France cycling holiday, Paris to Etretat

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Human-powered travel
Cycling is at the heart of this trip. Over six days, travellers cover approximately 340 km by bike from Paris to Étretat, following sections of the Avenue Verte and quiet country roads through Normandy. Travelling by bike allows guests to experience the changing landscapes at a slower pace while keeping motorised transport during the itinerary to a minimum.

Reducing transport emissions
The journey begins in Paris, which is well connected by rail, making it possible for many European travellers to reach the starting point without flying. During the trip, the bicycle remains the main form of transport between each overnight stop. We encourage guests to use public transport whenever possible for their journey to and from the itinerary.

Responsible accommodation
We favour comfortable, well-located accommodation along the cycling route, reducing the need for additional transfers during the trip. Wherever possible, we work with establishments that demonstrate responsible practices such as reducing single-use plastics, limiting unnecessary water and energy consumption and encouraging waste separation.

Vegetarian and local food
Along the route, travellers have plenty of opportunities to discover local and seasonal products. The itinerary passes through Normandy, a region renowned for its cheeses and other regional produce, with a suggested stop in Neufchâtel-en-Bray to discover its famous local cheese. Vegetarian options can be requested, and we encourage travellers to choose local and seasonal food wherever possible.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Low-impact exploration of natural areas
Travelling by bicycle allows guests to discover rural and coastal landscapes with minimal disturbance. The route takes travellers from the Seine and the countryside of the Vexin into Normandy, before reaching the coast at Dieppe and continuing towards Étretat. The final stages showcase the region’s valleys, beaches and distinctive white chalk cliffs.

Traveller awareness
Guests are encouraged to stay on designated cycle routes and paths, respect wildlife and agricultural land, avoid leaving waste behind and use reusable water bottles throughout the trip. Particular care is encouraged in coastal and natural areas, where staying on established paths helps protect sensitive vegetation and landscapes.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Supporting local communities
The point-to-point nature of the trip means travellers stay in different communities throughout the journey, including Maisons-Laffitte, Chaussy, Forges-les-Eaux, Dieppe and Cany-Barville before finishing in Étretat. This helps distribute visitor spending across several destinations rather than concentrating it in Paris or the major tourist sites.

Local food, heritage and businesses
The itinerary encourages travellers to stop in smaller towns and villages, visit local cafés, restaurants and shops and discover regional products. Stops such as Neufchâtel-en-Bray and the markets and restaurants of Dieppe provide opportunities to support local producers and businesses. The route also highlights local heritage, from the Château de Maisons-Laffitte and Saint-Germer-de-Fly Abbey to Normandy’s historic villages and coastal communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local employment
By working with accommodation providers and other tourism businesses located along the route, the trip contributes to tourism employment in the communities visited. We prioritise local partners wherever possible and aim to build long-term relationships with businesses along our cycling routes.

Inclusive independent travel
The trip is designed as a self-guided cycling experience, giving travellers the freedom to ride at their own pace and spend time in the places that interest them most. Both traditional bikes and e-bikes are available, making the itinerary accessible to travellers with different cycling abilities and preferences.