Trail of Two Cities

A seven day epic gravel bike adventure from London to Paris

Ride through the "Garden of England," following Pilgrims Way to Canterbury, then cross the North Downs to Dover.

Discover the Côte d'Opale, the battlefield of Crécy and the wildlife of the Marais de Somme.

Explore the canals and Gothic cathedral of Amiens before making your final push through the forests to Paris!

Day 1

London to Lenham

90km | 700m

Drop your bags, and we head off following the Thames Estuary out under the Dartford Crossing. Cross the Medway to join the Pilgrims Way to Lenham ending the day at a classic English pub.

Landrace Gravel bike leaning against a pillar in the old Royal Naval Hospital Greenwich at the start of Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two Cities gravel tour from London to Paris

Group of gravel cyclists riding from London to Paris, stopping to admire the Queen Elizabeth Bridge at Dartford with the Thames in the background on Hidden tracks Cycling's ride from London to Paris.

Gravel cyclist riding through Kent, past 2 decorative pillars enroute for Dover on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of 2 cities gravel bike adventure from London to Paris

Day 2

Lenham to Dover

65 km | 600 m

Fuel up with a proper English breakfast, then follow the Pilgrims' route to Canterbury for lunch. In the afternoon, ride across the North Downs before catching the ferry to Calais.

Gravel path running through woodland, part of the historic Pilgrims way. Riders were riding from London to Paris on Hidden Tracks Cycling London to Paris adventure

a Chalk path running through green fields, part of the itinerary of Hidden Tracks Cycling's trail of Two Cities Gravel adventure between London and Paris.

View of the Straights of Dover with ferries crossing to France, just before riders themselves catch a ferry to Calais on Hidden Tracks Cyclings adventure ride from London to Paris

Day 3

Calais to Montreuil

105km | 1000m

Start with a scenic ride along the coast to Cap Gris-Nez, where, on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of England. Pass by the imposing remnants of Hitler's Atlantic Wall, a stark reminder of wartime history, before stopping in Boulogne for a well-deserved lunch.

Afterward, venturing inland, cycling along farm tracks to the historic town of Montreuil.

London to Paris gravel ride showcasing beach huts on a sandy beach in Calais and a scenic view from the hotel.

Part of the remains of Hitlers Adlantic Wall seen on the Cote d'Opal on Day 3 of Hidden Tracks Cycling's London to Paris Gravel ride

Stunning rotunda of the Church in Boulogne against a blue sky as seen on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two cities, a gravel bike ride between London and Paris.

A gravel bike leaning against a wire fence , ready to set off towards Paris on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two Cities ride between London and Paris

Day 4

Montreuil to Amiens

100km | 1110m

Ride a mix of farm tracks and narrow lanes toward Crécy-en-Ponthieu, the site of Edward III's legendary victory over the French in 1346. Stop for lunch in the historic town of Abbeville before joining a scenic Rue Verte that winds along the Somme Valley, passing through serene lakes and marshlands.

Finish the day's ride in Amiens, a city renowned for its immense Gothic cathedral and canals.

Field of Sunflowers aside the track on Hidden Tracks Cycling Trail of Two Cities gravel ride from London to Paris

Gravel cyclist on a French Rue Verte aside a canal on Hidden Tracks Cycling Landrace to Paris bike ride.

Picturesque scene of bars on the side one of the many canals in Amiens, a stop on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Gravel adventure from London to Paris.

Gravel bike rider admiring the magnificent carved stone entrance to Amiens Cathedral as seen on Hidden Tracks London to Paris cycling adventure.

Day 5

Amiens to Compiègne

95km | 630m

A glorious day in the saddle, tracing abandoned Roman roads and farm tracks that cut across open fields and wind through sleepy villages. The ride concludes in Compiègne, a town etched in history as the site of the WWI Armistice signing and the 1940 Fall of France.

To cycling enthusiasts, Compiègne is even more renowned as the starting point of the iconic Paris-Roubaix race, adding a legendary touch to the day's journey.

Typical street in Amiens, a cobbled street with traditional French brick houses on either side, a scene seen often on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two Cities tour from London to Paris

A roman road crossing the Picardy Countryside on Hidden Tracks Trail of Two Cities gravel bike adventure from London to Paris

Typical French barn w with a wooden gallery as seen on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two Cities Gravel bike ride from London to Paris

A gravel cyclist riding on a quiet lane in Picardy on Hidden Tracks Cycling's Trail of Two Cities, an off road ride between London and Paris

Day 6

Compiègne to Paris

90km | 400m

Today’s ride takes you through lush forests, starting from Compiègne and winding through the expansive greenery of the Compiègne Forest.

Stop for lunch in the charming village of Senlis, steeped in medieval history. In the afternoon, continue through the picturesque Oise-Pays de France Regional Natural Park, a landscape of rolling woodlands and serene trails.

As Paris approaches, follow the tranquil canal path that guides you right into the heart of the city and the end of the ride.

Grave cyclists riding through a field of Wheat en route to Paris on Hidden Tracks Cycling trail of 2 cities London to Paris off road adventure

On of mile upon mile of clear farm tracks found when riding from London to Paris with Hidden Tracks Cycing's Trail of Two Cities.

Section of old pave or cobbled rural road in Picardy just north of Paris on the Hidden Tracks Cycling Trail of Two Cities gravel ride from London to Paris

2 cyclists in front of the entrance sign to Paris, almost 400 kms away the from the start point in London.

Accommodation

We will be staying in 3 or 4 star hotels through out the trip, from traditional English pub to large city centre hotels.

The nitty gritty

Tour dates: 7th to 14th May 2025

The cost per rider is £1800 which includes six days fully supported and guided gravel riding, all accommodation on shared room basis, with breakfast, ferry fare and luggage transfers and support mechanic

Price excludes return from Paris, all meals except breakfast.

A non-refundable £200 deposit will secure your place, balance due 8 weeks before the tour starts.

Single room supplement available for £400 per person

Is this ride for me?

This ride varies between Blue (Moderate) and Red (Challenging) levels. Blue rides feature moderately difficult terrain with small climbs and uneven surfaces, while Red rides involve steeper climbs and more technical trails that require competent off road handling skills.

Riders must have off-road experience and be able to maintain an average speed of 14 km/h or ride steadily for three continuous hours. Regular riding is essential to handle the mixed terrain confidently.

Note: The colour of the route on the map denotes the ride grade.

Give me a call if you are unsure about your fitness or suitability for this ride.

Learn more about our grading system

Learn more

WHATS INCLUDED

ACCOMMODATION

In 4 star hotels and a local Auberge

Icon indicating that breakfast is included in this Hidden Tracks Cycling tour

Meals

Breakfasts are included in the tour.

Luggage TRANSFER

Your bags are transported from hotel to hotel.

Fully GUIDED

Rides are guided by Charlie, an experienced British Cycling Qualified Ride Leader

Icon confirming that this Hidden Tracks Gravel ride is supported with a mechcanic

Supported Ride

Rides are shadowed by a van driven by a trained bike mechanic who can fix almost any bike problem.

Icon of cycle riding up hill surrounded by red border, indicating a Hidden Tracks Cycling Challenging or red grade ride or Gravel GPX Route.

Route grade

A mix of Moderate and Challenging rides, see our Ride Grades for more detail.

Bike Transfer

Bike transfer from Paris to London is included, allowing you to return easily on the Eurostar.

Icon to encourage questions about this Hidden Tracks Cycling Gravel ride, route or tour.

Any Questions

Send me an email or give me a call 07930406610

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