Much more than the war
A long weekend on brilliant biking roads
So many people miss Northern France, hurrying past to the Alps or the Pyrenees… which is fine if you have the time. But if you can't get away for that long, this three-day trip around Picardy could be just what the doctor ordered.
There's no motorway – just miles of quiet country roads. Okay, there are no mountains, but there are enough hills to make sure there are a couple of hairpins on every ride and there are miles of brilliantly twisty roads with the kind of perfect surface that puts UK highway maintenance to shame.
There's loads to see along the way, from key sites from World War One to some of the most beautiful villages in France (don't take my word for it – they have a list). But it's all packed into three bite-sized days, ideal for a long weekend.
What’s included on the route? Each day’s route has recommended places to stop for coffee in the morning and afternoon, a suggested lunch stop and planned fuel stops. Hotel recommendations are included too.
How long is each day’s ride? The runs from the tunnel and back to it are just over half a day, to allow time to get to and from the terminal in a sensible way. The full-day loop at the heart of the tour is a full but relaxed day: set off at nine, back to the hotel around five.
Saddle-time rating: five out of 10.
What are the highlights? If you like your British military history, the first day takes in the Somme, going via many of the key locations (and passing the site of the Battle of Agincourt as well). But there are World War Two sites to see on the run back to the Eurotunnel too. And on the daytrip, there are half-timbered villages and stately château along the way. .
Why three days? Not every tour needs a week off work. This is a long-weekend break designed to make it simple to fit a European biking break into your summer.
How is it supplied? Each download includes an interactive eBook of notes plus individual GPX files covering the rides, for sat navs and suitable phone navigation apps. However, I strongly recommend getting the tour pack which comes with tankbag notes and a marked-up Michelin map as well.
