London to Paris Cycle
23 - 27 July 2025
pedal to paris
Action's London to Paris bike ride is a once-in-a-lifetime charity fundraising event which sees participants ride 300 miles from one world-famous capital city to another over four memorable days, arriving in time to soak up the atmosphere of the final stage of the Tour de France.
Take on this bucket-list ride with friends and family, or by yourself, surrounded by like-minded people, making memories to last forever. The feeling as you ride along the cobblestone Champs-Élysées en masse with your newfound friends, before finishing under the Eiffel Tower, will leave you with goosebumps!!
Key Information
- Event Date: 23 - 27 July 2025
- Registration fee: Early bird offer of £89
- Fundraising target: £1,900
- Self-funded payment (no fundraising): £1,750
- Route: London - Dover - Calais - Abbeville - Beauvais - Paris
inspired by le tour?
Does the sight of all that beautiful French scenery leave you longing to make your very own pilgrimage to the spiritual home of road cycling? How about riding on the cobbles of the world-famous tree-lined avenue adorned with designer shops, the Champs-Élysées, a day ahead of the world's best pro-riders?
The ride rolls into Paris, en masse, the day before the final stage of the Tour de France, affording you the opportunity to soak up the carnival atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling race, a must for any cyclist!
the route
Leaving London behind, riders pass through Kent before crossing the Channel to Calais. The ride continues, travelling the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France.
After long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill climbs, the sight of distinctive Parisian landmarks standing out on the skyline will evoke a sense of great personal achievement. The highlight of the trip is the spectacular finish, cycling alongside the River Seine, before celebrating under the Eiffel Tower, as crowds of tourists and well-wishers cheer you on!
You can find a detailed itinerary here.
London to Paris Cycle itinerary
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 to our 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.
Cycle approx. 114 - 120km (71 - 75 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.
Cycle approx. 104km (65 miles)
Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. 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 St. Denis we come to the River Seine; following its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne, we ride until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. We check into our hotel and enjoy a great celebration to mark our achievements.
Cycle approx. 80km (50 miles)
Day 5: Paris – London
After breakfast you are free to explore the famous sights of Paris. Special July departures allow you to enjoy the huge spectacle that is the Tour de France! We don’t have a set area to gather, but the 71m-wide Champs-Elysées is by far the best place to watch the laps before the final sprint; head over with your new cycling buddies, pick a spot and enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Spectators gather early to watch the world’s most famous cycling event arrive home, and if you want a good view you are advised to get there many hours before the peloton! You are responsible for getting 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. If you would rather see the whole Tour de France finale, we would suggest that you stay in Paris for an extra night and make your own travel arrangements back to the UK (at your own cost). If you intend on doing this, you will need to inform us prior to the confirmed deadline, so that we may cancel your return ticket and reduce your trip cost accordingly. (Lunch & dinner not included)
WHY JOIN #TEAMACTION?
Our annual London to Paris ride serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to tick it off their bucket list, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating experience with friends and family.
It's truly a fundraising challenge not to be missed, and every pound raised will support life-changing research across the UK to help save and change the lives of sick and vulnerable children.
We will be with you every step of the way, helping with training and fundraising tips, whilst the experienced crew will take care of everything so you can enjoy the ride. The route is marked, most meals are provided, luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel and mechanics will be on hand to fix punctures, and get you back on the road!
Register today and you'll also receive one FREE place on any of RIDE Series sportives to help get you ride ready!
So what are you waiting for? Join the peloton to Paris today and help fight for little lives!
This has to be a cycling "bucket list" event. It's a great 4 days of cycling with folk of all abilities. Always fun and friendly. Lots of great memories. Don't hesitate - just sign up and have a fabulous adventure on the bike, raising funds for Action!
Event includes
- Twin share accommodation (single supplements available)
- Outbound ferry and return Eurostar
- Most meals (See FAQs for details)
- Welfare stops with food and drink
- Support crew featuring medics and mechanics
- Luggage transfer
- Bespoke Le Col jersey and finishers medal
Route factfile
- Dover is a coastal town facing the narrowest part of the English Channel, just 34km from France
- Abbeville has roots dating back to the Roman era and played a role in the Hundred Years' War
- Beauvais is home to a Cathedral which boasts the highest Gothic choir in the world
- Paris is known as the "City of Light" for its leading role during the Age of Enlightenment
Highlights
- View the famous White Cliffs of Dover with panoramic views of the English Channel
- Enjoy the charming coastal town of Calais with it's historical significance
- See the Gothic St. Vulfran's Church, peaceful canals and the Somme River in Abbeville
- Celebrate your achievement as you pedal towards the Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Enjoy four days in the saddle surrounded by fellow cycling enthusiasts
downloads
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your fundraising
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Enter a team!
Riding as a group? Or do you work for a large organisation?
We'd love for your team to join us! Whether you are a group of friends, family or colleagues if entering four or more people contact the Events Team to have a chat, and for more information and support.
ride for a reason
Ride alongside people like Gary.
Gary Sheehan was inspired by his tiny daughter’s fight for life to ride from London to Paris to help save and change children’s lives.
Gary celebrated his 50th birthday on 22 July during the ride and his daughter Megan, now a healthy and creative 14 year old, was there to celebrate with him at the finish line by the Eiffel Tower the next day. He was also joined by his wife Geraldine and Gary’s parents, who flew over from Australia as an extra surprise.
“The ride was fantastic and it was just amazing to see my family waiting for me at the finish line…couldn’t believe it! It meant so much in particular that Megan was there after everything we went through and I’m already looking forward to riding for Action Medical Research again.”
Frequently asked questions
What is my London to Paris cycle route?
London - Dover - Calais - Abbeville - Beauvais - Paris
Where is my start point for the ride?
The exact start venue has yet to be confirmed but it will be in the Blackheath area.
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes! We'd gladly welcome you on the ride with an e-bike, but we advise that take a look at these pointers from our tour operator partner, Discover Adventure.
What time do we register and depart?
Registration will be early on Wednesday 23 July. Further information and timings will be sent out in due course, we expect all riders would have left by 8am at the latest.
How much do I have to raise?
We ask you to raise the trip costs of £1,174 by April 19th. In addition to this, you need to hit the overall fundraising target of £1,900 by the time of departure ideally. Please note that Gift Aid and your registration fee cannot be counted towards this amount.
Why do trip costs need to be banked by 19 April?
We need you to have raised and banked a minimum of £1,174 by this date so that we can pay for your place on the challenge. This amount pays for your transport, accommodation and food throughout your trip. Unfortunately, if this amount has not been banked by this date you will not be able to take part in this event. If you would like to pay this cost personally then that’s no problem. We are happy to take a credit/debit card payment over the phone or alternatively, you can sponsor yourself via your online sponsorship account.
When do I need to fundraise the remainder?
You will need to raise and bank the remainder of your sponsorship, by 14th August 2023.
What is the typical speed of a rider on this trip?
Traditionally this challenge attracts a mixed group of cyclists, from those starting out to everyday riders. On average there will be riders cycling at around 10mph through to 17/18mph on average over the four days.
What happens to my luggage?
Your main luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel throughout the duration of the trip. You will be given a luggage tag for your main bag so that it arrives at the correct hotel. We do ask you to carry a small day bag for all those essentials, like a waterproof jacket, a jumper, extra snacks and your passport when riding. After the ride you will need to hang on to your main luggage. In the past, participants have stored their bags at the hotel for the day or in a secure locker at the train station. Either way you will need to bring your entire luggage with you on the Eurostar back to London.
Where will we be staying?
Accommodation en route is in 2/3 star hotels, picked for their proximity to the route. The accommodation will be twin share with washing facilities.
Could I have my own room and not share?
Yes. There is a single supplement of approximately £275 which is payable directly to our tour operator, Discover Adventure. We can give you details of how to make payment once you've registered.
Where are we staying in Paris?
The hotel for the final night is yet to be confirmed, but we will let you know this as soon as we do!
Can you book accommodation for friends and family?
Unfortunately not. If you have family and friends looking to join you at the finish in Paris you will need to book separate accommodation for them.
I’m worried that I might get lost
You will get a briefing every day to let you know what to expect and to give you a rough idea of where you are going to be heading that day. In addition you will receive a map of the entire route to help you navigate your way. The route will also be marked with arrows and several support vehicles and staff from Discover Adventure and Action Medical Research will monitor the ride. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any additional support vehicles that you may wish to bring along. You will be provided with an emergency telephone number to call if you think you have managed to sneak your way off route!
What happens on the final night in Paris?
We will celebrate your achievements with a glass of something special when you arrive in at your hotel in Paris. The evening is free for you to sample the delights of Paris and grab a bite to eat with newfound friends.
Do we get to see the Tour come through?
You will have the chance to see some of the final stage, if not all of it, and to soak up the electrifying Tour de France atmosphere for the day in Paris. Please note that in some previous years the tour has arrived very late in the evening and we are not aware of the timings for 2025 as yet.
If I stay in Paris can you take my bike back?
We can take your bike back to the UK and hand it over to a family member or friend once back at London St Pancras. Alternatively, you can request to have your bike couriered back to your home address for an additional cost. This must be arranged directly with our travel partner Discover Adventure, by completing this form. Please note, there is limited capacity for this and will work on a first come first serve basis, so please book early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Will my bike get damaged?
Our tour operator Discover Adventure take good care when transporting the bikes back to the UK. The bikes are rugged and are packed in well to limit movement whilst in transit. If you want to bring additional foam tubing for the main frame and forks or a bike bag then that’s fine with us. However PLEASE DO NOT BRING A BIKE BOX as these take up quite a bit of room on the trucks. Bike bags are acceptable.
What time Eurostar will we be on?
We will inform you what Eurostar train you are on in the Event Manual that you will receive in April. Please note that we are only able to book for participants taking part on the trip. Any additional bookings must be booked by yourself and under a separate name.
When will I receive my Eurostar ticket?
You will receive your Eurostar ticket on Saturday 22nd July 2023 as you check in to the hotel in Paris.
Can I change Eurostar departure time?
Unfortunately not unless you are happy to pay for a new ticket. The tickets we have bought have been paid for in advance and are non-transferable or refundable. Please let us know if you are planning on changing your ticket.
Can Action purchase extra Eurostar tickets?
No. Any additional Eurostar tickets will need to be booked separately and done independently. We will be able to tell you the train that you will be on a little closer to the time.
Which meals are not included?
Breakfast and dinner on day 1, dinner on day 4 and lunch and dinner on day 5.
Where do I pick my bike up from?
When you arrive in London we will guide you to where your bike will be to pick up. Generally, this will be just outside the station itself.
Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?
Yes, you must wear a cycling helmet to take part in an Action Medical Research bike ride.
I don't want to return on the Eurostar as planned, is that ok?
Yes, please let us know in advance of the trip if you do not wish to return on the Eurostar with the group. You may be entitled to a £50 refund on your ticket too.
What are the ferry times?
As of yet we do not have confirmation of the time of the ferry or how long the crossing is, however we hope to depart from Dover at 1810 to arrive 2040 Calais local time.
How far away is the hotel in France on the first night away from the ferry port?
The hotel is roughly 4 km from the ferry port.
What happens to my passport during the trip?
You will keep a hold of your passport throughout the trip and will need to keep this safe.
What are the Eurostar times?
These are subject to change, but we hope to be on the 19.03 from the Gare du Nord
Should I get travel insurance?
YES! You should get insurance that not only covers you and your bike whilst on the trip but also in the run up too. We partner with Yellow Jersey and you can find out more, including a 10% discount code, here.
