Franco British Cycle Plan
The Franco-British Cycle Plan is a European Union project that aims to promote environmentally-friendly tourism, travel and economic development in southern England and northern France. The funding programme, INTERREG IIIA, was devised to encourage co-operation between European neighbouring countries.
To achieve the full potential for environmentally-friendly tourism and travel, the project partners are working together to complete a joined-up network of safe and attractive cycle routes and greenways (mainly car-free routes for people of all abilities to use on foot, bike or horseback), of which the Tour de la Manche (a circular cycle route that follows the south coast of England and the northern coast of France) and the Avenue Verte London-Paris form the main schemes. These two routes are planned to be virtually traffic-free, and will be supported by local routes, secure cycle parking and resting places.
There have also been positive spin-offs from the project, mainly in the areas of rural regeneration, cultural exchange between the two countries, social inclusion, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
East Sussex
East Sussex is one of the most picturesque and distinctive counties in England. Its scenery ranges from the stunning coastline to the ancient, leafy landscape of the High Weald. Cycling is the perfect way to explore this varied county and there are many attractive rides to choose from - whether on quiet country lanes or along the Forest Way and Cuckoo Trail, which together provide 35 kilometres of safe and relaxed traffic-free cycling. Or why not try off-road cycling on the longest bridle path in England - the South Downs Way?
You'll find lots of things to see and do during your visit. Whether it's typical English villages, historic buildings or monuments like the fairytale castles at Bodiam and Herstmonceux, the site of the Battle of Hastings or the beautiful unspoilt landscape of the Ashdown Forest - there is something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to East Sussex.
Kent
Known as the 'Garden of England', Kent is the perfect place for cyclists to enjoy a variety of cycle rides that cater for all abilities. With its charming countryside and varied coastline, Kent offers cyclists a refreshing and enriching experience. Pedal along the stunning chalk cliffs of the North Downs, discover the unspoilt and surprisingly empty beaches, or explore the quiet winding lanes and villages of the beautiful Wealden countryside.
Seine Maritime
Enjoy a trip, either on foot or by bike, in this spectacular countryside full of natural beauty and varied landscapes. Come and experience the pleasure of the Avenue Verte London Paris!
The Avenue Verte provides more than 40 kilometres (37 kilometres between Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf and Beaubec-la-Rosière, and four kilometres between Offranville and Petit-Appeville) of traffic-free routes - perfectly safe and free for everyone.
If you would like a copy of an Avenue Verte map or guidebook, send an e-mail to tourisme@cdt76.fr or phone 0033 (0)235 121010.
Somme
In Somme, the Franco-British Cycle Plan is helping to provide a safe and continuous coastal cycle route along the Bay of the Somme and a wide range of services for cycle tourists, including accommodation, restaurants and transfer between sites.
Already, cycle tourists can enjoy 40 kilometres of dedicated cycle tracks and it is planned to extend the total length to 70 kilometres, connecting the Somme with our two neighbouring departments - Seine-Maritime and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. There are also seven circular cycle routes, totalling 230 kilometres. These run along quiet roads, allowing you to discover the Bay of the Somme and its surrounding countryside by bike.
The 'Côte Picarde à Vélo' (Cycling along the Picardy Coast) network also forms part of this project. The network brings together the different areas of the tourism industry such as accommodation providers, restaurants, tourist attractions, bike-hire companies and cycle shops to give you a warm welcome and to guarantee that all your needs are met.
From summer 2006, a cycle station (gîte 'Relais Vélo') will be welcoming cycling tourists and walkers along the Somme canal.
