The idea of a “green route” linking Paris to London was first suggested for the 2012 London Olympics, and a network of voluntary groups, local authorities and charities combined to create the 247-mile Avenue Verte for cyclists and walkers.
The route ran from the London Eye to Notre Dame cathedral in Paris and crossed the Channel at Newhaven, linking up stretches of existing cycle paths and bridleways to create a largely traffic-free trail on the English side of the Channel. A few hardy souls managed to cycle the entire route from Paris to London, but the majority of users enjoyed a day or two out in glorious countryside, celebrating the spirit of the Olympics.
The route includes Sussex beauty spots
In 2024 the route has been renewed and added to, with volunteers from the charity Sustrans, custodian of the National Cycle Network, going out in force to update signs along the Avenue-Verte London to Paris route, including painting the trail’s distinctive mileposts in Olympic colours. All the signs along the 98 miles of the trail from the London Eye to the Channel crossing at Newhaven were checked and new ones installed where they were missing, ready for the opening of the Paris Olympics – a Herculean task.
The trail includes several popular traffic-free sections in East and West Sussex, taking in the Cuckoo Trail and Worth Way/Forest Way, passing through the glorious countryside of the High Weald and Ashdown Forest, winding down to Friston Forest and the iconic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters at Cuckmere Haven, before turning west to pick up the newly laid stretch of cycle path from Seaford to Newhaven.
Along the route there are endless opportunities for short detours to investigate historic sites and beauty spots or just to stop and savour panoramic views over the South Downs and the sea. Planning a day out cycling or walking stretches of the Avenue Verte is made easy using the Sustrans map of the route and the relevant Ordnance Survey maps.
Sustrans volunteers have re-signed the route
John Gillespie, a Sustrans volunteer who has been signing the route, recalls: “The Avenue Verte was the first solo trip that I did and I have good memories of it from both sides of La Manche.
“It runs through our local section of National Cycle Route 21 and I frequently see long distance tourists on their way either to London or to Paris. I’ve cycled a number of Sustrans routes over the years. Some have been well signed and some not so. I’m keen to ensure that cyclists can navigate their way down the NCN21 easily without looking at a map, or their phone.”
Toby Spearpoint, volunteer officer at Sustrans said: “A massive thank to all our volunteers who have helped to update and improve the signs along the Avenue Verte.
“We expect many people will attempt the route this summer. We want to wish them a safe and happy journey, and hope our colourful signs help to get everyone in the Olympic spirit!
“But you don’t have to be into sport to explore the Avenue Verte. The route has several beautiful traffic-free sections which are perfect for all ages to travel short distances on foot, mobility aid or bicycle.”
Why not ride the whole route?
The route has thousands of everyday users who use sections of it as a local path to travel on foot, wheelchair or bike, and each year some people attempt to complete the whole route from the London Eye to Notre Dame. Sustrans has reprinted its cycling guide book of the Avenue Verte to support challenge riders. If you are contemplating riding the whole route – bonne chance! What better way could there be to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics?
See more details at the website: https://www.avenuevertelondonparis.co.uk/
and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenue_verte_london_paris/
This article is adapted from a press release by Sustrans.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
