cycle the western front
A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and
cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known
as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set
your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits
of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our
sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours
across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active
holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers
or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory
to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning
postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare
the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive,
giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether
you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea –
UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
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explore europe your way
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TRIP COST
Joining Amiens :$1759
Trip Concludes: Lille
All prices are per person
OPTIONS &
SUPPLEMENTS
Supplement to
start on a day other
than Sunday:$90
Electric Bike
TRIP NAME:CYCLE THE WESTERN FRONT
TRIP CODE:CWF
TRIP DURATION:8 DAYS
GRADE:MODERATE ‑ 3
Arras
Amiens
DATE DETAILS:
SUNDAYS FROM 2 APR TO 22 OCT
Lille
Villers Bretonneux
France
ACTIVITY:SELF GUIDED CYCLE
ACCOMMODATION:HOTELS
Belgium
Ypres
Paris
Honfleur
Supplement:$110
Upgrade Supplement:$350
Single Supplement standard hotels:$440
Single Supplement upgrade hotels:$550
Single Traveller
Surcharge standard hotels:$730
Single Traveller
Surcharge - upgrade
hotels:$840
As the trip price is based on twinshare,
a single supplement is payable if a
single room is required ‑ or a single
traveller supplement if you are travelling
solo*. Please refer to the price options
for costs or ask our office for details.
Note regarding single rooms ‑ The
single supplement guarantees the
privacy of your own room, however,
rooms can at times be small and in
some places may not enjoy the same
facilities as double/twin rooms.
highlights
Exploring the historic battlefields and commemorative memorials of the Western Front
Visiting museums and sites to gain a deeper understanding of the war history of the region
Enjoying the warm welcome from the locals and the hearty regional cuisine
Cycling through beautiful countryside and discovering interesting medieval towns and cities
the trip
Across the French region of the Somme and the northern region of Belgium known as Flanders
is an area of outstanding natural beauty, steeped in history with rich culinary traditions. Through
this area runs the Western Front, a series of trenches built by the Germans in WWI stretching
700km from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border. Following the Western Front along quiet roads
and bike paths, this reflective cycle journey first stops at Villers Bretonneaux, where in April 1918
the Australian Corps successfully stopped the advancing German troops. En route to Flanders you
can stop to visit museums, cemeteries and moving memorials dedicated to the brave soldiers who
fought in WWI. Whilst the historic focus of this self guided cycle is firmly on the sights of importance
for Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and British people, there are so many more reasons to
visit the spectacular region. The warm welcome from the locals, the tantalising cuisine where local
ingredients are sourced to produce satisfying meals, and the varying hues of the landscape are
what make this ride so special. In the evening, stay in a selection of handpicked hotels and take the
time to stroll around the interesting town centres to gain further appreciation of the impact of the
war history on the region.­
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cycle the western front
*The single traveller surcharge is only
available on trips deemed suitable
for solo travellers. It is usually more
expensive than the single supplement
due to the extra cost for luggage
transfers and organisation.
itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Arrive Amiens
Day 2
Somme River to Villers Bretonneaux, via the Hamel battlefield to Albert (51-72km)
IMPORTANT NOTES
Day 3
Cycle via Pozieres to Arras (61-68km)
DN1 - Departures other than on Sunday
are possible - supplement applies.
Day 4
Along the River Scarpe to Vimy then Bethune (52km)
Day 5
Through Flanders via Fromelles (longer route) and Bailleul to Ypres (56-73km)
Day 6
Loop cycle retracing historic First World War battles (40km)
Day 7
Cross into France and follow the Lys canal to Lille (40km)
Day 8
Trip concludes
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Amiens
On arrival in Amiens make your way to your hotel which is located in the centre of town
near the Cathedral. This beautiful edifice is the largest example of Gothic architecture
in France and is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. The Cathedral boasts a soaring
nave and its said it could easily accommodate the Notre Dame twice over. Miraculously,
the Cathedral survived WWI. There are a number of commemorative plaques, in memory
of soldiers from the Allied Front. Amiens was home to Jules Verne for a number of years
and it was here that he wrote most of his novels. Take time out to stroll along the canal
path before you begin your cycle tour.
meals: NIL
DAY 2Somme River to Villers Bretonneaux, via the Hamel battlefield to Albert (51-72km)
The ride begins eastwards following the River Somme and after about 19km, you arrive
in Villers Bretonneaux. It was here that between the 24th and 26th April in 1918, the
Australian expeditionary army corps successfully stopped the advancing German troops
and, as a consequence, prevented the city of Amiens from being taken. The Australian
National Memorial and the Franco-Australian Museum, within the Victoria School, offer
a fascinating and detailed insight into these events.
Continuing eastwards, you cross the Hamel battlefield to gain access to the other side
of the River Somme, at Cerisy, then enjoy magnificent river views along the road leading
to Albert. The town of Albert was the epicentre of the great battle of the Somme and was
also the principal industrial town in the Ancre Valley. The Somme Museum, established
within an anti-aircraft underground shelter, retraces military life during the First World
War.
meals: B
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cycle the western front
DAY 3Cycle via Pozieres to Arras (61-68km)
Following the main road out of town, you head north towards the Ancre Valley before
climbing towards Thiepval Ridge. The first large offensive was launched on 1st of July
1916 here, involving 20,000 men from the British Reserve Army and was known as ‘the
bloodiest day in British military history’. Thiepval was liberated three months later, on
27th of September 1916. You pass the Belfast Tower, erected in 1921 in memory of the
Ulster Battalion which so courageously fought that day at Thiepval.
After crossing Ancre, you arrive at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial,
dedicated to the Newfoundland Regiment which was all but annihilated in the space of
thirty minutes after the German soldiers opened fire. A little further on, you arrive at the
German cemetery Fricourt and two memorial sites, one dedicated to the South African
regiment and known as Delville Wood, the other dedicated to the New Zealand division
called Longueval.
The cycle route then takes you to the village of Pozieres, where the Australian regiment,
completely exhausted by relentless artillery attacks, was eventually relieved by the
Canadians. The names of over 14,000 casualties are engraved on the cemetery walls
here.
You then leave the Somme department and cycle for a further 20km through countryside
before reaching Arras, the Artois capital. With its Flemish baroque style, Arras has a long
and established reputation for its superb draperies and tapestries, and the city’s wealth
and influence is evident today. The architecture, dating from the Flemish Baroque period
through to the Art Deco style, will charm and captivate you. Two World Heritage listed
sites, the Belfry and Vauban’s Citadel, merit a visit, as do the ‘Boves’, underground
passages dating from medieval times and expanded by the New Zealand Tunnelling
Company. Robespierre, the influential figure of the French Revolution, was born in Arras.
Your hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city. In the evening, take some time out
to relax at one of the cafes in the celebrated Place des Heros.
meals: B
DAY 4Along the River Scarpe to Vimy then Bethune (52km)
Following the River Scarpe, you then head north for about 20km until you reach Vimy.
On 17th of April 1917, this large park became the centrepiece of a ferocious battle
between the German army and Canadian troops, the latter losing more than 11,000
soldiers. The impressive Canadian National Vimy Memorial was built on the Vimy Ridge
and commemorates those who lost their lives here.
After a pause at Souchez village, you climb Lorette’s Hill, where in May 1915, French and
German troops fought to gain control of Artois. The cemetery Notre Dame de Lorette,
where 40,000 soldiers found their final resting place, is considered the most important
French military cemetery of today.
Continuing north, you cross a section of mining area and arrive in Bethune, where you
spend the night. Historically, Bethune has always been considered a bourgeois town,
accumulating wealth from neighbouring agricultural land, from a prolific textile industry
dating back to the Middle Ages and from a thriving mechanical/chemical industry.
Although Bethune managed to escape German occupation, the town centre was badly
bombed in May 1918 and with the exception of the belfry, was almost entirely destroyed.
Since 1964, the town has been twinned with Hastings in England, where another great
battle took place and a certain William the Conqueror was crowned the new King of
England.
meals: B
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cycle the western front
DAY 5Through Flanders via Fromelles (longer route) and Bailleul to Ypres (56-73km)
Welcome to Flanders, or ‘the flat land’: the title of one of Jacques Brel’s songs, where he
describes the flat landscape, void of mountains. Gastronomically, the region’s specialties
reflect the celebrated reputation of its people - their warmth! Delight in sampling regional
dishes such as Carbonade Flamande, Maroilles, Welsh Potjevleesch or Waterzooi, all
accompanied by freshly made chips and a quality beer from one of the neighbouring
abbeys. Flanders was formerly one of the richest and most coveted of French provinces,
and also one of the most densely populated. It played a very significant role in the
French Industrial Revolution.
If you opt for the longer of the two cycle routes today, you will arrive at Fromelles, a small
village which became the centre of combat between the Commonwealth (principally
Australians) and the Germans. Between 19th and 20th July 1916, around 8,500 soldiers
were killed.
Rejoining the shorter route, you head towards Bailleul, the capital of the ‘Monts de
Flandres’, a series of small hills which rise to about 160m. From the top there are
magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. You can take time out to relax in
one of the region’s typical inns. Also worthy of a visit is the ‘Abbaye du Mont des Cats’,
where you can delight in sampling local cheese and beer produced by the local Trappist
monks. The Franco-American writer Marguerite Yourcenar grew up in this charming,
picturesque region.
You then cross into Belgium and head towards Ypres, where you will spend the next
two nights.
meals: B
DAY 6Loop cycle retracing historic First World War battles (40km)
In October 1914, the Western Front battle lines halted several kilometres from the
town of Ypres and formed a salient along the German lines. This wealthy Flemish town
witnessed five different battles, where soldiers from all corners of the world joined forces
to take part in the combat. Today’s cycle route will retrace these historic events from
Zonnebeke to Langemark Poelkapelle and including Passchendaele. More than 300,000
allied soldiers, 250,000 of them from the Commonwealth, died during these ferocious
battles and there are more than 170 cemeteries in the surrounding countryside.
Returning to Ypres, it is really difficult to imagine that this medieval town was almost
entirely destroyed at the end of the First World War.Ypres’ prosperity really developed
during the Middle Ages, when it was known as the ‘Craftsman’s Textile Capital’. The
Tapestry/Textile Market Hall, one of the largest Gothic-style buildings in Europe, was
unfortunately destroyed during the German air raids but has been restored to its former
glory.
A visit to the museum ‘In Flanders Fields’ allows visitors to retrace the life of a soldier or
a civilian during the war. Ypres also boasts an abundance of fine chocolate producers
as well as several delicious local specialties: waffles, Tapjesvlees, Patte de Chat and
Cuberdon.
At 8pm at the Menin Gate (la Porte de Menin, or in Dutch ‘Menenpoort’), there is event
that you shouldn’t miss: everyday since 1928, buglers sound the ‘Last Post’ in memory
of the Commonwealth troops.
meals: B
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cycle the western front
DAY 7Cross into France and follow the Lys canal to Lille (40km)
After enjoying a hearty Flemish breakfast, you head south east, crossing the Flemish
countryside until you arrive at the French border town of Warneton. Here you join the
Lys canal and follow the original canal towpaths, from where you can watch the canal
barges as they transport goods between Paris and Rotterdam. At each lock there is a
small town. Take time out to relax at Quesnoy-sur-Deule, a charming border town, or
enjoy a cup of tea on a barge cafe at Wambrechies.
You enter the city of Lille (Rijsel in Flemish) by way of the magnificent citadel, a military
edifice built by Vauban during the 17th century and aptly named ‘Queen of the Citadels’.
Your hotel is situated in the heart of the city, in the ‘Grand Place’. The old city of Lille,
the opera and railway station are within easy walking distance. The fifth largest urban
area in France, Lille enjoys a wonderfully rich and influential history. Charles de Gaulle
was born here and his birthplace is open to the public. Louis Pasteur also spent a part
of his esteemed life in Lille. If time allows, this jewel of the north is surely worth an extra
day’s stay.
meals: B
DAY 8Trip concludes
Trip concludes in Lille after breakfast.
meals: B
inclusions
7 breakfasts ‑ continental style with bread, croissant, cheese, spreads, tea, coffee and juice
7 nights in 2‑4 star hotels and B&Bs on a twinshare basis with private facilities
quality specialized Sirrus rental bike supplied with panniers, repair kit, helmet, bike computer and
lock
luggage transfers
Information pack including maps & road book (per room booked)
emergency hotline
items not included
drinks, lunches and dinners
tour guide ‑ this is a self guided cycle
entrance fees
items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, souvenirs etc.
travel insurance
getting there
BY CARDriving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin.
com
BY TRAINThe trip begins in Amiens and the usual hotel is located in the centre of town
near the Cathedral. From PARIS NORD train station you can take a direct train
to AMIENS which takes around 1.5 hours depending on the train. From Lille at
the end of the trip you can take a direct train (TGV) to Paris Nord – the journey
time is about 1 hour. We are happy to assist with booking rail passes and seat
reservations.
BY AIRThe nearest international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle. From the airport
to Paris NORD station, take the RER (Regional Express Railway) Line B train ‑
departs every 7 to 15 minutes and takes around 35 minutes.
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cycle the western front
trip grading - moderate
This trip involves 6 days cycling between 40 and 73km per day over a mix of flat and undulating terrain.
The route travels along quiet back roads with low traffic. When entering and leaving towns you will be on
roads with more traffic where care needs to be taken. We recommend that you undertake some pre trip
training to ensure you get the most out of your cycle trip and are comfortable cycling in areas of medium
traffic. During the cycle you need only carry your camera and water bottle etc. Your luggage is transported
for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn – these will be provided
to you with your bike.
equipment provided
During the trip you will be supplied with a good quality Specialized Sirrus rental bike together with panniers,
repair kit, helmet, bike computer and lock
dietary requirements
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and
can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss
your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we
can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely
to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may
be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to
guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with
life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility
of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of
self‑administering these medications.
a note on our self guided adventures
Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a
keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make
minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be
able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that
you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding,
losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never
been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of
our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding
is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions
and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to
finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with
a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something
that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.
joining instructions
Three weeks prior to your departure you will receive details of the hotels and joining instructions. On check
in you will receive all the necessary documentation for your tour. This will include:
otel vouchers
H
aps
M
detailed information for the cycle route
tourist information
fast facts
COUNTRIES VISITEDFrance
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VISASVisas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for
up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www.
schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the
Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen
area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the
Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport
holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in
the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending
most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there
is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in
obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.
CLIMATEThe trip runs between April and October during the European Spring, Summer
& Autumn. The months of June to August are busy times with temperature
ranging between 5‑18 in Spring and Autumn, and 15 ‑ 25 degree Celsius in
Summer (sometimes higher).
MIN GROUP SIZE2
SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIREDBike helmet (provided locally), wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and
sun hat. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre‑departure information
provided on booking.
how to book
Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own
convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form ‑ which can be found at the back of our brochure, on
our website or we can email you a copy ‑ then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks
or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note:
surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive
airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including
flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation.
follow us
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https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/
https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel
There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover
slide shows
UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are
designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure
travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows
can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure
news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks.
com or contact our office.
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IMPORTANT NOTE
THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS
ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.
talk to us
If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest
UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.
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cycle the western front
AUSTRALIA
UTracks
Level 5, 71 York St
Sydney NSW 2000
T: (02) 8270 8488
F: (02) 8270 8489
Toll free: 1300 303 368
[email protected]
Feel free to visit our World Expeditions
offices in:• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Adelaide (Thor Travel)
For address and office phone numbers visit
www.worldexpeditions.com
NEW ZEALAND
UTracks
Level 1, 59-67 High St
Auckland CBD
PO Box 106-275
Auckland City 1143
T: (09) 368 4161
F: (09) 368 4162
Toll Free: 0800 350 354
[email protected]
CANADA - OTTAWA
UTracks
47 William St
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
K1N 6Z9
T: 613 241 2700
F: 613 2414189
Toll Free: 1-800-567-2216
[email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
UTracks
1B Osiers Road
Wandsworth
London SW18 1NL
T: 0845 241 7599
F: 020 8870 7014
T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland)
[email protected]
UTracks is a division of the
World Expeditions Travel Group
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