Paris to the Sea

4 weeks

open to grades 9-12

Overview

From the châteaux of the Loire to the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean, Paris to the Sea offers the perfect month of biking, friendship and fun. Experience the beauty of France while enjoying the camaraderie of an enthusiastic Overland group.

We’ll start in Chartres, where we’ll get organized and take a practice ride. Before beginning our ride to Nice, we’ll head into Paris by train for a picnic lunch by the Eiffel Tower and a walk along the Seine to the Latin Quarter. Then it’s on the bikes as we head south from Chartres, averaging 40 miles a day over forgiving terrain. In the Loire Valley, we’ll ride to impressive Chambord and fairytale Azay-le-Rideau. As our skills and fitness improve, the daily mileage increases, and the terrain becomes more challenging. After climbing over the Massif Central, we’ll cross the Rhône River into Provence. These last days on the bikes are memorable, with beautiful countryside to explore and the building excitement of reaching our goal. Our final day of riding takes us to the Côte d’Azur and the brilliant blue Mediterranean. We’ll take the swim of our lives—well-earned and thoroughly satisfying—and look back on all that we’ve seen, shared and achieved during our month together, riding across France on Paris to the Sea.

"Kaitlin came home filled with confidence, a sense of accomplishment and glowing with great memories." Anne Donnelly, Winnetka, Illinois

Highlights

Bike from Paris to the Mediterranean
Visit Paris & Nice
See the Loire châteaux
Ride through Provence’s villages
Swim in the Mediterranean

Grade

For students who will finish grades 9-12 in June 2012.

Multiple sections are grouped by grades.

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

6 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts in Paris, France.

Ends in Nice, France.

Accommodations

The groups spends 25 nights at established campsites with water, toilets and showers. Laundry facilities are available at most campsites.

Two nights are spent at a hostel in Nice. The hostel has dormitory style accommodations and rooms will be broken down by gender.

Dates and Fees

4 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Saturday, July 21

$5695 (airfare not included)

“I loved reaching the top of our highest climb and celebrating, as well as reaching the first view of the Mediterranean and reflecting with the group on the excitement of our accomplishments.” Haley Sacra, Wayland, Massachusetts

Itinerary

Trip Start

Paris to the Sea starts at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll take a train to Chartres, just west of the city, to set up camp, prepare our bikes and take a practice ride through the countryside. We'll head back to Paris for an afternoon walk along the Seine and a visit to the Eiffel Tower. We'll train back to our campsite in Chartres for dinner and a good night's sleep before we set out on our cross-country journey.

Châteaux Country

The ride south from Chartres takes us through fields of sunflowers toward the châteaux of the Loire. Our first days on the bikes offer easy terrain and moderate mileages. A typical itinerary for this section of the trip has the group riding from Chartres to Bonneval-- 23 miles, to Freteval-- 34 miles, to Bracieux-- 35 miles, to Chenonceau --34 miles, to Azay-le-Rideau-- 34 miles, to Loches-- 30 miles, to Valencay-- 28 miles. In the châteaux country we’ll have the opportunity to visit two of France’s most beautiful châteaux, Chambord and Chenonceau.

The Heart Of France

From the châteaux country we turn southeast through a region of small farms. Our daily mileage increases and the terrain becomes more challenging with rolling hills. The route we use generally goes through the following towns and villages: Bourges-- 52 miles, Bourbon-- 62 miles, Jaligny-- 44 miles, and La Pacaudiere-- 29 miles.

The Rhône River Valley

Next we’ll climb up and over the hills of the Massif Central. This is challenging riding but the reward for our efforts comes as we reach Tournon, cross the Rhône River and enter Provence. Typical stops include: Cordelle-- 32 miles, St. Just-- 42 miles, Ste. Signolene-- 37 miles, Tournon-- 56 miles, and Crest-- 35 miles.

Provence & The Côte d’Azur

In sunny Provence we’ll ride through hilltop villages and past vineyards. Our final day on the bikes takes us to the Côte d’Azur for a celebratory swim in the Mediterranean. In the past some groups have followed this itinerary: Visan-- 53 miles, L’Isle sur la Sorgue-- 48 miles, Manosque-- 50 miles, Castellane-- 65 miles, and Nice-- 75 miles.

Buffer Days

During each section of the trip, there are buffer days built into the itinerary to allow for delays en route. Most groups will find that they have some of these buffer days partially or completely off of their bikes for rest, relaxation and exploration on foot.

Trip End In Nice

In Nice, we’ll pack up our bikes, enjoy an afternoon on the beach and explore the city's Promenade des Anglais, a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The promenade's characteristic blue chairs provide the perfect vantage points from which to take in the expanse of the azure blue Mediterranean. After a celebratory dinner out on our final night together, we’ll fly home from the Nice Côte D’Azur Airport.

“I loved it! The trip was incredible.” Lauren Berke, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York

Trip Details

Is this a sightseeing trip?

No. Paris to the Sea is not a tour with planned excursions to museums or monuments. Instead, the route is designed to show you—as you ride—the beauty of the French countryside and the charm of France's many, and varied, small towns and villages. There are times, however, when our route takes us by great sights but, even then, we generally will enjoy the sight from the seat of our bicycles or during a rest stop or lunch break. For example, on one of our early rides we'll bike through Chartres and while we're in town we'll take a break right in the center of town by the world-famous cathedral. We'll admire the outside of the cathedral, and, if time allows and the cathedral is open, we'll go inside and have a look. But, it might just turn out that the cathedral is closed on the day that we're there... or that we're short of time (because we had a flat or two). Because this is not a sightseeing trip-- no sweat... we'll enjoy the ride, and we'll see the outside of the cathedral as we make our way through the narrow streets of the town.

“Chris came home saying it was the best summer he'd ever had.” Maureen LeBlanc, Larchmont, New York

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Bicycle Report 2012

The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip 2012

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Biking

Training ahead of time is essential to your success on an Overland bike trip. Training will enable you to enjoy your trip and to ride safely this summer. The most important part of training is gaining confidence on your bike by riding regularly. Before your trip you should be comfortable getting on and off your bike, shifting gears, braking, making turns and riding with weight.

Please take two or three 45- to 60-minute rides every week for four weeks before the start of your trip. Your health and safety this summer depend on this.
Before your trip you should be able to ride 15 miles with ease.
A good goal to work towards is being able to ride 25 miles in one ride, although frequent shorter rides (10-12 miles) are a great way to become a confident and safe rider.

Packing For Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Overland bicycle tours are fully self-contained—meaning there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear, on a sturdy rack mounted over the back wheel of your bike. You will hang panniers (these are saddlebags, pronounced “pan-yers”) off the rack and attach gear like your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to the top of the rack using bungee cords.
Please bring only the clothes listed below and do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike—at that time any unnecessary items will be mailed home.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
As you pack your gear adhere to the following instructions: (1) pack your sleeping pad and shoes in your bike box (2) Please take your helmet and sleeping bag with you on the plane as carry-on items in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. (3) Pack all your remaining items in your panniers. You can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage.

Biking & Camping Equipment

Bicycle & Rear Rack
- Please see The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip for more information. Please note: The American Challenge and European Challenge require specific bikes; keep this in mind if you are buying a new bike now and plan on doing one of these trips in a future summer.
- Return the 2012 Bicycle Report Form by April 1st to ensure your bicycle meets all qualifications.
- Prepare your bike for travel: Traveling With Your Bicycle.

Water Bottles & Cages
Two of each attached to the bike frame. A hydration system (e.g., CamelBak) is not necessary for this trip, but if you have one and want to bring it, that's great.

Panniers & Four Bungee Cords
Panniers are saddlebags sold in pairs that attach to either side of your rear rack. For our trips you will want large panniers, 2400-3000 cubic inches total, designed for touring. One large pannier has internal dimensions of approximately 17" x 13" x 7". You should be able to fit all of your belongings, besides your sleeping bag and pad, into your two panniers and have some space for group gear. Consider compressibility of clothing while packing for your Overland bicycle tour.

Spare Bike Parts
- One spare tube that matches your bike's tire size.
- One pair of spare brake pads.
- Four spare spokes that fit your wheels (two front, two rear).
- One tire patch kit.

Helmet
Carry on the plane with you.

Biking Gloves
Well-padded for comfort.

Shoes For Biking
You have two options (about three-fourths of our participants choose option 2):
- Ride in running shoes and have toe cages attached to your pedals. OR
- Ride in bike touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom treads and recessed cleats—these shoes clip into “clipless” pedals (it’s confusing). A popular style of clipless shoes/pedals are SPDs. Please do not ride in racing shoes (they have hard soles that are uncomfortable to walk in).

Sleeping Bag
Warm to 30 degrees or less. Lightweight and compact (when stuffed in a compression stuff-sack it should be no larger than 12" x 20"). Synthetic or down is acceptable. Carry on the plane with you.

Sleeping Pad
Compact and either 3/4 or full length. Closed cell foam (thin and firm) or self-inflating is acceptable.

Utensils
6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid (or similar) dish and regular utensils are fine.

Headlamp
Small and lightweight. This comes in very handy in camp when it's dark and you're using both hands.

Clothing

Please bring only the clothes listed below and do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike—at that time any unnecessary items will be mailed home.

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt
One only. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while biking or in camp.

Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Padded Bike Shorts
Two pairs. These are spandex shorts with a padded seat called a chamois. Bike shorts should fit snugly and feel comfortable to reduce chafing and any discomforts from sitting on a bike seat for long distance rides.

Around Camp Shorts
One pair. Athletic shorts work well around camp as they are comfortable to wear, light and compressible to pack.

T-Shirts
Three. Synthetic preferred. Bike jerseys are acceptable but not necessary.

Underwear
Four. Typically underwear is not worn under bike shorts, but you'll need some for around camp and days off.

Socks
Four pairs; at least one warm, synthetic pair for inclement weather and around camp.

Pajamas
One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.

Bathing Suit
One only. For Paris to the Sea, boys should bring a Speedo as most pools in France require it...sorry guys.

Sport Sandals
For trips with rafting (Pacific Coast) students must have sandals with a heel strap. For Paris to the Sea flip-flops are also okay if you do not have sport sandals.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton or synthetic. Synthetic camp towls will dry faster and are more compactable.

Plastic Bags
Ten large ziplocks and five tall kitchen trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your panniers and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.

Toiletries
All travel size (in a plastic bag). If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent

Paperback Book and/or Journal
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
For Pacifc Coast $25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. For Paris to the Sea $50/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card. If you are flying home at the end of your trip, please bring additional money to set aside to pay the airline bike fee for your return flight.

Valid Passport - Paris to the Sea only.
Leave a photocopy of your passport at home and bring an additional passport copy with you.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to Paris, France, and from Nice, France. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Baggage Claim, 10:00 a.m. Sunday*
PICK UP: Cote d’Azur Intl Airport (NCE) Check in Area, 10:00 a.m. Saturday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday*
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Cote d’Azur Intl Airport (NCE) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Saturday
"*Please note: To arrive in Paris on Sunday morning, flights must depart from the U.S. on Saturday night. If possible, please choose a flight that does not connect in Europe (e.g., fly non-stop from a U.S. gateway)."

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

Please send Letters & Postcards (rather than care packages)

Since we’re on the move and prefer to travel light, we encourage you to send letters and postcards rather than care packages.

Specific Instructions For Letters

Use United States Postal Service Air Mail only. Avoid express mail, DHL, FedEx, UPS or any other express mail service or courier.
Please do not send overnight letters: Many overnighted letters arrive before or after we arrive and are then sent back (for this same reason, please do not send mail that requires a signature upon delivery).
For sending mail internationally, please count on two weeks minimum.

PS A Mail Stops

Mail #1: We will pick up mail in Bourges (mail must arrive prior to July 3rd). Please address mail as follows:

Student’s Name, Overland Travel
c/o Poste Restante, Bourges
18000 BOURGES France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Poste restante pour groupe Overland Travel, 4 juillet.”

Mail #2: We will pick up mail in Tournon sur Rhone (mail must arrive prior to July 11th). Please address mail as follows:

Camping de Tournon HPA
Student’s Name, Overland
1, Promenade Roche Defrance
07300 Tournon sur Rhône – France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Please hold for Overland group for pickup July 12.”

Mail #3: We will pick up mail in Nice (mail must arrive prior to July 20th). Please address mail as follows:

Student’s Name, Overland
c/o Relais International de la Jeunesse - Clairvallon
26, Avenue Scuderi
06100 NICE France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Please hold for Overland group for pickup July 21st.”

PS B Mail Stops

Mail #1: We will pick up mail in Bourges (mail must arrive prior to July 4th). Please address mail as follows:

Student’s Name, Overland Travel
c/o Poste Restante, Bourges
18000 BOURGES France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Poste restante pour groupe Overland Travel, 5 juillet.”

Mail #2: We will pick up mail in Tournon sur Rhone (mail must arrive prior to July 12th). Please address mail as follows:

Camping de Tournon HPA
Student’s Name, Overland
1, Promenade Roche Defrance
07300 Tournon sur Rhône – France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Please hold for Overland group for pickup July 13.”

Mail #3: We will pick up mail in Nice (mail must arrive prior to July 21st). Please address mail as follows:

Student’s Name, Overland
c/o Relais International de la Jeunesse - Clairvallon
26, Avenue Scuderi
06100 NICE France

In the lower left corner of the envelope, please write “Please hold for Overland group for pickup July 21st.

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Mike Bienkowski

Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts
School: Colby College
Leadership: Paris to the Sea
More about Mike »

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