DAYS | 4
REG FEE | NA
MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP | NA
DIFFICULTY | Challenging
DATE | No 2025 University Challenge
THE CHALLENGE
The London to Paris cycle is one of the most well-known and iconic cycling challenges in the world. Departing London for three tough days of cycling through scenic countryside and different types of terrain, this is the perfect cycling adventure, culminating for an evening to celebrate in the French capital.
The route takes you over 280km from Greenwich Park to the foot of the Eiffel Tower, in a whirlwind cycling challenge. Following a bespoke route which links up with the glorious Avenue Verte on the French side, this event really has it all.
CYCLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Our start line will be in Greenwich Park in southeast London. Begin your cycle heading southbound out of London, for our first stage: London to Newhaven. The route southward to the British coast features the most hills out of our whole cycling itinerary: so it’s a challenging start! Stopping for lunch in East Grinstead, you’ll continue cycling southward until the road flattens and then gently declines into Newhaven on the south coast. On arrival, the team will have dinner before boarding the ferry for our overnight Newhaven to Dieppe crossing.
Cycling: approx 95km / 6 hours. Overnight in shared cabins. Lunch and dinner included.
VIEW FULL ITINERARY +
DAY 2
Arriving very early in Dieppe, our route joins the Avenue Verte: a beautiful, purpose-built cycle route southward to Paris. This route takes us away from the hustle and bustle of the busy A-roads and instead includes green parks, dedicated cycle lanes and on marked paths across the fields of northern France. Today's lunch stop will be in Forge-les-Eaux, approximately at today's half-way point, before we continue our cycle southeast to our overnight stop in Beauvais.
Cycling: approx 108km / 7 hours. Overnight in hostel accommodation. Lunch and dinner included.
DAY 3
For the final stretch from Beauvais to Paris, you'll have a fair distance still to cover - around 78km. Today's scenery for your final push into Paris will be particularly beautiful, as you cycle through Vexin Parc, through the grounds of the Chateau de Balincourt.
Arriving into Paris, you'll be greeted by the support team as you finally reach the finish line under the Eiffel Tower! You'll receive your finishers' medal and it'll be time to celebrate your massive achievement. After that, you'll check in to your accommodation and have free time - why not join the rest of the team to celebrate together in one of Paris's many restaurants or bars?
Cycling: approx 77km / 4 hours. Overnight in hostel accommodation. Breakfast and lunch included.
DAY 4
In the morning, you'll have some more free time in Paris to relax and pick up any last minute souvenirs before departing from the Gare du Nord back to London St Pancras on the Eurostar. Breakfast included
2024 COSTS & INCLUSIONS
For this challenge, you will be set a minimum sponsorship amount which you must fundraise to complete the challenge.
The full details of the minimum sponsorship option are below:
MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP
Registration fee:
£195
Fundraise:
£1,690
Read more...
You will be required to pay the registration fee of £195 at the time of booking, and you'll then need to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £1,690 for your nominated charity, which usually needs to be raised in full by 8 weeks prior to your departure.
When taking on a challenge with us, you can rest assured that all of the money you fundraise throughout the year will go directly to the charity you are supporting.
Once you hit that all-important fundraising target and your place on the challenge is confirmed, the charity will use this money to cover the remaining costs of your challenge (which will never exceed 50% of your fundraising target).
The remainder of your fundraising (never less than 50% of your fundraising target) will stay with your charity, as a donation to their vital work. In addition, 100% of any Gift Aid and every single pound that you raise above your target will stay with your charity.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Your full itinerary, in the Challenge Information Pack, gives details of the specific inclusions for your trip.
Take a look below to see at a glance the inclusions and exclusions for this challenge.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation as specified above (single supplement available at extra cost)
Meals as stated in the itinerary
GPS tracking
Route mapping
Experienced cycle guides
Support vehicles & luggage transfer
Exclusive finisher’s medal
Comprehensive pre-departure support and advice
Support from Choose a Challenge staff on the trip
24-hour emergency line for use during your trip
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Personal bike (you may rent a bike as an optional extra)
Transport to/from London before or after the challenge
Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Personal equipment and clothing
Other items of a personal nature
WHICH CHARITIES CAN I CHOOSE FROM?
We encourage all our participants to do some fundraising - even if you’ve opted for our Self-Fund option for the challenge itself. You’re free to choose to fundraise for whichever charity you like, as long as they are registered in the UK or Ireland.
When you register, you’ll see a list of charities to choose from - this list includes our Partner Charities and also other causes and charities registered across the UK and Ireland who have already agreed to support fundraisers taking part our in challenges.
If you’d like to fundraise for a charity which is not already a partner of ours, just let us know and we’ll link up with them!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
How difficult is this challenge?
We have four difficulty levels for our treks, which take into account factors like altitude, terrain, weather conditions and more. The rating for this trip is as below:
Challenging - you will be cycling long distances on occasionally uneven and rough terrain or roads. Weather conditions will vary and may be very hot.
You will be away from the comforts of home but will be rewarded with an unforgettable adventure!
Perfect for those who want to push themselves physically and mentally.
What are the provisions like?
We'll be there to support you during each day's cycle, and of course at each checkpoint along the way.
During the event, accommodation will be basic, yet comfortable. All meals are included as specified, including breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners whilst cycling.
Do I need pro-cycling skills?
Nope! One of the huge benefits of the London to Paris challenge is that you do not need any specialist cycling skills, experience or equipment to complete the challenge.
However, you absolutely must train for this event, as it is considerably tougher than many expect. You should not expect to turn up on the day having not undertaken plenty of long-distance cycles in preparation.
What will the group size be?
Generally we'd expect at least 20+ participants to take part in total.
