London to Paris by bike is one of cycling's most satisfying achievements — a journey between two iconic cities that takes in the Kent countryside, the White Cliffs of Dover, the Somme valley and the streets of the French capital. Two routes are possible: Dover/Calais or the Avenue Verte via Newhaven and Dieppe.
Mike Wells's Cicerone guidebook covers both routes in full, with stage-by-stage descriptions, 1:100,000 maps and practical information for every stage. Suitable for first-time and experienced long-distance cyclists alike, both routes follow quiet roads, dedicated cycle tracks and canal and river paths, with gently rolling terrain throughout.
The classic route covers 490km (304 miles) in 11 stages, starting at the Tower of London and finishing at the Eiffel Tower, passing through Rochester, Ashford, Dover, Calais, Abbeville, Amiens, Beauvais and Chantilly
The Avenue Verte covers 387km (240 miles) in 9 stages, starting at the London Eye and finishing at Notre Dame cathedral, passing through Redhill, Newhaven, Dieppe, Gournay-en-Bray and Gisors, making greater use of dedicated cycle paths and old railway trackbeds
Both routes are described north to south, with a summary description also provided for those wanting to ride in the opposite direction; they can also be combined for a round trip
Stage descriptions are supported by 1:100,000 maps and elevation profiles, with refreshment and accommodation information for every stage and GPX files available to download
An introduction covers preparation, navigation, getting there and back, accommodation, food and drink, and what to take, alongside a French language glossary and list of cycle shops along the route
Two iconic cities, one unforgettable ride. This is a complete guidebook to everything you need to know to cycle from London to Paris.
