Paris to London by bike and sailboat: an adventure between two capitals

This morning, follow the Seine a little further to Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, the historic capital of river transport, where barges and quays tell of another way to travel.

Then, Paris already seems a world away. Forests, plains, and small villages take over as you cycle through the verdant landscapes of Montmorency and L'Isle-Adam. A few pedal strokes later, you arrive in Chaussy, in the peaceful French countryside.

A beautiful day of cycling awaits you! Cross the landscapes of the Vexin to Gisors, where the imposing medieval fortress seems to have come straight from another time.

The route continues towards Saint-Germer-de-Fly and its abbey, then Gournay-en-Bray, perfect for a gourmet break. Gradually, you enter Normandy. After 88 km of small roads, valleys, and countryside, Forges-les-Eaux welcomes you for a well-deserved evening.

Today, let yourself be carried away by the Avenue Verte. Located on a former railway line, it meanders peacefully between forests, meadows and small Norman villages.

In Neufchâtel-en-Bray, it's impossible not to think of its famous heart-shaped cheese. Then the air becomes more briny… the English Channel is approaching! In Dieppe, you'll finally find the sea again, the boats in the port, and the seafront dominated by its castle.

The Vélomaritime lives up to its name: today, the sea is never far away. Leave Dieppe and cycle along the Alabaster Coast, between cliffs, valleys and long vistas of the English Channel.

In Le Tréport, take the funicular up to new heights before discovering the colorful facades of the Belle Époque villas of Mers-les-Bains. A few more kilometers and you'll reach Cayeux-sur-Mer, with its pebbles and endless sea horizon.

Fewer kilometers today, but plenty to see. Enter the vast landscapes of the Bay of Somme, where sky, sand and sea sometimes seem to merge into one.

Keep your eyes peeled at Pointe du Hourdel: you might spot some seals. Continue on to the narrow streets of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme before skirting the bay to Le Crotoy. Here, take your time: the light changes with the tides, and the view is never quite the same.

Gently leave the Bay of Somme and head north. Around the Marquenterre, dunes, marshes and wild birds give this stage a feeling of being at the end of the world.

After Berck-sur-Mer, pine forests begin to line your route. They guide you to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, an elegant seaside resort nestled between forest and ocean. After a day in the fresh air, the beach awaits!

A short leg of the journey, but still a few surprises before saying goodbye to France. Travel through Étaples and the rolling landscapes of the Boulonnais region before stopping at the Château d'Hardelot, a stunning manor house with a distinctly British feel.

Then head to Boulogne-sur-Mer and its fortified town. Tonight, enjoy your last evening in France: tomorrow, your trusty bicycle takes a break and the adventure takes on a completely different pace.

Today, no need to pedal: cast off! Embark on a sailboat and leave the French coast for a Channel crossing like no other.

Join the crew in the maneuvers or simply sit back and watch France disappear behind you. Then, after a few hours at sea, a white line appears on the horizon: the legendary cliffs of Dover. Welcome to England!

Get back on your bike and your legs for your first real British leg. From Dover, follow the NCN 1 along the coast to Deal and Walmer, between the sea and Tudor fortresses.

Then turn your back on the English Channel and enter Kent, aptly nicknamed the "Garden of England." Small roads, verdant countryside, and English villages will accompany you to Canterbury. Its cathedral and medieval streets provide the perfect setting for your first English evening.

This morning, leave the Canterbury church steeples behind and plunge into the heart of Kent. Orchards, hills, and small market towns make up an almost picture-postcard English landscape.

Take a break in Faversham before continuing on to Sittingbourne and the Swale Marshes. As you approach Gillingham and the Medway, the region's maritime heritage becomes increasingly apparent. London is now within reach…

Last wake-up call, last few kilometers… and an arrival you'll remember for a long time. Follow the NCN 1 as the Kent countryside gradually gives way to London.

In Greenwich, place one foot on each side of the famous meridian, admire the Cutty Sark, then return to the Thames. Canary Wharf appears, followed by the skyscrapers of the City. London is there.

Just a few more pedal strokes and Tower Bridge rises before you . Cross it by bike: after 591 km, two countries, a sailing trip and twelve days of adventure, you have connected Paris to London.