Cycle the Western Front
Cycle the Western Front
$2290
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through history with the "Cycle the Western Front" tour in France. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through the poignant battlefields and memorials of the Western Front, offering a deep dive into the region's war history. Pedal through picturesque countryside, visit medieval towns, and enjoy the warm hospitality and hearty cuisine of the locals. Highlights include the Australian National Memorial, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, and the charming Belgian town of Bruges. Accommodations are in comfortable 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs, with an option to upgrade. This tour promises a blend of historical exploration and scenic cycling. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Amiens
Location: Amiens
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Amiens
On arrival in Amiens make your way to your hotel which is located in the centre of town near the Cathedral. The Cathedral is the largest example of Gothic architecture in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. It boasts a soaring nave and its said could easily accommodate the Notre Dame twice over. Miraculously, the Cathedral survived WWI. There are a number of commemorative plaques, in memory of soldiers from the Allied Front. Amiens was home to Jules Verne for a number of years and it was here that he wrote most of his novels. Take time to stroll along the canal path before you begin your cycle tour. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Somme River Cycle To Villers Bretonneaux, Cross The Hamel Battlefield To Albert (51Km/31.5Mi)
Location: Albert
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Albert
Meals Included: Breakfast
The ride begins eastwards following the river Somme and after about 19km, you arrive in Villers Bretonneaux. It was here between 24 and 26 April 1918 that the Australian expeditionary army corps successfully stopped the advancing German troops and, as a consequence, prevented the city of Amiens from being taken. The Australian National Memorial and the Franco-Australian Museum, within the Victoria School, offer a fascinating and detailed insight into these events.
Continuing eastwards, you cross the Hamel battlefield to gain access to the other side of the River Somme, at Cerisy, then enjoy magnificent river views along the road leading to Albert. The town of Albert was the epicentre of the great battle of the Somme and was also the principal industrial town in the Ancre Valley. The Somme Museum, established within an anti-aircraft underground shelter, retraces military life during the First World War.
Day 3 : Cycle Via Pozieres To Arras (47 Or 72Km/29 Or 45Mi)
Location: Arras
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Arras
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following the main road out of town, you head north to the Ancre Valley before climbing towards Thiépval Ridge. The first large offensive was launched on 1 July 1916 here, involving 20,000 men from the British Reserve Army and was known as 'the bloodiest day in British military history'. Thiépval was liberated three months later, on 27 September. You pass the Belfast Tower, erected in 1921 in memory of the Ulster Battalion which so courageously fought that day.
After crossing Ancre, arrive at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, dedicated to the Newfoundland Regiment which was all but annihilated in the space of 30 minutes after the German soldiers opened fire. A little further on, arrive at the German cemetery Fricourt and two memorial sites, one dedicated to the South African regiment and known as Delville Wood, the other dedicated to the New Zealand division called Longueval.
The cycle route then takes you to the village of Pozieres, where the Australian regiment, completely exhausted by relentless artillery attacks, was eventually relieved by the Canadians. The names of over 14,000 casualties are engraved on the cemetery walls here.
You then leave the Somme department and cycle for a further 20km through countryside before reaching Arras, the Artois capital. With its Flemish Baroque style, Arras has a long and established reputation for superb draperies and tapestries, and the city's wealth and influence is evident. With architecture dating from the Flemish Baroque period through to the Art Deco style, Arras will charm you. Two World Heritage listed sites, the Belfry and Vauban's Citadel, warrant a visit, as do the 'Boves', underground passages dating from medieval times and expanded by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company. Robespierre, the influential figure of the French Revolution, was born in Arras. In the evening, you can relax at one of the cafes in the celebrated Place des Heros.
Day 4 : Along The River Scarpe To Vimy Then Bethune Or Gosnay (49 Or 46Km/30 Or 28.5Mi)
Location: Bethune
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bethune or Gosnay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following the River Scarpe, you then head north for about 20km/12.5mi until you reach Vimy. On 17 April 1917, this large park became the centrepiece of a ferocious battle between the German army and Canadian troops, the latter losing more than 11,000 soldiers. The impressive Canadian National Vimy Memorial was built on the Vimy Ridge and commemorates those who lost their lives here.
You can pause at Souchez village before climbing Lorette's Hill, where in May 1915 French and German troops fought to gain control of Artois. The cemetery Notre Dame de Lorette, where 40,000 soldiers found their final resting place, is considered the most important French military cemetery of today.
Continuing north, you cross a section of mining area and arrive in Bethune, where you spend the night. Historically, Bethune has always been considered a bourgeois town, accumulating wealth from neighbouring agricultural land, a prolific textile industry dating back to the Middle Ages and a thriving mechanical/chemical industry. Although Bethune managed to escape German occupation, the town centre was badly bombed in May 1918 and with the exception of the belfry, was almost entirely destroyed. Since 1964, the town has been twinned with Hastings in England, where another great battle took place and a certain William the Conqueror was crowned the new King of England.
Note: you will stay in Gosnay (46km) tonight if booking with the upgrade option.
Day 5 : Cycle Via Fromelles (Longer Route) And Bailleul To Ypres In Belgium (58 Or 74Km/35 Or 45Mi)
Location: Fromelles
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ypres
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Flanders, or 'the flat land': the title of one of Jacques Brel's songs, where he describes the flat landscape, void of mountains. Gastronomically, the region's specialties reflect the celebrated reputation of its people - their warmth! Delight in sampling regional dishes such as Carbonade Flamande, Maroilles, Welsh Potjevleesch or Waterzooi, all accompanied by freshly made chips and quality beer from one of the neighbouring abbeys. Flanders was formerly one of the richest and most coveted of French provinces, and also one of the most densely populated. It played a significant role in the French Industrial Revolution.
If you opt for the longer of the cycle routes today, you will arrive at Fromelles, a small village which became the centre of combat between the Commonwealth (principally Australians) and the Germans. On 19 and 20 July 1916, around 8,500 soldiers were killed.
Rejoining the shorter route, you head towards Bailleul, the capital of the 'Monts de Flandres', a series of small hills which rise to about 160m. From the top there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. You can take time out to relax in one of the region's typical inns. Also worthy of a visit is the 'Abbaye du Mont des Cats', where you can delight in sampling local cheese and beer produced by the local Trappist monks. The Franco-American writer Marguerite Yourcenar grew up in this charming, picturesque region.
You then cross into Belgium and head towards Ypres, where you will spend the next two nights.
*If your previous night was in Gosnay add an additional 6km/3.7mi to those shown above.
Day 6 : Loop Cycle Retracing Historic First World War Battles (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Ypres
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Ypres
Meals Included: Breakfast
In October 1914, the Western Front battle lines halted several kilometres from the town of Ypres and formed a salient along the German lines. This wealthy Flemish town witnessed five different battles, where soldiers from all corners of the world joined forces to take part in the combat. Today's cycle route retraces these historic events from Zonnebeke to Langemark Poelkapelle and including Passchendaele. More than 300,000 allied troops, including 250,000 from the Commonwealth, died during these ferocious battles and there are more than 170 cemeteries in the surrounding countryside.
Returning to Ypres, it is difficult to imagine that this medieval town was almost entirely destroyed at the end of the First World War. Its prosperity developed during the Middle Ages, when it was known as the 'Craftsman's Textile Capital'. The Tapestry/Textile Market Hall, one of the largest Gothic-style buildings in Europe, was unfortunately destroyed during the German air raids but has been restored to its former glory. A visit to the museum 'In Flanders Fields' allows visitors to retrace the life of a soldier or a civilian during the war. Ypres also has an abundance of fine chocolate producers as well as several delicious local specialties: waffles, Tapjesvlees, Patte de Chat and Cuberdon.
At 8pm at the Menin Gate (la Porte de Menin, or in Dutch 'Menenpoort'), there is an event that should not be missed: every day since 1928, buglers sound the 'Last Post' in memory of the Commonwealth troops.
Day 7 : Cycle Through Flat Farmland To Bruges (61Km/37.6Mi)
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty Flemish breakfast before leaving the battlefields behind. Cycle through flat farming land alongside small water canals on a network of bike paths away from traffic as you make your way to Bruges. The capital of West Flanders, Bruges was one of the great North European trading ports in late medieval times and today it's one of Europe's best preserved medieval cities. Enjoy exploring its canals, cobbled streets, market squares, historical churches and old almshouses.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast, or we can add extra nights if you'd like to further explore this beautiful city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs -
7 breakfasts
Continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee, and juice.
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7 nights in 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Upgrade to 3-4 star hotels available with a supplement.
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Specialized Sirrus rental bike
Supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer, and lock. E-bike, gravel, or road bikes available with a supplement.
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Luggage Transfer
1 piece maximum 20kg. Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip.
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Travel to Amiens and from Bruges
Travel arrangements to the starting point in Amiens and from the endpoint in Bruges.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Drinks, lunches, and dinners are not included.
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Travel insurance
Mandatory travel insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no guide is included.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport
Transfers if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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GPS device rental
Rental of a GPS device is available at an additional cost.
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Excess luggage
Charges for excess luggage are not included.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc., are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs. During the trip you will be accommodated in 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs (or 3 to 4 star hotels if you have booked with the upgrade and paid the supplement). It is possible to add extra nights during the trip at any of the night stops if you would like to further explore an area. Must be requested at time of booking (extra night rates apply). ...more ...less
Grading
This trip involves 6 days cycling between 40 and 73km per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided to you with your bike. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to Amiens and from Bruges. Specialized Sirrus rental bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock, (e-bike, gravel or road bikes available - supplement applies). Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
During the trip, you will be accommodated in 2-3 star hotels and B&Bs. If you have booked with the upgrade and paid the supplement, you will stay in 3-4 star hotels. It is also possible to add extra nights during the trip at any of the night stops if you would like to further explore an area. This must be requested at the time of booking, and extra night rates will apply. ...more ...less
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A Specialized Sirrus rental bike is supplied with panniers, a repair kit, helmet, bike computer, and lock. E-bikes, gravel, or road bikes are also available for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included. You are allowed one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee, and juice. Other meals such as lunches and dinners are not included.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. There will be no tour guide provided.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip involves 6 days of cycling between 40 and 73km per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain. The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic, but care needs to be taken when entering and leaving towns as you will be on roads with more traffic. Pre-trip training is recommended to ensure you are comfortable cycling in areas of medium traffic.
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What happens if I need to skip a stage of the cycling route?
If you need to skip a stage, transfers by taxi or public transport are available, but these are not included in the tour package and will incur additional costs.
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What are some of the historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Australian National Memorial and the Franco-Australian Museum in Villers Bretonneaux, the Somme Museum in Albert, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, and the Menin Gate in Ypres where the 'Last Post' is sounded every evening.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cycle the Western Front
8 Days Starting in Amiens, France and ending in Bruges, Belgium
Visiting: Amiens, Albert, Arras, Bethune, Fromelles, Ypres, Bruges
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CWF
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided