Are you up for an extraordinary adventure? Join us on our fully supported and bespoke cycle through Normandy, Brittany and then into Cornwall and enjoy the unique opportunity of funding your local adult hospice nurses!
Join #TeamCHC on our fourth bespoke overseas cycle for charity, taking place over 6 days in September 2025.
Your adventure will take you from the shores of Normandy through the beautiful countryside of Brittany, before returning to Cornwall for a triumphant finish and celebration at our Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell.
A truly amazing experience; you’ll make lifelong friends, go beyond what you thought you could do, but most of all make unforgettable memories.
You will spend 5 days in the saddle, cycling some 327 miles. Your journey begins from the Ferry when we dock in Ouistreham (Caen), where once underway you will snake through picturesque Normandy and Brittany, as we cycle 4 days through quiet French country lanes.
You’ll pedal through traditional market towns to see some of the best northern France has to offer with a mix of stunning country side and spectacular coastline – even catching glimpses of the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel.
On Day 5 we will head into Roscoff to board our ferry home, where we will spend a night in Plymouth before our final day in the saddle back to Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, where our teams will welcome you to your finale across the finish line.
The pride, camaraderie and sense of achievement will make all the days in the saddle worth it as you soak in this magnificent achievement.
Challenge duration – 6 days
Days in the saddle – 5 days
Distance – 335 miles (approximately)
Difficulty – Moderate – a good level of fitness is required for this challenge. You will need to train, however remember that although the distances are larger, you have all day to do it! We do ask that you are able to average a speed of 10mph to ensure we meet check points, meal times and the all important ferry home!
Accommodation – Overnight ferry and hotels (twin room occupancy)
This option means the cost of your challenge is met through raising a minimum sponsorship. The cost of this challenge is £850 per cyclist, so you will raise £750 to fund our care, and anything over the minimum target will directly fund our nurses!
We expect that 80% of your minimum sponsorship (£1,280) is received by the 24th July 2025 (10 weeks prior to departure). We ask for this, as it is at this point we pay final balances for accommodation.
This option means you can choose how much you wish to fundraise, by paying for the cost of your challenge yourself. This way, you are in control of your target.
On the 10th July 2025 (12 weeks before departure), you will receive an invoice to pay the £850 balance. There is also the option to setup a Direct Debit from the point of booking until this date if you wish to make monthly payments (please discuss this with Jane or Oli prior to booking).
Your challenge balance must be paid in full by the 24th July 2025, otherwise your place may be at risk.
Limited availability, please request using the online form when you register.
Day 1 – Registration will be around midday (to be confirmed) for around an hour before we depart on the bus, travelling to the Ferry Port at Portsmouth. We will stop for comfort breaks and an evening meal. On arrival at the ferry port you will be repatriated with your bike and we will embark the ferry as a group of cycling passengers.
Day 2 – Breakfast will be on the ferry, before we disembark at Ouistreham (Caen), you will travel through Normandy, taking in typically stunning French countryside before arrival in Flers Normandie. Distance – 79.1 miles / 4,717ft elevation gain.
Route Map Day 2 – Ouistreham to Flers.
Day 3 – Today you cycle from Flers to the historic market town of Dinan, taking in views of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site Mont-Saint-Michel – make sure you have your camera ready! This will be one of the longer days in the saddle but the Coastal views will make it worth it, plus Dinan really is a treat at the end of a full day of cycling! Distance – 85.1 miles / 4,646ft elevation gain.
Route Map Day 3 – Flers to Dinan.
Day 4 – Todays route takes you out of Dinan, where you will experience a stunning cocktail of countryside and coastline with yet more amazing views. Finishing in the picturesque riverside town of Lannion you will be rewarded with yet more beautiful scenery. Distance – 85.2 miles / 4,513ft elevation gain.
Route Map Day 4 – Dinan to Lannion.
Day 5 – A shorter day today! Heading out of Lannion you will largely hug the coast on your way back to Roscoff to catch the Ferry back to Plymouth. Make the most of the French roads and exquisite views as the Port of Roscoff looms ever closer. The ferry is an afternoon crossing and we will stay overnight at a hotel in Plymouth. Distance – 41.5 miles / 2,331ft elevation gain.
Route Map Day 5 – Lannion to Roscoff.
Day 6 – Your final day in the saddle! A short ride through Plymouth, to the Torpoint Ferry to bring us back into Kernow, as we follow familiar roads to take us back to Mount Edgcumbe Hospice. There will be a celebration in the grounds of the hospice before we head to a full on celebration meal, where your supporters will be welcome to join us (there will be additional cost for this)! Distance and elevation to be confirmed. Following the celebration we will be looking to secure a hotel deal for those who wish to stay overnight but this will be at additional cost and not included in the cost of the trip.
Please note – exact distances and elevation gains on Cycle France may adjust from the above specific detail and the itinerary is subject to change as required.
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We will support you fully as you prepare for the Cycle France challenge. In just a few short moments you can be a part of our epic team and support Cornwall Hospice Care.
The Cornwall Hospice Care event team are well versed at event delivery, having hosted the Run Falmouth Half Marathon for over a decade, as well as The Saints Way Trek – a two day fully supported domestic trek as well as supporting runners to achieve their goals in the London Marathon.
In 2017 and 2019 we delivered an overseas French cycle via a third party then in 2023 we organised The Mont-Saint-Michel Cycle entirely by ourselves with great success. You will be in safe hands for the Cycle France challenge! There are so many memories and friends to be made – sign up today!
Can I do it?
YES – you can! A good level of fitness is required to complete Cycle France but whatever your ability, with the right training you can achieve this challenge!
I’m concerned about the fundraising element!
Fundraising can seem like a daunting task, but once you tell your friends and family what you are doing, you’ll be surprised how keen they are to donate to the cause and show their support. Simply sharing your JustGiving page to social media is a really effective way of fundraising.
We have a dedicated team of fundraisers on hand to support you and give advice on any fundraising events you might want to do. Quiz nights, bake sales, duck races and raffles are just some of the simple yet effective ways people have met their challenge sponsorship targets and beyond in previous years. Get in touch to see how we can help.
If you feel you are struggling with the target please get in touch with us – our role is to support you on this journey, so please don’t struggle alone!
Can my supporters join us in France?
Absolutely, yes! They will need to make their own travel, accommodation and meal arrangements but we can provide them with tips on where to spot you!
Do I need a passport to take part in Cycle France?
Yes, you will need a valid passport to travel into France. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your planned departure from the destination country.
Do I need my own bike to take part?
If you don’t have your own bike, you can take part on a hire bike, but please ensure that your bike is fully serviced before our departure date whether it is your own or hired.
Can I go at my own pace?
Yes – but we do request that you train to a minimum speed of 10mph (average) to ensure we meet meal and ferry deadlines.
Do I need a GPS device?
Yes! These are mandatory kit and NOT provided. You must supply your own device and upload the routes before we go to France. We suggest you use it for training rides so you are familiar with the device before the start of this challenge. You can use your phone with an app but it is useful to know that your phone battery will drain quickly whilst using GPS so a decent power bank is also advisable!
Can I take part on an E-Bike?
If you prefer to ride an E-bike you are still very welcome to join us!!
Are helmets compulsory?
Yes!!! No helmet, no cycle!
