Le Tour Belles - Paris Adventure
- ann26154
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
As a group of 6 cycling enthusiasts usually more used to championing women’s cycling and leading rides for our local cycling club, we thought it was time we took our own cycling trip. Having long been inspired by the Tour de France and the Le Tour Femmes, it was a natural choice for us to head to Paris – and back - for the final of the Tour de France.
What ensued was 6 days of laughs, selfies, croissants and amazing cycling.
Stage One - Home to Dieppe - 14 miles of cycling
Check out my ride on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2432579516
And we’re off! Le Tour Belles on our epic cycle to Paris for Tour de France final. Stage 1 day consisted of Brighton to Newhaven along the NCN2 along the coastline, then the ferry to Dieppe.
Plenty of other cyclists with similar idea on their way to Paris, including a few organised groups. We were bike packing, so carried all our luggage the entire way and stayed in a combination of hotels and AirBnBs.
Stage 2 - Le tour Belles journey to Paris. Dieppe to Gisors - 69 miles
check out my ride on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2435291812
Nearly 70 miles, mostly on Avenue Verte (a traffic free cycle path) and then quiet roads through sleepy country towns and villages.
Definitely no polkadot jerseys awarded today as the route was relatively flat over the 70 miles.
Of course it’s France so we had to have a crepiere stop on the Avenue Verte and a Boulangerie stop. Well, it would be rude not to.
Happy days & arrive in Paris tomorrow!
Stage 3 day - Gisors to Paris - 57 miles and a lot lumpier today.
Check out my ride on Komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2438444095
Arivee in Paris! Very very cool cycling on the cobbles up the Champs de Elysee towards the Arc de Triumphe….
The ride into Paris took us along the River La Viosne for many miles before entering the outskirts of Paris. We passed the incredible large scale art installation of Axe Majure, with its stone pillars, 358 steps and views of Paris in the distance. Was very impressed with the number of cycle paths available and in Paris itself, great to see so many people cycling.
We got swept up in a big mass group ride around the Arc de Triumphe which was fun. Navigating the traffic through through Paris is most definitely an experience!
Then headed down to the Trocadero gardens for the traditional group shot (of course) - taken in front of the Eiffel Tower!
Into Paris for dinner and looking forward to watching the final of the tour tomorrow, before the cycle back!
Stage 4 - rest day.
So this was the day we came for - the final of the Tour de France.
One of our group had managed to secure tickets to one of the grandstands on the Champs de Elysee. Incredible! Brilliant view, electric atmosphere and complementary food and drink all afternoon.
Spent the morning having a little tour round Paris - Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre & Tuileries Gardens and a visit to the official merchandise stand of course. After some careful navigation through many closed roads and Metro stations & being joined by a lovely Swiss lady also trying to find where she was going - we successfully made it to the grandstand.
The racing itself was absolutely electric, 6 laps around Paris so plenty of opportunities to watch the peloton, amazing to see the pros including Pogacar & see Van Aert take the stage finish, as we were only 50 metres from the finish line.
What a memorable and amazing experience shared with fantastic friends ! Happy happy days!
Stage 5 - Paris to Gournay en Bray - 71 miles.
Check out my ride on Strava - https://www.strava.com/activities/15265412644
So for those who asked, no we did not catch the train home. Pedal power all the way.
The long journey home!! Took us a couple of hours to get across the huge city of Paris. You have to have your wits about you, but they have definitely made an effort with the cycle paths. Thanks Paris 2024 Olympics!!
A long one today, so two stops and some fun climbs today.
Gisors Castle for a leisurely pastry stop before our final destination at Gourney de Bray. An amazing Indian restaurant in our hotel.
Another fantastic day on the bike. What an experience! & we’re not home yet….
Stage 6 - Gourney de Bray to Dieppe - 49 miles
Check out my ride on komoot - https://www.komoot.com/tour/2446331097
Retracing much of our first day in France. Quiet country roads before making our way on to the Avenue Verte for our final night stay in Dieppe. Stayed near the beach at de Puys, a very sad history where over 500 Canadian soliders lost their lives in 1942.
Final day
Ferry back to Newhaven and onward to Brighton and then the train home.
An incredible trip and over 270 miles (436km) cycled. The hassle free Avenue Verte, the quiet country roads, the labyrinth of cycle paths in Paris and considerate drivers (French side), the pretty villages and frequent boulangerie stops made this cycling trip a joy.
What an amazing and memorable experience with fantastic friends - happy happy days indeed.