Gardens of Château de Maintenon

Cycle tour - Véloscénie - self-guided - 10D/9N Classic

Discover “Véloscenie”, the spectacular cycle route between Paris and Mont Saint Michel

From
1364€
Choose a Journey
  • Duration

    10 Days
  • Difficulty

    Easy
  • Distance

    474km
  • Landscapes

    • Nature
    • Castle
    • Greenway
  • Theme

    • E-Bike
    • Culture 
  • Type of Journey

    Self-Guided

Description

Discover the Véloscenie, a superb cycle route from Versailles to Mont Saint Michel, going through Maintenon in Chartres with its Cathédrale de lumières. You will enjoy cycling in forests and in the norman countryside, with the Thermes de Bagnoles de l’Orne and the majestic Mont Saint Michel at the end of your tour. This itinerary is an excellent combination between culture and nature.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Paris  City of Love
Versailles
5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Chartres
Mont St Michel

Characteristics of this journey/holiday

Day by day

Day 1 Paris

Arrival in Paris.

Day 2 Paris – Versailles 36 km

This first day starts with a gentle ride around Paris. You will pass by the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, the Eiffel Tower and other must-see sites of the city. You will then cycle along the unspoilt quiet roads in the valley of La Bièvre taking you to the royal city of Versailles for your first night

Day 3 Versailles – Epernon 70 km

You leave Versailles and cycle along the picturesque Valley de la Chevreuse. Châteaux, museums, wash-houses, small lovely villages await you, and you can sample local produce in the farms in the Regional Natural Park. You will then enter the Domaine de Rambouillet with its famous château, the former residence of the Kings of France. You will cycle along the unspoilt routes of the château to arrive in Epernon.

Day 4 Epernon – Illiers Combray 66 km

The bike ride starts on charming roads passing through numerous small villages. Before arriving at the great city of Chartres, you will have the possibility to visit the magnificent château of Madame de Maintenon, last wife of Sun King Louis XIV. Do not miss a visit to the recently renovated garden “à la française” of the château.

The second highlight of the day is the city of Chartres with its sublime cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site and a masterpiece of gothic art. The cathedral boasts 9 sculpted gates and 2,600 m² of stained glass windows dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.

You will then ride to Illiers-Combray amongst the romantic countryside that inspired Marcel Proust for his novel “A la recherche du temps perdu”.

Tag 5 Illiers Combray – Condeau 61 km

This itinerary then takes you on to the National Park of Perche, through authentic green landscapes. The region is renowned for the Percheron breed of horses, and you will have the possibility of visiting a breeding centre where you can take a carriage ride. This region is also well known for its apples and cider producers will also be happy to give you a tasting along the way.

Day 6 Condeau – Alençon 60 km

Your ride today begins gently in the National Park of Normandie Maine. Part of the day is along a cycle path and, you will enjoy a varied landscape all day to the charming town of Alençon.  Alençon is famous for its needle lace-making, a technique which is UNESCO registered.

Day 7 Alençon – Bagnoles-de l’Orne 53 km

Today is a little more challenging but the scenery is breath-taking and you will enjoy wonderful views throughout the day. Along the route, you can visit the impressive small Château de Carrouges. The gardens of the château could be a good option for a picnic. Your day ends in Bagnoles de l’Ornes. This city is full of charms, especially its Belle Epoque neighbourhood. The city is also well known for its baths so why not end the day with a relaxing swim or a massage.

Day 8 Bagnoles – St Hilaire du Harcouët 61 km

Today you ride through fascinating landscapes and forests to Domfront with its historical town centre. Most of the way will be along dedicated cycle routes, and this lovely day will end in Saint Hilaire, a small but lively town.

Day 9 St Hilaire – Mont St Michel 61 km

However, many images you’ve seen of the Mont St-Michel rising majestically from its massive bay, coming in person will always be a moving experience.

Magical Mont-St-Michel. The sight is stunning, the island is topped by its Gothic Abbey masterpiece. The bay is subject to some of the biggest tidal variations in Europe, so the views change hourly. At high tide, the island is surrounded by water, but as the waters recede, a vast network of channels is revealed. These great shifts add to the magic.

Day 10 Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the train station of Saint Malo.

Possibility to book our return shuttle-service to Chartres, Versailles or Paris.

Accommodation

2 nights in 4-star-hotels with spa and swimming pool
6 nights in 3-star-hotels
1 night in a charming chambre d’hôtes with swimming pool

Included services

2 nights in 4-star-hotels with spa and swimming pool
6 nights in 3-star-hotels
1 night in a charming chambre d’hôtes with swimming pool
Daily breakfast
Welcome talk
Daily luggage transfer
Itinerary on our app
Route books, maps and information material
Transfer to St Malo train station
7/7 Service Hotline

City tax is not included and has to be paid on the spot.

Tour dates

Arrival: Daily 16.03. – 02.11.2024

Additional informations

Grade: The main part of the tour takes place on plains, so it is flat. Some easy rises in the villages on secondary roads.

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