Amsterdam - Paris

In mid-September, I embarked on my first long bikepacking journey alone, starting in Amsterdam to visit my parents, who live in the western suburbs of Paris. The journey took me through diverse landscapes, from the flat polder lands of the Netherlands, across Belgium’s wild countryside and fields. I followed the scenic Meuse River for a portion of the trip in Belgium, which added to the beauty of the ride. After crossing the Ardennes Forest, I crossed the border into France and cycled through charming villages, along canals, and rolling hills in northern France.

The journey took me 6 days, navigating through all sorts of terrain, as I experienced everything from serene rural paths to bustling urban streets before reaching the outskirts of Paris. Along the way, I also had to tackle some hike-a-bike sections, pushing my bike through tougher, unrideable parts of the route.