Amsterdam to Paris Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive

Your cycling tour begins in one of Europe’s genuine crown jewels, Amsterdam. You couldn’t ask for a more exciting start to your cycling holiday, and with so much to see and do, you’ll want to settle into your hotel and set out to explore.

Find out what all the buzz is about in the infamous Red Light District or experience Amsterdam through the lens of history in the city’s 400-year-old Canal District.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amsterdam
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Cycle the Green Heart to “Cheese Town” Gouda

A challenging, exciting ride sets the tone for your first day of cycling as you ride to the “cheese town” of Gouda. Setting out into the Netherlands’ lush Green Heart, you’ll enjoy enthralling scenery on a route enveloped in polders and swaying peat meadows.

Cruising through historical towns like lovely Oudewater, you’ll end the day in medieval Gouda, a town famous for much more than just its tasty cheese. Take a trip down to the well-preserved town center for a showcase of Gouda’s impressive medieval buildings, and after you’ve had your fill of cheese, why not top of the day with fresh syrup waffles, another delicacy found in this delightful town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gouda
Distance: 80km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Cycle to Kinderdijk, Biesbosch National Park, and Breda

Day 3 has plenty in store, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast and get ready to ride to Breda. Up first is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist attractions, Kinderdijk—a world of ancient windmills that tower high into the sky. Then, you’ll revel in the natural beauty of Biesbosch National Park, where you’ll tackle a 1-kilometre-long bridge suspended above the pretty Diep River.

Today’s final stretch takes you through gorgeous pastoral landscapes in the south of the Netherlands through several charming Brabant villages, and finally on to Breda, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodation.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Breda
Distance: 79km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle the De Zoom Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve to Antwerp

If you didn’t get the chance to explore Breda yesterday, rise early this morning and enjoy breakfast, then set out to take in this ornate city with Dutch royal roots.

Then, you’ll set out on today’s scenic route into a woodsy area that straddles the Dutch-Belgian border. On the border lies the De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide nature reserve, where the natural beauty and wildlife that call the reserve home will amaze you.

Finally, you’ll sail into Antwerp, Belgium’s most influential port city and the largest town in the Flanders region. Check into your accommodation, then set out to explore this eclectic city, perhaps unwinding with a cold Belgian beer at one of several historic breweries found here.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Antwerp
Distance: 74km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Cycle the Scheldt River to Dendermonde and Ghent

This morning, you’ll set south following breakfast for another enthralling ride, tracing the River Scheldt. The route begins on the LF2 Cities Cycle Route, then continues on the LF5, leading you first through Dendermonde and then on to today’s destination, Ghent.

Many call Ghent the most beautiful city in Belgium, and it’s known as a dazzling hub brimming with culture and authentic charm. Check into your hotel here and explore to decide for yourself.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ghent
Distance: 78km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Belgian Pies on the Ride to Tournai

Pleasantly charmed by your time in Ghent, head out this morning to tackle your next adventure on your bike on the first stretch to Oudenaarde.

Pedal smooth cycle paths alongside the open fields of Flanders, hopping off your bikes in Kluisbergen to savour one of Belgium’s most delectable local specialties, the “Geraardsbergse Mattentaart,” a mouth-watering milk curd pie. Finally, you’ll cross over into the province of Wallonia, enjoying a final stretch to today’s destination, Tournai, home to five impressive bell towers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tournai
Distance: 72km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Cycle the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut to Cambrai

Set out this morning following breakfast on one final stretch along the Scheldt, which paves that way to France. Having arrived in France, you’ll revel in a mesmerizing ride through the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, France’s first-ever regional park. Forests, marshes, and ponds brimming with wildlife accompany you on the ride to Cambrai, as well as several idyllic French villages.

Arrive in Cambrai, a harmonious city with deep roots in both art and history. Check into your accommodation, then peruse the elegant streets lined with Flemish mansions and half-timbered buildings, and pop into a café to taste the famous “Bétises de Cambrai” (boiled sweets).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cambrai
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Cycle the Haute-Escaut and Visit the Abbey of Vaucelles

A gorgeous route awaits today, through the spellbinding landscapes of the Haute Vallée de l’Escaut, which brings you to the magnificent Vaucelles Abbey. The thirteenth-century Cistercian abbey is a true delight to explore. Masterfully restored, you’ll marvel at the historic building’s unique dimensions.

Country lanes and gently rolling hills characterize the next stretch, with the opportunity to stop at the Touage Museum along the way. Finally, you’ll press on to Saint-Quentin, a remarkable city rebuilt after the Great War in the Art Deco Style.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Quentin
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Cycle the Valley Oise to Noyon and Compiègne

Enjoy another delightful French breakfast this morning, then set out for the vibrant Oise Valley. Keep your eyes peeled on today’s route for the rich birdlife that calls this area home as you cruise alongside the canals that lead to Noyon.

Stop for lunch in Noyon, admiring its medieval atmosphere and impressive cathedral before continuing towards the abbey of Ourscamp. Then, spotting a pretty town bordered by lush green forest, you’ll ride to Compiègne, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodation and various fascinating museums.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Compiègne
Distance: 77km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Castles, Medieval Towns, and Enchanted Forests

This morning, you’ll venture into the ethereal world of the Compiègne Forest before continuing up to the Automne river. Cruise past Béthisy-Saint-Pierre, which is well worth a detour, then navigate the plateau of Nery, soon entering the Halatte Forest.

Reach the gorgeous town of Senlis, a former royal residence in the Middle Ages. Senlis is a charming medieval town with a rich history and features several top-notch museums. The final stretch for today guides you to Chantilly, where you’ll spend the night. Check out the town’s world-renowned castle and treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure in the home of the famous Chantilly cream.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chantilly
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Final Ride to the City of Lights

The culmination of your journey is a momentous final leg to Paris, known as the “City of Lights.” Depart Senlis this morning following breakfast and enjoy a splendid stretch through the forest to enter the beautiful Ile de France region, where you’ll note the landscape change. Towering pines and sandy earth characterize Ile de France, paving the way to the town of Gressy.

From Gressy, you’ll pedal a smooth track adjacent to the Canal de l’Ourcq, enjoying the peaceful rural setting that soon fades as you find yourself ushered into the vigorous energy of France’s capital, Paris.

Enjoy your final evening in this world-famous city, known as a hub for fashion, art, culture, and heavenly gastronomy!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Paris
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Depart

With so much to see and do in Paris, it goes without saying that adding an extra night or two at the end of this tour is an excellent idea. Otherwise, check out after breakfast and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast