Cycling into Paris

[andym]

A further thought: if you are coming in from the north-west you have to go through St Denis which is fairly grim, but then you have to get past La Défense and the periférique which I suspect would be particularly. I'm sure there must be a way through but I suspect you need a route planner aimed more specifically at cyclists - or maps of cycle routes in Paris. Here are some links that might be useful:

http://www.geovelo.fr/
http://www.parisavelo.net/new_carte_pistes_cyclables.pdf ( only the city of Paris)
http://www.paris.fr/pratique/deplac...-amenagements/rub_9931_stand_64244_port_24784 ( only the city of Paris)
http://voiescyclables.free.fr/idf1.html (voies cyclables Île de France)
http://www.iledefrance.fr/lactualit...ables-dile-de-france-la-carte-2010-est-parue/ (link to the map of cycleways in the Île de France)

For tricky bits like La Défense, Google Streetview can be invaluable.

 

[bigjim]

Definitely recommend canal into Paris. Used it last year. Superb.

 

[dodd82]

Come in from the east along the Canal d'Ourq? I think this is the route that crisscross is referring to.

Thanks for this, but wouldn't we need to cover a lot more ground across the North, just to get to the canal?

 

[andym]

Thanks for this, but wouldn't we need to cover a lot more ground across the North, just to get to the canal?

If you're coming from Meru it looks like you'd need to deviate a bit to the east (to say Sevran instead of heading for Saint-Denis), but it doesn't look like a huge detour. It's pretty easy to use a routeplanner tool to compare the distances involved and to see if this is a feasible option.

The Donald Hirsch route referred to above swings west and comes into Paris from that direction - so I guess it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. It looks like you may have to decide whether you want a direct route, or a quieter more scenic one that involves more miles.

 

[Rymo]

My first proper bike trip had me and a mate hit the outskirts of Paris at about midnight in the rain, by 4am we found our hostel after 116 miles and 19 hours in the saddle. I don't have any advice accept maybe try it in the day time? It's all good fun though hey, oh take a map too they can be awfully useful

 

[dodd82]

Thanks for the ongoing input; I'm going to have another look at this this evening!

 

[CopperBrompton]

I did Donald Hirsch's route, and highly recommend it. Lots of photos here:
http://www.benlovejoy.com/cycle/tripreports/londontoparis/

 

[Llan Giant]

I am a new to the forum!!! I am planning a London to Paris starting on Monday 24th June. Any good routes to Newhaven as I am on the 11.30pm ferry?

 

[CopperBrompton]

See the above link for my route. I do strongly recommend against the overnight ferry, though!

 

[Llan Giant]

See the above link for my route. I do strongly recommend against the overnight ferry, though!

Thanks for that Trikeman. I did look at your response and loved the detail, especially the photographs. Unfortunately, the timing of the days off I have means that I have to get the overnight ferry. I am trying to book a cabin at the moment as that is something that I saw you did, good idea. I had also considered Donal's route and that is favourite at present. One of my problems is that I am doing this on my own and am trying to look at a route that is safe. I was particularly concerned about the Avenue Vert in the early hours of the morning. Is it relatively safe? Thanks again for your support.

 

[Llan Giant]

Thanks for the ongoing input; I'm going to have another look at this this evening!

Hey dodd82. Have you found a route yet and when are you planning to go?

 

[CopperBrompton]

I was particularly concerned about the Avenue Vert in the early hours of the morning. Is it relatively safe?

Totally safe, I'd say: it's a quiet rural area.

 

[Llan Giant]

Thank you. Makes me feel much better about doing this on my own in the early hours of the morning. Managed to book a cabin on the ferry; result!! At least I can get a little sleep.

 

[dodd82]

Hey dodd82. Have you found a route yet and when are you planning to go?

I had planned a second day route that ended in Meru, but I haven't settled on a route into Paris, so this may change.

We are on the overnight ferry. I appreciate it'll be a rubbish 'night's' sleep, but once we've broken the back of the 70-80 miles on day two, we'll be the better for it I think.

And anyway, I'm doing it as a challenge - not a gentle ride in the country!

I still need to finalise the route into Paris though. Really difficult not knowing the roads!

 

[Llan Giant]

I had planned a second day route that ended in Meru, but I haven't settled on a route into Paris, so this may change.

We are on the overnight ferry. I appreciate it'll be a rubbish 'night's' sleep, but once we've broken the back of the 70-80 miles on day two, we'll be the better for it I think.

And anyway, I'm doing it as a challenge - not a gentle ride in the country!

I still need to finalise the route into Paris though. Really difficult not knowing the roads!

Yep, I have also booked the overnight ferry on the 24th May. Have managed to get a cabin so will get some sleep. I have planned the route using the bikey.com route from London to Newhaven and Donald Hirsh's route to Paris. Seems like the one everyone recommends. I have booked a hotel in Gourney for the first night and Campanile just outside Paris for the second night. The routes loaded into my Garmin 800 easily (surprised!), so am ready to go once I have found insurance.