ABTA LifeLine is ABTA’s charitable trust. Previously called the ABTABenevolent Fund, it was set up to help people in the travel industry when they need it the most.

Our vision is that everyone in the ABTA family has somewhere to turn in times of personal crisis. We want to make sure you know what sort of
help is there for you and how you can access it.

No one ever quite knows what’s around the next corner, and sometimes we all need a helping hand. But one thing’s for certain; whatever life throws at you, ABTA LifeLine is there to provide support for you and your family. We award grants to help with the big things to the little things. From financial support and disability funding, to property repairs and back to work initiatives,  our ‘lifeline’ reaches far and wide.

- See more at: http://www.abtalifeline.org.uk/about-us#sthash.pHWpr9fk.dpuf

Itinerary

Day 1: London to Calais

Our challenge begins bright and early from Crystal Palace heading south
enroute to the coast. Our long journey today takes us through rural Kent- the garden of England. Our path winds though traditional British countryside, along the North Downs Way before we reach the white cliffs of Dover. The ferry takes us across to Calais and our first nights resting place.

95 miles (approx)

Day 2: Calais to Abbeville

La belle France! Stunning picturesque countryside awaits us in northern
France as we travel south through some beautiful quaint villages- do not be surprised to be greeted with a Bonjour Monsieur/Madame as you cycle past! Cycle through Desvres, a market town known for its ceramics and continue with the windy roads along the valley of the Canche River. The Artois region is amazing with the Spanish influenced town of Hesdin and its tremendous architecture and close proximity to the battle of Agincourt. We spend the night in Abbeville – steeped in history from the war and despite being destroyed in just one night it has managed to retain its beautiful gothic church.

75 miles (approx)

Day 3: Abbeville to Beauvais

Our route this morning follows the river Somme out of Abbeville. The Somme is perhaps most famous for its battles and you cannot fail to be reminded of the thousands who lost their lives in the war. But the Somme is also a Celtic word meaning tranquillity… so summing up the feeling of the day as you cycle through this superb region. After lunch you can enjoy the countryside with a little less ‘undulations’ than previous days. We finish the day in Beauvais where the market square, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, is a true highlight. Several of the houses close to the Cathedral date back from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries.

70 miles (approx)

Day 4: Beauvais to Paris

Our final day of cycling and the big push to Paris, our final destination. We are still treated to some stunning countryside including a lovely lunchtime in wooded area next to the River Oise. After lunch we near the outskirts of Paris and you will start to spot the familiar sights of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. We rendezvous in a park just north of Paris before joining together to cycle the last miles along some of the famous boulevards. Our finish point can be seen for miles above the Paris skyline and on arrival the celebration can begin!

60 miles (approx)

Day 5: Paris to London

The day is yours to soak up the Parisian way of life, explore the city, and
visit the landmarks that only yesterday you were cycling by. We will meet in the afternoon at the Gare du Nord to catch our Eurostar home, arriving at St Pancras where you will be reunited with your bike and commence your onward journey home.