Day 7 – The Eiffel Tower

The final day had finally arrived.

After 6 days of cycling across England and France, all that stood between us and the Eiffel Tower was 52 km (32.5 miles) from Maisons-Laffitte into the heart of Paris.

It looked like the easiest stage of the journey. The route was almost completely flat, with only 160 metres of climbing across the entire day.

So we decided not to rush and spent the morning relaxing at the campsite in Maisons-Laffitte, enjoying the swimming pool, recovering from the previous days, and having a proper lunch instead of our usual cycling menu of sandwiches, snacks, and protein bars.

The weather remained true to the rest of the trip: hot, very hot. Once again, temperatures were above 30°C.

By early afternoon, it was time to get on the bikes for the final ride.

Leaving Maisons-Laffitte behind, we followed the Seine River through beautiful riverside paths. The cycling was easy and peaceful, with long stretches of gravel tracks winding alongside the water. After the challenges of the previous days, it felt like a chance to slow down and enjoy the journey.

As we passed through Le Pecq and Croissy-sur-Seine, there was a growing sense that something special was getting closer.

The kilometres rolled by quickly.

Continuing through Colombes and towards Saint-Denis, the atmosphere gradually changed. The countryside feeling disappeared and was replaced by the energy of the city.

We both enjoyed reaching the Canal Saint-Denis, where the water was like glass and the canal buzzed with activity. Teenagers were diving into the water, people were swimming, families relaxed along the banks, and cafés and bars were bustling with people soaking up the sunshine. It seemed as if the entire city had stepped outside to savor the lovely weather.

We stopped for photos with the Stade de France standing proudly in the background before continuing along the canal for several more kilometres.

The closer we got to Paris, the busier everything became.

The peaceful cycle paths gave way to crowded streets, busy esplanades, restaurants, and riverside terraces packed with people eating, drinking, and enjoying the evening atmosphere.

Then came the most challenging part of the day.

Following the Komoot track through central Paris, we found ourselves riding on busy cycling highways filled with commuters and experienced city cyclists.

Compared to the quiet trails and country roads we had ridden all week, it felt like a completely different world.

Cyclists overtook from every direction. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry. Junctions were crowded and fast-moving. At times it felt chaotic and intimidating.

For Teresa, it was probably one of the scariest parts of the entire journey.

Several times we chose to get off the bikes and walk through the busiest sections rather than take unnecessary risks.

Eventually, we reached the final approach.

Following the Seine once more, we turned onto the avenue leading directly towards the iconic Eiffel Tower.

After seven days, hundreds of kilometres, countless pedal strokes, sore legs, tired bodies, and moments of doubt, there it was.

I looked at Teresa and saw her face light up instantly.

“I can’t believe I cycled from London to Paris.”

Then she smiled and added:

“I can’t wait to go back to school and tell all my friends.”

At that moment, I was struggling to hold back the tears.

Not because of the distance, not because of the challenge, but because I was looking at a young girl who had shown extraordinary resilience and determination every single day for an entire week.

A few minutes later, we rolled into the park beneath the Eiffel Tower where Mum and David joined us.

Seeing them there made the finish even more special.

This journey had never really been about two people on bikes. It had been a family adventure from the very beginning.

Mum and David had supported us every step of the way. They provided logistics, water, meals, encouragement, and countless smiles throughout the week. When things became difficult, they were always there.

And now they were there to celebrate the finish too.

Together, beneath the Eiffel Tower, the four of us shared a moment that none of us will ever forget.

One of my favourite memories:

Teresa quietly walked away and sat alone on the grass facing the tower.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/731c4c_8e762757d9d14888841d88ba4442cd4c/file

She sat there for several minutes without saying a word.

Just looking. Reflecting. Taking it all in.

I am not sure yet if she really understood what she had accomplished.

Not many adults cycle from London to Paris. Very few 10-year-olds do.

Throughout this journey, Teresa taught me an important lesson.

I planned every day carefully, alway had a plan B in case plan A didn't work and I was always prepared to change the plan and remain flexible if necessary.

Teresa never wanted to.

Every day she insisted on reaching the planned destination.

No shortcuts, No excuses, No easier option.

If today’s ride was shortened, then tomorrow would become harder.

So every day she made sure we finished exactly where we had planned.

Sometimes it was frustrating. Sometimes I thought she was being stubborn.

But looking back now, I realise it was one of her greatest strengths.

That determination carried her all the way from London to Paris.

And let's be honest: cycling for hundreds of kilometres is not always exciting.

There are long stretches where the scenery doesn't change much and the kilometres seem endless. For a 10-year-old, that can be incredibly difficult.

We tried to make it fun.

We stopped often.

We played music during difficult moments.

We explored villages.

We enjoyed picnics.

We tried the delicious cakes from the local Petisseries.

And every evening we came back together as a family at the campsite, eat dinner, and share stories from the day.

Those moments became just as important as the cycling itself.

Over 7 unforgettable days, Teresa wrote her own story.

• A story of resilience.

• A story of determination.

• A story of kindness.

• A story that proves that when we ride with a purpose, we can achieve far more than we ever imagined.

London to Paris is complete, but the memories created, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned along the way will remain with us for a lifetime.

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Although the ride has come to an end, the reason behind it has not.

Teresa set out to cycle from London to Paris to support children and families facing challenges no child should ever have to face.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people, we have already raised almost £1,500 for My Shining Star Children's Cancer Charity.

We are truly grateful to every single person who has donated, shared the story, or sent words of encouragement along the way.

We will keep the fundraiser open for a little longer, so if you have been following Teresa's journey and would still like to support this wonderful cause, there is still time to contribute.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps My Shining Star continue creating precious moments, memories, and support for children and families when they need it most.

Teresa achieved her goal of reaching Paris.

Now let's see if together we can help her go even further and make an even bigger difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey.