Avenue Verte

Book excerpt: Cycle from the Thames in London to the Seine and Notre Dame in Paris along traffic-free paths and quiet roads. Along the way explore the beautiful South Downs, take the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry across the channel and choose between the gentle Normandy countryside (398km / 247 miles) and the picturesque Oise valley (462km / 287 miles). Approach Paris along the banks of the river Seine on traffic-free paths. This fully updated second edition from Sustrans includes maps, directions, alternative route options, what to see, accommodation and much more. What's new for the second edition? Mainly minor rural road detour east of the complicated official section through Horley and Crawley. Spur route to Giverny (for Monet's garden) and Vernon. Shortcut through Paris, avoiding the official route through industrial northern Paris. Totally updated mapping and directions and new, expanded accommodation listings. Many accommodation listings in France are now 'Acceuil Velo' rated - or Cyclists Welcome - with guaranteed cycle storage and accreditation is indicated in the listings. All new photos.