Amsterdam to Paris E-bike Tour

Amsterdam to Paris Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam - Gouda/Bodegraven, 49 mi. (79 km) 
Day 3: Gouda/Bodegraven - Breda, 50 mi. (81 km)
Day 4: Breda - Antwerp, 45 mi. (73 km)
Day 5: Antwerp - Ghent, 56 mi. (90 km)
Day 6: Ghent - Tournai, 49 mi. (79 km)
Day 7: Tournai - Cambrai, 46 mi. (74 km)
Day 8:  Cambrai - Saint-Quentin, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 9:  Saint-Quentin - Compiègne, 46 mi. (75 km)
Day 10: Compiègne - Senlis, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 11: Senlis - Paris, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 12: Departure from Paris

All distances are approximate.

*Reverse itinerary offered for Paris to Amsterdam tour dates (see below)

Day 1:  Arrival Amsterdam
Your cycling holiday starts in Amsterdam, one of the crown jewels of Europe. With so much to see and do, you couldn’t wish for a more vibrant way to kick off your holiday. If you arrive early, make sure to go for a walk to marvel at the townhouses in the 17th-century canal district (listed as World Heritage). Have you got time and energy left? Opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein.

Preferred hotel: Westcord Art Hotel, 3-4 star

Note: Bikes from Paris to Amsterdam are prohibited on the train (or vice versa!) We therefore strongly recommend booking this trip with rental bikes so that you can leave the rental bikes at the hotel in Paris at the end of the trip.  

Day 2:  Amsterdam - Gouda/Bodegraven, 49 mi. (79 km) 
The first leg of the route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, abounding in water. It is a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities, and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. It was to this place that women who had been accused of witchcraft fled from all over Europe to prove their innocence by "weighing".  The Witches Weighhouse in Oudewater became famous for its refusal to participate in the delusions about witchcraft. All of the so-called witches who were ever weighed here were not found to be too light and were thus not sentenced. End the day in medieval Gouda.  Amble through the beautifully preserved town center and visit the old town hall and St. John’s church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of syrup waffles) and Gouda cheese - perhaps the world’s most famous type of cheese.

Preferred hotel: Best Western Hotel, 4-star (Depending on availability, hotels may also be booked in the nearby towns of Bodegraven, Oudewater, or Woerden.)

Day 3:  Gouda/Bodegraven - Breda, 50 mi. (81 km)
Today’s highlight is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist attractions, Kinderdijk, a world-famous complex of windmills. Nineteen historical windmills reach to the skies in the epitome of the classical Dutch countryside. You can visit an authentic workshop and find out how these mills were built and how they work. Have you always wanted to be a miller? This is where you can still learn the trade! You will cycle through Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest towns. A visit to the scenic harbor quarter with its wonderful historical buildings should not be missed. The route will take you right past one of the few remaining fresh-water tidal areas in Europe,  Biesbosch National Park. Upon crossing a one-kilometer-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 a slice of fruit tart. Today’s destination is Breda.

Please note you will only cycle through de Biesbosch park on days that the ferry departs. This ferry does not go daily. If the ferry is not running, an alternative route is offered. 

Preferred hotel: Hotel Het Scheepshuys, 3-4 star

Day 4:  Breda - Antwerp, 45 mi. (73 km)
Breda is the main city of Nassau in Holland boasts of many imposing monuments. The ancestors of the royal family converted Breda to a beautiful city with richly decorated buildings. The landscape along today’s cycling route is predominantly woody. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you right into the historical and touristic heart of Antwerp. It’s 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, and work up a thirst for Belgian beer! Consider visiting De Koninck brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors center for tastings. This brewery is best known for its ‘Bollekes’.

Preferred hotels: Mercure Antwerp City South, 4-star

Day 5: Antwerp - Ghent, 56 mi. (90 km)
Cycling South, along the banks of the river Scheldt, you will start on the LF2 Cities Cycle Route. By switching to the LF5 you head towards Dendermonde and Ghent. The bushes and polders showcase the wild and pure nature here. At the end of the day, the sparkling cultural city of Ghent is waiting for you. The Belgians call Ghent their most beautiful city and the city will undoubtedly charm you.

You may book an additional night in Ghent to further enjoy the city and insert a day of rest into the schedule.  If you choose this option, your tour will start a day earlier, and your arrival date in Paris will remain the same.

Preferred hotel: Hotel Chamade, 3-star

Day 6: Ghent - Tournai, 49 mi. (79 km)
You continue to cycle alongside the river Scheldt to the old town of Oudenaarde (AD 974), home of the famous classic cycle race "Ronde van Vlaanderen". The former towing paths along the banks have been transformed to smooth cycle paths through the open fields of Flanders. Down the road do try one of the most famous Belgian local products "Geraardsbergse mattentaart", a small, round, curd cheese pie. Directly after Kluisbergen, you leave Flanders and you will enter the province of Wallonia with just 20 km to go to Tournai. Two alternative routes are also offered today that go through the Flemish Ardennes if you don't wish to cycle along the river the entire day.

Preferred hotel: Hotel Alcantara, 3-star

Day 7: Tournai - Cambrai, 46 mi. (74 km)
While leaving the 5 bell towers of Tournai behind you, ride the last on the Belgian cycle path along the Scheldt, before arriving in France. This day offers a pleasant ride to the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, the first French regional park. Here, Belgium and France link with the barges on Escaut river, between lands and waters where you pedal through to the forests, marshes, and ponds populated with various species. You will discover the mining villages classified by UNESCO, the agricultural landscapes, but also the beautiful city of Saint-Amand-Les-Eaux, the thermal station, near Valenciennes. Passing through typical villages and hamlets, you reach the town of Cambrai, a peaceful city of Art and History. Take advantage of it to discover its streets, where half-timbered houses, rich private mansions, Flemish mansions mingle with pleasure. And don't leave without having tasted the famous "Bétises de Cambrai" or other local specialties!

Preferred hotel: Hotel Mouton Blanc, 3-star

Day 8: Cambrai - Saint-Quentin, 32 mi. (51 km)
Today, you leave Cambrai by lodging the Canal de Saint-Quentin (inaugurated in 1810 by Emperor Napoleon 1st), discover the Haute Vallée de l’Escaut. Here is a jewel: the abbey of Vaucelles (XII century). As it is presented to you today, the abbey remains an unusual construction both in its dimensions and the quality of its restoration. A few pedaling strokes and you pass the sources of l’Escaut, the famous river that you follow for kilometers, and whose course flows into the North Sea in the Netherlands. If you want, you can take the 6 km longer route to visit the interesting canal tunnel and the Touage museum. The route takes you through small hilly roads between villages devoted to agriculture and memorial sites of the Great War: cemeteries, memorials and vestiges of the Hindenburg line. Find the canal and its cycle path to finally reach Saint Quentin. Discover its streets with Art Deco houses, the details of which deserve to be observed. It is the style adopted during the rebuilding of the city, though hardly destroyed during the Great War. Afterwards, it once again became a dynamic city, the economic capital of Haute Picardie.

Preferred hotel: Hotel Le Picardy

Day 9: Saint-Quentin - Compiègne, 46 mi. (75 km)
On the way to Compiegne, cycle through the fertile valley of the Oise. The itinerary again leads along the cycle path of the canals, to the discovery of Chauny. You cross vast natural areas with more than 200 species of birds. Cycle towards Noyon where the route continues along the canal. Noyon is listed as a city of Art and History; a medieval atmosphere around the cathedral where the coronation of Hugues Capet took place in 987. Then return to the shared tracks where a stop at the abbey of Ourscamp is recommended. When cycling through the woods of Compiègne, you will go past the "Clairière de l'Armstice", where the armistice (and the actual end) of the First Great War was signed. Then in 1940, Hitler, as revenge, forced the French to sign the surrender treaty during World War II. Your destination for today is Compiègne, a large town bordering the forest, furrowed by charming and shopping streets and museums with varied collections.

Preferred hotel: Aiden by Best Western T'Aim Hotel, 4-star

Day 10: Compiègne - Senlis, 42 mi. (67 km)
The program today includes a prestigious castle, medieval towns, and a large forest. Your journey starts in the forest of Compiègne to cycle via Pierrefonds and its enchanting castle to the abbey of Saint Jean aux Bois, with its well-preserved abbey grounds, city gates, and an 850-year-old oak tree. The route continues alongside a number of Gallo Roman ruins to the Automne Valley, followed by a climb to the beautiful village of Néry. Via the forest of Halatte, you’ll arrive in Senlis. If you'd like to cycle a little more, you can add an additional 15 km through the forest of Halatte via Chantilly to Senlis. Chantilly is known for its castle (sometimes compared to a castle of the Loire), its Great Stables, its porcelain, its lace, and its gastronomy (Yes! the famous Chantilly cream was invented here!).

Preferred hotel: Hotel Porte Bellon, 3-star

Day 11: Senlis - Paris, 45 mi. (72 km)
The last day by bike before arriving in the City of Light, the culmination of your journey! Leave Senlis and cycle in the forest for an itinerary in the heart of nature. From Gressy to Paris, the route follows the nice cycle track of the Canal de l’Ourcq, a rural setting on the last 30 kilometers for a safe entrance into Paris, far from traffic!

If you have energy left, you can cycle an optional 24 km and safe route through the city. Your hotel is your starting point. The route goes along the river Seine (and the Notre Dame) towards the Eiffeltower and back.

Preferred hotel: Holiday Inn Express - Canal de la Villette

Day 12:  Departure from Paris
End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Paris.

It is possible to book an additional night in Ghent to insert a day of rest into the schedule (see day 5). Note, this is only possible for the Amsterdam to Paris itinerary/direction. 

Paris to Amsterdam Itinerary: 
Day 1: Arrival in Paris
Day 2: Paris - Senlis, 45 mi. (72 km)
Day 3: Senlis - Compiègne, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 4: Compiègne - Saint-Quentin, 46 mi. (75 km)
Day 5: Saint-Quentin - Cambrai, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 6: Cambrai - Tournai, 46 mi. (74 km)
Day 7: Tournai - Ghent, 49 mi. (79 km)
Day 8: Ghent - Antwerp, 56 mi. (90 km)
Day 9: Antwerp - Breda, 45 mi. (73 km)
Day 10: Breda - Gouda/Bodegraven, 50 mi. (81 km)
Day 11: Gouda/Bodegraven - Amsterdam, 49 mi. (79 km) 
Day 12: Departure from Amsterdam

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You will be accommodated in 3 to 4-star establishments during your tour. In each day’s detailed itinerary you will find the name of the preferred hotel(s). If the hotel listed is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be offered.

Bicycles

Electric Bike

Pedal assist e-bike

• Stable frame with low entry
• 25 kg
• Upright handlebar (adjustable)
• Pedal assist
• Small electric engine and battery, which can be charged at the hotels
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Rear rack

Experience with e-bikes is recommended, as the bikes accelerate faster and are heavier than regular bikes because of the electric engine.

Premium Sporty Trekking Bike

Koga Grand Tourer sporty trekking bike (or similar)

• Aluminum frame (lighter than the City Touring Bike at +/- 15 kg)
• Sportier riding position
• 27 speed (high-quality Shimano Deore)
• Flat pedal (pedals can be changed for personal pedals but clients must bring their own tools and put original pedals back on after use!)
• Disc brakes (Madura hydraulic)
• Selle Italia saddle
• Rear rack
• Mudguards
• 28-inch wheels
• Schwalbe marathon plus anti-puncture tire
• Equipped with QR code for scanning with your smart device

Accessories

Included accessories on touring, standard, and electric bikes:

• Front and rear lights
• Defender lock with plug-in chain
• Quick-release to adjust height of handlebars and saddle
• Small puncture repair kit
• Helmet
• One pannier:
  • Height: 42 cm
  • Depth front to the side: 17 cm
  • Wide top: 32 cm
  • Wide down: 23 cm
  • Easy click-on/click-off system