Freewheel - Amsterdam to Paris

Amsterdam to Paris

From £1,230 P/P

Enjoy this enchanting bike ride through Europe, where you will visit three countries and their amazing highlights. Visit Amsterdam’s renowned canals and the world-famous symbol of Paris, the Eiffel tower. These two important European cities have an abundance of history and museums where you can learn about them. However, it’s not all about the big capital cities. In between you will also pass beautiful countryside, and charming towns such as Gouda, Antwerp, and Ghent. Enjoy windmills, historical cities and delicious food and drink.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival in Amsterdam

After making your own way to Amsterdam, get to know the Netherland’s famous capital. Visit the 400-year-old canal district, exquisite museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s house. See performers and artists on Dam Square, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, and of course visit the world-famous red-light district. Should you arrive early, you can visit the tree-lined canal systems, thin townhouses, and the 17^th-century canal ring, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city truly does have endless things to do and deserves the popularity it has.

** Please note on the train Paris - Amsterdam / Amsterdam – Paris bikes are prohibited. For this reason, we recommend booking this trip with rental bikes so you can leave them in the hotel at the end of the trip.

Day 2 – Amsterdam – Gouda 79km

Time to get on your bike and say goodbye to the cosmopolitan life of Amsterdam. Head into a more idyllic landscape in “Groene Hart” or green heart, here you will find typical polders, peat meadows and feeding livestock. The scenery here is strikingly flat and open and is filled with church spires and windmills reflecting into the lakes and canals. Gouda has been a popular market destination for hundreds of years, with people coming from miles away to buy horses, cows, meat, turf, seeds, cheese and so on. In the evening why not take a small walk in the Old Town and embrace the historical atmosphere. You will find a beautiful market square, 15^th century town hall and Weighing House or “Waag”.

This 79-km route can be divided into two shorter versions of 49km and 38km, which would be done by booking an additional night in Woerden. You could even ride some of the way and catch the train for the rest, making the journey 56km.

Day 3 – Gouda – Breda 81km

From Gouda, head to Kinderdijk or the “Green Heart of Holland” which is home to 19 windmills which date back to 1740. The mills were originally used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder and pump it into the River Lek, today you can visit one of them. You will pass by Dordrecht, which is one the Netherlands’ oldest towns. Here is a picturesque harbour quarter with beautiful historical buildings. The route will then lead you do Biesbosch National Park, one of the only places remaining in Europe with fresh tidal water. Cross Diep River by ferry and end up in Southern Netherlands. You will pass numerous villages where cafes invite you for cake a coffee.

You can only go through Biesbosch park on the days that the ferry leaves, which is not daily. Due to current covid measures the ferry does not go at all.

Day 4 - Breda – Antwerpen 73km

Enjoy a morning in Breda, the main city of Nassau in Holland which is home to many impressive monuments. The ancestors of the Royal family transformed Breda into a beautiful city with beautifully decorated buildings. Most of the landscape on today’s route is wooded. Once you cross the border you will be greeted by De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide, which is a delightful nature reserve spreading across both countries. Follow the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) into the thick of historical Antwerp. The popular city of Antwerp is Flanders’ largest town and the most important port city in Belgium. Start by taking a look at the historical town centre and then head to the popular parts of the city Zuid and Het Eilandje. By now you will have most likely worked up a thirst, quench it on a tasty Belgian beer! You can try it right from the source in the De Koninck beer brewery. It dates back to 1833 and now has a visitors’ centre which allows you to sample some beer and take a look around. It is best known for its “Bollekes”

Day 5 – Antwerpen - Ghent 90km

Head south out of the city and follow the shores of the River Scheldt where you will start on the LF2 Cities Cycle Route. The Schelde is a popular tourist destination which gives you a glimpse of nature. Change over to the LF5 towards Dendermonde and Ghent. The way is characterised with bushes and polders. The day of cycling is rounded off in the cultural city of Ghent; the Belgians deem this to be their most beautiful city. After your long cycle to Ghent, you may fancy staying here an extra night. Enjoy the historical centre or one of the many cafes. The cost to stay an additional night is €70, which is a double bedroom and breakfast. If you choose an additional day, you will start a day earlier and arrive in Paris on the same end day.

Day 6 – Ghent – Tournai 79km

Continue along the River Scheldt and head into the old town of Oudenaarde (AD 974) and is also the centre of well-known cycle race “Ronde van Vlaanderen”. The tow paths along the river are now smooth cycle paths, they are occasionally leafy and go through open fields of Flanders. On route try one of the most famous Belgian local products “Geraardsbergst mattentaart” which is a pie full of history. Just after Kluisbergen it’s time to say goodbye to Flanders and enter the province of Wallonia, where just a further 20km to Tournai awaits you. There are also two alternative routes that go through the Flemisch Ardennes, which you can choose if you don’t want to spend the day going along the river.

Day 7 – Tournai – Cambrai 74km

Today is your last day on the Belgian cycle path along the Scheldt before arriving in France. Leave Tournai and go on to the pleasant Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, the first French regional park. This is where France and Belgium meet with the bargers on Escaut river, sitting between land, waterways, forests, and marshes. Visit the mining villages with UNESCO status and pastural land. Go through typical villages and hamlets until you reach the town of Cumbrai, a relaxed city with much art and history. Enjoy its quaint streets filled with houses partially made of wood, expensive private mansions, and Flemish mansions. It wouldn’t be a trip without trying the famous "Bétises de Cambrai" or one of the other local specialities.

Day 8 – Cambrai – Saint-Quentin 51km

Today it’s time to leave Cambrai along the Canal de Saint-Quentin and visit the Haute Vallée de l’Escaut which was inaugurated in 1810 by the Emperor Napoleon 1^st. A real gem is the abbey of Vaucelles (XII century). The abbey has a curious construction in its proportions and the quality of its restoration. Pedal on a little further and by the sources of l’Escaut, a famous river which flows into the North Sea in the Netherlands. You can also opt to take a 6km longer route and visit the interesting canal tunnel ad Touage museum. Follow a route of hills between dotted agricultural villages and memorial sites of the Great War. You will see cemeteries, memorials, and vestiges of the Hindenburg line. Follow the canals once again and eventually end up in Saint Quentin. Here the streets are filled with Art Deco houses, make sure you look at the intricate detail they have. The city was rebuilt after some light damage during the Great War and is now a dynamic city and the economic capital of Haute Picardie.

Day 9 – Saint-Quentin - Compiègne 75km

On route to Compiegne, you will pass through the luscious valley off the Oise. You will once again follow cycle paths on the canals onto Chauny. As you go through areas of nature, you will go by areas inhabited by over 200 bird species. Continue to Noyon, a city of Art and History with a medieval feel and a cathedral, which is the site of the coronation of Hugues Capet in 987. We would recommend not missing a stop at the abbey of Ourscamp. As you go through the woods of Compiegne, you will encounter the "Clairière de l'Armstice", where ceasefire of the First Great War was signed (and Hitler forced the French to sign the surrender treaty in 1940). When you first reach Compiegne, a town which borders a large forest, you will be charmed by its shopping streets and museums with various themes.

Day 10 – Compiègne - Senlis 67km

A prestigious castle, medieval towns and a large forest are on the agenda for today! Start your day in the forest of Compiegne where you will go via Pierrefonds and its magical castle, and onto the abbey of Saint Jean aux Bois, which boats well-maintained grounds, gates and an 850-year-old oak tree. As the route continues you will also see numerous Gallo Roman ruins and the Automne Valley, after which comes a climb to the beautiful village of Nery. You’ll finally arrive in Senils via the forest of Halatte. If you’re still full of energy, you can go an additional 15km through the forest of Halatte via Chantilly to Senlis. Chantilly is best known for a castle, its Great Stables, porcelain, lace, and cuisine (famous Chantilly cream was first created here!)

Day 11 – Senlis – Paris 67km

Time to set off on your last day of cycling, but it certainly won’t be the least! On leaving Senlis you will cycle in the forest and right through the nature. Pass through the doors of the region or “ILE de France”, where you will see a drastic change of scenery with dramatic pine trees. From Gressy on to Paris, follow the nice track of the Canal de l’Ourcq, the last of the rural scenery before you arrive in the city of lights. You will enter Paris safely on a route with no cars and will cross the city along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin. If you want to finish the tour with a bang, you can choose an optional 24 km cycle route around the city, your hotel being the starting point. This route will show you the river Seine, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.

Day 12 – Return home

Have one last breakfast and then say goodbye to your trip!
Route Overview

Route Overview

Route Map (For guidance only)

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.

Start point: Amsterdam

End point: Paris

Total distance: approx. 740 KM

Cycle through countryside on a fairly easy route. Go past national parks, canal ways and through busy cities on designates bike paths.
Travel Info

Travel Information

We recommend flying to Amsterdam Schiphol airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
What's Included?
What's Included?

The Amsterdam to Paris cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- Accommodation in 3/4 * Hotels
- Bike hire and helmet
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Route notes and maps
- Tourist information on all the places of interest
- 7-days a week service-hotline
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.

You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.

Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.

E-Bike Upgrades:

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Accommodation

Accommodation

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Pricing & Availability

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

2022 Cycling Holiday Dates & Prices:

Season	Date	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season 1	12th May \| 7th July \| 25th August	£1230	Thursday
Single Room Supplement	All	£570
Half Board Supplement	All	£210

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike	£120
Electric Bike Upgrade	£260

EXTRA NIGHT PER PERSON PER NIGHT PRICES (YOU WILL STAY IN THE SAME HOTEL AS PER THE CYCLE TOUR):

Location	Price DBL/BB	Single Supplement Price SGL/BB
Paris	£120	£150

Reference: DBT22

Date From	Date To	Price
12 May 2022	24 May 2022	£0
07 July 2022	19 July 2022	£0
25 August 2022	06 September 2022	£0

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