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. Don't forget to stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of syrup waffles) and some Gouda cheese - perhaps the world’s most famous type of cheese. Overnight Gouda*.
* Due to limited availability, if we are unable to accommodate in Gouda, we will book an overnight in the towns of Bodegraven, Oudewater or Woerden.

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 reach to the skies in 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 Hollands Diep river, you will find yourself in the south of the Netherlands. In village after village, Brabant hospitality will entice you to stop for a cup of coffee and big slice of fruit tart. Today’s destination is Breda, where you will overnight. Breda is the main city of Nassau in Holland, boasting many imposing monuments and richly decorated buildings. Overnight Breda.

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 center you might like to venture to the hip and trendy 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 beer brewery. This brewery has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre to welcome guests who wish to look around and enjoy a tasting. This 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 your final destination of Ghent. The Belgians call Ghent their most beautiful city and the city will undoubtedly charm you. Overnight Ghent.

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". The former towing paths along the banks have been transformed to smooth cycle paths, which takes 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 you will enter the province of Wallonia with just 20km/12.5mi to go to Tournai. Overnight Tournai.

This morning you will leave the 5 bell-towers of Tournai behind you, and will then cycle on 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 the 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. Later on you follow the famous l’Escaut river, which flows into the North Sea in the Netherlands. Continue on towards the Touage Museum. This 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. After taking a break here you then return to the shared tracks where a stop at the abbey of Ourscamp is recommended. Continue on to Compiègne, a city with charming streets, with lots of shops and varied museums. Overnight Compiègne.

Today's itinerary includes a prestigious castle, medieval towns and a large forested area! Your journey starts in the forest of Compiègne and then goes up the Automne river which gave its name to this valley. You pass close to Béthisy-Saint-Pierre, which is worth a detour if you have time. You then finally cross the "plateau" of Nery and cycle through the forest of Halatte before reaching the charming medieval town of Senlis. Senlis is an ancient foundation, and was a royal residence during the Middle Ages. The city has preserved its rich history and has several museums. Then finally, you reach
Chantilly, world renown for its castle (sometimes compared to the castles of the Loire), with its Great Stables, its porcelain, its lace and its gastronomy (including the famous cream of Chantilly). Overnight Chantilly/Senlis.

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, which passes through a rural setting for the last 30km and your entry into Paris. You then cross theourgh the capital along the Canal de l’Ourcq and rge Canal Saint-Martin which really 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.
Note: Bikes are not allowed on the train from Paris to Amsterdam (or vice versa). We therefore do not recommend bringing your own bike on this tour.