Cycle Amsterdam to Paris

Make your own arrival to Amsterdam and check into the first hotel. Amsterdam is one of the crown jewels of Europe and there is so much to do and see here. If you arrive early make sure you go for a walk to marvel at the 17th century townhouses in the World Heritage listed canal district. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark or a canal cruise are just some of the things you can do and see in Amsterdam.

The first leg of the route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, which is a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. Oudewater is famous for it Heksenwaag (or Witches Weighhouse) where women accused of witchcraft were weighed to prove their innocence. Your cycle for today will end in medieval Gouda. Here you can stroll through the beautifully preserved town centre and visit the old town hall and St John’s church. Visit a bakery for fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of syrup waffles) or try some local cheese. Overnight Gouda*.

* Due to limited availability in Gouda, you may stay tonight in the town of Bodegraven (approx 10km/6.25mi from Gouda).

Today you will visit one of the highlights of any trip to the Netherlands: Kinderdijk, a world-famous complex of windmills. Here nineteen historical windmills are the epitome of classical Dutch countryside. You can visit an authentic workshop and find out how these mills were built and how they work. Continue on to Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest towns, where you can visit the scenic harbour quarter with its wonderful historical buildings. The route will then take you right past one of the few remaining fresh-water tidal areas in Europe, the Biesbosch National Park. Upon crossing a one kilometre long bridge high above the Diep river, you will find yourself in the south of the Netherlands. In village after village, Brabant hospitality will entice you to stop for coffee and a slice of fruit tart. Today’s destination is Breda. Breda is the main city of Nassau and boasts many imposing monuments and richly decorated buildings. Overnight Breda.

*Please note you can only cycle through the Biesbosch park on days that the ferry departs. It does not operate daily. If the ferry does not operate you follow an alternative route.

The landscape along today’s cycling route is predominantly woody. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, you can stop to catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route then takes you right into the historical and touristic heart of Antwerp. Antwerp is the largest town in Flanders and Belgium’s most important port city. After viewing the historical town centre you might like to venture to the hip parts of the city: ‘t Zuid and Het Eilandje. If today's cycle worked up your thirst for Belgian beer you can pay a visit to De Koninck brewery. This brewery has been going strong since 1833 and has a visitors centre to welcome guests who wish to look around and enjoy a tasting. The brewery is best known for its ‘Bollekes'. Overnight Antwerp.

Today you cycle south along the banks of the river Scheldt and the LF2 Cities Cycle Path. The wide Scheldt river is both a natural and tourist attraction. You then change to the LF5 cycle route and start heading towards Dendermonde and Ghent. Enjoy the wild and natural landscapes from handlebar level as you make your way to today's destination, Ghent. The Belgians call Ghent their most beautiful city and the city will undoubtedly charm you.

The river Scheldt is still your guide as you cycle to the old town of Oudenaarde (AD 974). Oudenaarde is also known for being the centre of the famous classic cycle race "Ronde van Vlaanderen" (Tour of Flanders). The former towpaths along the banks have been transformed to smooth cycle paths, which take you through a mix of shaded areas and the open fields of Flanders. En route be sure to stop and try one of the most famous Belgian local products "Geraardsbergse mattentaart", a pie with a long history. As you pass the town of Kluisbergen you leave the Flanders region and enter the province of Wallonia, with just 20km/12.5mi to go to Tournai. Overnight Tournai.

There are two alternative routes today that go through the Flemish Ardennes, in case you don't want to follow the river all day long.

This morning you will leave the five bell-towers of Tournai behind and cycle the last section of Belgian cycle path before crossing into France. Today offers a pleasant ride through to the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, the first French regional park. Here, you will cycle through forests, marshes and ponds populated by many various species. As you continue you will discover the mining villages classified by UNESCO, farming landscapes, and also the beautiful city of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux. Passing through typical villages and hamlets, you finally reach the town of Cambrai, a peaceful city rich in art and history. This afternoon you can discover its streets, where half-timbered houses, rich private mansions, and Flemish mansions mingle with pleasure. And don't leave without having tasted the famous "Bétises de Cambrai" or other local specialties! Overnight Cambrai.

Today you will follow the Canal de Saint-Quentin (inaugurated in 1810 by Emperor Napoleon 1st) and discover the Haute Vallée de l’Escaut. En route you can visit the Abbey of Vaucelles (XII century) which is a beautiful and historic jewel of the area. You can take the 6km longer route to visit the interesting canal tunnel and the Touage museum. The route takes you through small hilly roads between villages that are devoted to agriculture, as well as past memorial sites of the Great War, including cemeteries, memorials and vestiges of the Hindenburg line. Continue along the canal and its cycle path to finally reach Saint-Quentin. Here you can discover its streets and its Art Deco houses. Art Deco was the style adopted during the rebuilding of the city following the Great War. Overnight Saint-Quentin.

As you make your way to Compiegne, you will cycle through the fertile valley of the Oise. The route today again follows the canal cycle paths, and you will cross vast natural areas that are home to more than 200 species of birds. Then continue towards Noyon along the canal. Noyon is listed as a city of Art and History, and the town centre has a great medieval atmosphere. The cathedral saw the coronation of Hugh Capet in 987. Take a break to explore before returning to the shared tracks where a stop at the abbey of Ourscamp is recommended. When cycling through the woods of Compiègne, you will pass the "Clairière de l'Armstice", where the armistice (and the actual end) of the First Great War was signed (and Hitler forced the French to sign the surrender treaty in 1940). Then you reach Compiègne, a large town bordering the forest, furrowed by charming and shopping streets and museums with varied collections.

Today's stage has a prestigious castle, medieval towns and a large forest. Your journey starts in the forest of Compiègne then via Pierrefonds and its enchanting castle to the abbey of Saint Jean aux Bois, with its well preserved abbey grounds, city gates and an 850 year old oak tree. Continue alongside a number of Gallo Roman ruins to the Automne Valley before a climb takes you to the beautiful village of Néry. Via the forest of Halatte you’ll arrive in Senlis.

If you still have energy, cycle an additional 15km/9mi through the forest of Halatte via Chantilly to Senlis. Chantilly is known for its castle, Great Stables, porcelain, lace and gastronomy (the famous cream Chantilly would have been invented here).

The last cycle of the tour brings you to Paris, the City of Lights and the culmination of your journey! The scenery today is full of changes, from forest and great pines, to sandy soil. You will pass through many small villages and then follow the Canal de l’Ourcq cycle track from Gressy through a rural setting for the last 30km into Paris. You then cross the capital along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin which allows you to dive into the history of the region. Overnight Paris.

The trip concludes this morning in Paris. If you would like to extend your stay in Paris we can assist with booking extra nights so you have time to explore this beautiful city.