Created by cyclists for cyclists and anyone looking to do a cycling challenge, event or holiday.
Organising and supporting all aspects of your cycling endeavours.
France Coast To Coast (New)
France Coast to Coast is a new challenge from Cycle Explorers. We have created this challenge in order for individuals or groups to experience the achievement of cycling across an entire country. Enjoying the changing terrain, wildlife, culture, and weather from the north to the south of France.
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This Challenge takes around ten days covering approximately 740 miles and 14,800ft of ascent. Starting at Calais a convenient point on the north coast we cycle into the quiet roads and lanes of the countryside taking on the undulations of northern France.
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This adventure will take us past many medieval buildings, including the cathedral Notre-Dame of Laon, dating around the 12th and 13th centuries. Expect a few long days in the saddle riding on cycle paths and lanes alongside rivers and the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, formerly named Canal de la Marne à la Saône, a canal in the northeast of France.
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Making our way down the country to our finish at Montpellier on the South Coast of France next to the Mediterranean Sea.
What To Expect
We are committed to providing the guidance and tools you need for the perfect trip. Below you will find our service offerings, which are customised to each client’s needs. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions.
Let Us Take The Weight
There is not much fun carrying your suitcase or holdall while you cycle. Your luggage will be transferred by us.
We've Got Your Back
Fully supported cycling challenge, with regular water stops and mechanical Support
Where am I going?
We work hard to produce the best cycling Routes, tailored to suit each event. Optimising distance, ascent and points of interest.
Example Itinerary
Based on a Ten day challenge
Unless stated getting to and from the start and finish locations of this challenge need to be arranged by yourself unless you have booked a transfer with us.
Day one
Calais To Arras
Starting at a convenient point in Calais we cycle into the quiet roads and lanes of french countryside taking on the undulations of the Regional Natural Park of the Caps and Opal Marsh. Cycling towards Arras best known for its beautiful Grand' Place and Markets.
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Approx ascent 3,212 ft
Approx mileage 85
Day Two
Arras To Laon
Departing Arras cycling on quiet roads and country lanes with a mix of climbing and descents as we head to the city of Laon capital of the Aisne department in northern France. Laon has many medieval buildings, including the cathedral Notre-Dame of Laon, dating around the 12th and 13th centuries.
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Approx ascent 1,860 ft
Approx mileage 75
Day Three
Laon To Saint-Dizier
Leaving Laon we start our long day in the saddle riding mostly on cycle paths alongside the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, formerly named Canal de la Marne à la Saône, a canal in the northeast of France, joining the towns of Vitry-le-François and Maxilly-sur-Saône. We finish our day in Saint-Dizier, a town named after an unknown saint probably Desiderius of Fontenelle, the town made as a fortified settlement around the thirteenth-century château.
Approx ascent 1,760 ft
Approx mileage 105
Day Four
Saint-Dizier To Langres
Leaving Saint-Dizier we continue along the cycle path alongside the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, for most of the day. We finish our day in Langres, a historic town center encircled by protective walls with twelve towers and seven gates. Langres also boasts a 12th-century cathedral called Saint-Mammès dedicated to Mammes of Caesarea, a 3rd-century martyr.
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Approx ascent 1,910 ft
Approx mileage 77
Day Five
Langres To Dole
Leaving Langres and the Canal behind us, we return to cycling on low traffic roads with a flattish decent for the most part. We finish our day in Dole famous for the 1995 film Happiness is in the Field, which was set in Dole.
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Approx ascent 865 ft
Approx mileage 68
Day Six
Dole To Mâcon
Leaving Dole riding small undulations till we reach the Saône River. We are now approximately 300 miles from our finish point on the coast of Montpellier. When we meet up with the river Saône we join a scenic cycle path following the river to Mâcon. During World War II, Mâcon was the northernmost town in the unoccupied zone Libre, between Paris and Lyon. The town was liberated on 4 September 1944 as part of Operation Dragoon by soldiers who had landed in Provence.
Approx ascent 785 ft
Approx mileage 75
Day Seven
Mâcon To Vienne
Leaving Mâcon, continuing alongside the Saône River on our way to Vienne well known for two Roman remains the temple of Augustus and Livia, and the Plan de Pyramid, a shortened pyramid resting on a portico with four arches, which was associated with the city's Roman circus.
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Approx ascent 1,200ft
Approx mileage 70
Day Eight
Vienne To Bollène
Leaving Vienne, for our penultimate day in the saddle covering approximately 100 miles now fully in the south of France and close to victory. Our daily cycling will finish in the town of Bollène.
Approx ascent 1,200ft
Approx mileage 98
Day Nine
Bollène To Montpellier
Our last day in the saddle only 88 miles to go, we Leave Bollène and cycle towards the last hills of our ride before our descent to Montpellier and the Mediterranean We enjoy a brief celebration near the beach before heading to our evening's accommodation.
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Approx ascent 2,000ft
Approx mileage 88
Day In Montpellier
Optional
An optional day to explore Montpellier can be arranged. Please advise this before booking additional cost.
Day Ten
Getting Home
We can transfer your bike back to the UK, leaving you free to sightsee or meet up with friends and family after the challenge. We advise that the best way to get home is to fly from Montpellier airport to one of the major London airports. Cycle Explorers can arrange flights and a transfer to the airport for you if required.
Collection Day
Pre-arranged bike collection
Collect your bike a few days after the challenge has finished.
Estimated Cost
France Coast To Coast Cycle Challenge
Cost based on Ten day challenge
This costing guide is based on the specification below. The rates shown are estimated; however, please bear in mind that the number of people and dates chosen can affect the price.
6 people
9 Nights' Accommodation Inc Breakfast
Based on 2 people sharing a twin room
9 Days supported cycling
Ride leader If required
Bike Transfer to London after event
Water Stop snacks, fruit, hot drinks Inc
Lunch organised but at own cost
Dinner organised but at own cost
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£1,900.00 PP estimated
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We are more than happy to customise this challenge, or any of our events to suit your needs.
If you have a cycling-related challenge in mind that is not on our website, please get in touch to discuss it with us.
​There are many reasons people take part in a challenge, you may be fundraising for a charity that has helped someone close to you, or achieving a lifetime goal. Cycle Explorers are here to help you achieve your goal.
Click below to get in touch.
Or give us a call on +447596 291 205