Great Ormond Street Hospital

London to Cycle

Our exciting cycle challenge takes us from to the south coast and then through northern , tracing some of the region’s most significant World War battle sites, including the D-Day landing beaches. Crossing the Channel to Caen, we cycle along the Normandy coastline, then inland through small villages and medieval market towns towards Paris. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.

Our challenge is designed so that our last day in Paris gives us the wonderful opportunity of witnessing the exciting final stage of the , as it ends with its customary laps of the Champs-Elysées. Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: London – – Caen ()

We meet at Chessington, on the outskirts of London, and set off early to avoid the morning traffic. It’s not long before we’re pedalling through the Surrey countryside and onto the North Downs near Guildford. Continuing through small towns and villages, our route undulates relatively steadily, though there are some steeper climbs to test our legs. Heading predominantly southwest, we enter Hampshire and pass through Alton. Look out for steam trains, as this old market town is also the terminus of the famed Watercress Line. We pass Jane Austen’s house in the lovely village of Chawton soon afterwards, where we stop for lunch. We then continue our ride south across the sweeping South Downs, where more climbs await us. We’ll be glad when we finally see the coast! Reaching Portsmouth, steeped in naval history, we ride to the terminal and take our overnight ferry to Caen.

Cycle approx 120km (75 miles)

Day 2: Caen (Ouistreham) –

We disembark from our ferry and ride west along the coast to the small town of Arromanches, heart of the . Parts of the mulberry harbour built here can still be seen out at sea and on the beach. After visiting the museum here, we ride to Juno and Gold beaches. Leaving the Normandy beaches behind us, we then head back east on small roads towards , near Caen, where the first house to be

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Cycling Information Bikes Detailed Itinerary (cont)

liberated from the Germans in June 1944 still stands. Now a café and museum, there The cycling is mainly undulating. Distances are fairly long, varying from 112 is an opportunity to visit and see the original bridge. We then continue east, on quiet - 135km per day; you should make sure rolling roads that take us through farmland and apple orchards – this area produces you are fit enough to manage these lots of cider and ! We see Lisieux’s 11th-century cathedral as we approach distances. The first day is particularly the end of today’s ride; approximately two-thirds of the town was destroyed by allied strenuous with some tough climbs. We troops in the D-Day bombardment but the cathedral survived unscathed. Night hotel. ride mainly on small country roads. Road (breakfast not included) bikes are the most suitable on this trip. Cycle approx 128km (80 miles)

It is imperative that you supply your Day 3: Lisieux – Evreux own helmet and wear it at all times while cycling, with straps done up. Another long day ahead of us today, as we ride south through lovely countryside. Passing through picturesque hamlets and small towns, it’s hard to picture this Sample Day’s Profile peaceful countryside dominated by the battles of World War Two. We ride to the Falaise Gap, the site of a crucial battle in August 1944 where the Germans were very nearly defeated. We have a short talk about the battle and how close it was. Setting off again, we ride west through rolling farmland and wooded valleys to the ancient

cathedral city of Evreux. Night hotel. We generally have great cycling weather, Cycle approx 135km (83 miles) but temperatures can vary, and rain and strong winds are always a possibility. Day 4: Evreux – Paris

The Liberation of Paris followed the Normandy Landings and the Battle of Falaise, so it’s fitting that our last day of cycling takes us to the capital. We cycle east, crossing

What’s Included the River and riding through small towns as we pass through the valley of the Seine. Nearing the city, we cross the River Seine and cycle through the suburb of All accommodation is included in 2-3* Boulogne-Billancourt. As we head towards the centre of this legendary city, we look hotels on a twin-share basis, as well as out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out transport (by ferry and Eurostar) and all on the skyline. We pass the Arc de Triomphe and cycle down the famous Champs- meals except three as specified. It also Elysees to our finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. After checking into includes full trip support of experienced our hotel we enjoy a great celebration to mark our achievements. Night hotel. Discover Adventure leaders, drivers and mechanics. Cycle approx 112km (70 miles)

Lunches are generous buffet-style, while Day 5: Paris – London dinners are generally eaten in the hotels. After breakfast you are free to explore the city; popular attractions include the Eiffel Please let us know any dietary Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. The Tour de France requirements in advance. finishes on the 71m-wide Champs-Elysées, by far the best place to watch the The tour cost does not include personal sprinters in action as they circuit inner Paris for about an hour before the final lap. travel insurance, meals as specified (allow The atmosphere in Paris will be electric as spectators gather early to watch the £30-50), transport around Paris on Day 5, world’s most famous cycling event arrive home, and if you want to get a good view a bicycle, drinks, extra food, personal you are advised to get there many hours before the peloton! You are responsible for items or any optional tourist activities. We getting yourself and your bags to the Gare du in good time for our Eurostar train strongly recommend you carry a credit back to St Pancras, where we meet the bikes. (Lunch & dinner not included) card in case of personal emergency. Discover Adventure reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate. Copyright DA2001 / Updated 2014

DESIGNED TO BE CHALLENGING! This ride is designed to be challenging for those of good health and fitness, and is achievable for most people provided they train well in advance. We will supply you with a thorough training guide when you have registered. Training for the challenge is all part of the preparation and requires commitment! Without it, you will find the ride less enjoyable – and we want you to have the time of your life!

01722 718444 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com