards Yerville and then into the forested area south of Yvetot, before arriving at the banks of the wide Seine. Crossing 30km short of the river mouth is an impressive experience as large vessels ply its waters far up-river. From the southern banks we continue south through woodland and then onto and through the pretty town of Pont-Audemer. From here we continue through small villages to our finishing point, the rustic old town of Lisieux
Cycle approx: 90 miles (km)
Day 3 -Lisieux to Vernon
Leaving the old town behind us we head due east through rolling farmland and villages to Brione on the banks of the River Risle. From Brionne we continue, firstly to Neubourg and then through forests to Beaumont. The afternoon’s ride will take us through villages north of Evreux to our final destination of Vernon, where we stay for our final night before arriving in Paris.
Cycle approx: 70 miles (km)
Day 4 : Vernon to Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us along the river Seine to Breval; from here we continue on a slightly larger road to Septeuil and Crespieres, where we touch the outskirts of Paris. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages.
As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb of Boulogne Bill Lancourt, we head for our meeting point a few miles from the finish where we re-group. From the meeting point we head for the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysees to a champagne finish at the Eiffel Tower.
Cycle approx: 65 miles (km)
Day 5 : Paris to London
After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city, going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral. The Tour de France finishes on the 71m-wide Champs-Elysées, by far the best place to watch the sprinters in action as they circuit inner Paris for about an hour before the final lap. The atmosphere in Paris will be electric as spectators gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event come home, and if you want to get a good view you will be advised to get there hours before the peloton!
In the evening we catch a Eurostar train from the centrally located Paris Gare du Nord to London Waterloo station.