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): £1,800
- 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 from Crystal Palace allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It's not long before we are among the rolling fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses. 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. 130km (85 miles)
Day 2: Calais – Arras
We head south from Calais, through the beautiful French countryside. Our route takes us along small, quiet roads through villages and small towns. During the afternoon we ride past small War Cemeteries such as at Noordpeene and Gauchin, a reminder of the remarkable history of this region. The terrain is reasonably flat, to begin with, but becomes more undulating as we travel south, where we spend the night in Arras..
Cycle approx. 125km (78 miles)
Day 3: Arras – Compiègne
The ride continues south through villages and along quiet undulating French roads, passing cemeteries of the First World War as we pass through the region of the Somme. We usually have time to stop at Theipval, with its thought-provoking 45m-high Memorial to the Missing. Continuing south, we head through the more forested region around Compiègne; an attractive town which lies on the banks of the River Oise, and our stop for the night.
Cycle approx. 125km (78 miles)
Day 4: Compiègne – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us southwest, initially through small villages and woodland before we meet the outskirts of Paris. Needless to say, the volume of traffic increases but our destination and the finish is in sight! We cycle through the Parisian streets, sweeping around the Arc de Triomphe and down the famed Champs-Elysées to our finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. We head to our hotel and get ready for a few celebration drinks to mark our achievement.
Cycle approx. 95km (59 miles)
Day 5: Paris – London
After breakfast you are free to explore the famous sights of Paris. Later you can 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 evening 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
downloads
get sponsors
your fundraising
your training
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 for a group discount, information and support.
ride for a reason
Ride for children like Freya.
Lauren recently rode London to Paris to help Action on our mission to fund vital research to help sick and disabled babies. She also rode in memory of her daughter, Freya, who was born at 15 weeks.
Lauren was so excited to fall pregnant with her second child and she eagerly awaited her first trimester screening. But sadly the 12-week scan didn't go according to plan. Heartbreakingly their baby - now 14 weeks old - had been diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality, Turner Syndrome. According to statistics, only 1-3% of babies diagnosed the syndrome in pregnancy survive birth, with the majority ending in miscarriage or stillbirth. And so, in an incredibly difficult decision, Lauren decided to have a medical termination, something she never dreamed she'd have to do. On December 11 2016, Freya was born at 15 weeks. A date that is forever in Lauren's mind.
It's with every push of the pedal and pound you raise that we can help children like Freya.
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 Crystal Palace 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 £1,750 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 Hôtels Les Batignolles, 4 boulevard Berthier, 75017 Paris
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.
