Paris to the Sea

Overview

From the châteaux of the Loire to the villages of Provence and the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean, Paris to the Sea offers the perfect month of biking, friendship and fun. Explore and experience France—its small villages and beautiful countryside—while enjoying the camaraderie of an enthusiastic Overland group.

On arrival in France, we’ll base ourselves in Chartres. During our first days together we’ll get organized, take a practice ride and tour Chartres’ beautiful 13th century cathedral. Before starting 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 and Notre Dame. Then it’s on the bikes from Chartres, south through fields of sunflowers toward the châteaux of the Loire. During this first week, our rides average about 30 to 40 miles a day, and the terrain is forgiving. In the Loire valley, we’ll ride to impressive Chambord, graceful Chenonceau and fairytale Azay-le-Rideau. We’ll then head across France, through a region of woods and wildlife, hidden villages, ponds and lakes. As our skills and fitness improve, the daily mileage increases (to about 45 miles a day in this section), and the terrain becomes more challenging. After climbing over the Massif Central to Tournon, we’ll cross the Rhône River into Provence, where sunny hilltop villages look out on rolling vineyards. These last days on the bikes are memorable with beautiful countryside to explore, some challenging days and the building excitement of reaching our goal. Our final day of riding takes us to the Côte d’Azur, bustling Nice 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 2010.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

6 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Paris to the Sea starts in Paris at Charles de Gaulle Airport and ends at the Nice Côte D’Azur Airport.

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from the trip start/end locations. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the arrival and departure airports to provide supervision and assistance.

Dates and Fees

4 Weeks

Sunday, June 27 to Saturday, July 24

$5395 (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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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

Paris to the Sea

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. 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 comfortable getting on and off your bike, shifting gears, braking, making turns and riding with weight; and 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.

Fully Self-Contained Bicycle Trips

Overland bicycle tours are 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.

Packing For Your Trip

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while biking and camping this summer. Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Often times more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.  Bring only what you need and pack everything in your panniers. You can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage. Please take your helmet and sleeping bag and pad with you on the plane as carry-on items in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically.

Clothing

• 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 and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to ride in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• 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 for biking (at least one synthetic). One for around camp. Bike jerseys are not necessary. You'll need at least one synthetic shirt for inclement weather, otherwise cotton is fine.


• 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. Boys should bring a Speedo as most pools in France require it...sorry guys.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for swimming and around camp. Good quality flip-flops or crocs are also okay if that is all you have.

Biking & Camping Equipment

• Bicycle & Rear Rack
  Please see our The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip page.  Please note: If you plan to do the American Challenge or European Challenge in the future, and you are buying a new bike now, the Trek 520, the Cannondale Touring 2, or the Surly Long Haul Trucker is recommended for these trips. If you have trouble finding or fitting one of the recommended bikes, please contact Ashley Ransom at ashley@overlandprograms.com. 


• 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, 2500-3500 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. Optional.


• Shoes For Biking
  Any comfortable biking shoes (with tread—no racing shoes), running shoes, all-terrain shoes or sneakers are fine.


• 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. Carry on the plane with you.


• 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.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.


• 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. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after the trip. If you would like to keep your own journal though, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Valid Passport
  Leave a photocopy of your passport at home and bring an additional passport copy with you.


• Spending Money
  $75/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters). 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.

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Bringing A Bicycle On The Plane

If you are flying to the start of your trip, you will need to box your bike prior to your flights so that you can check the boxed bike as a piece of luggage. Most airlines charge about $100 one-way to check a bike. Please let your airline know that you will be bringing a bike, as many small planes cannot accommodate bike boxes. Please bring and set aside money to pay the bike fee for your return flight.

To box your bike, bring the bike to a bike shop where a mechanic will break it down and box it for about $10 to $25. Please make sure the mechanic leaves the cables attached and protected and does not remove the rear derailleur. For instructions on how to box your bike yourself, click here.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for Paris to the Sea.

Admissions Material 2010

Bicycle Report 2010

The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.