Cycling Tour in Normandy

The palace of Versailles is an absolute marvel! Enjoy the truly remarkable sight and take a stroll through the surrounding quarter. Enjoy the evening in one of the many local restaurants with sampling French or international cuisine.

Today you have the time to visit the magnificent palace at your leisure. Take your time to explore the huge and meticulously laid out gardens of the Sun King. Or would you prefer to spend the day in Paris? At the artists' quarter of Montmartre you will quickly be infected by the French savoir-vivre. At the Sacré-Cœur Basilica on top of the Montmartre hill, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Paris.

Today you will have to leave Versailles. Your bike tour tour towards Normandy leads you through the hilly Vallée de Chevreuse a part of the Île-de-France. You will cycle past small pictoreque villages, through the forest of Rambouillet. The castle's park is the perfect spot for a break. You will spend the night in the pretty village of Épernon on the Drouette river or in the nearby town of Hanches.

The valley of the Eure-et-Loir is stately! Cycle just a few kilometers throught the valley and you will surely agree. You will pass the charming moated castle and its well-tended garden of Madame Maintenon- Louis XIV's secret mistress. You continue on to the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Chartres embellished with beautiful stained glass windows. Then wide open fields will line the way to Illiers-Combray.

First you cycle past the abbey church of Thiron-Gardais and its charming monastery garden. This is where the Perche region begins. Short climbs are followed by long descents. You cycle through pleasant wooded sections to Saint-Jean Castle in Nogent-le-Rotrou. The town is known for medieval fortification. On both sides of your path you will meet grazing cows. The landscape of Normandy is characterized by green meadows and depending on the season there will be numerous hay bales waiting on its fields.

The Voie Verte cycle path takes you through the Normandie-Maine Regional Park to Alençon. Thanks to numerous protective trees, many native animal species can be found here. Be sure to keep your eyes open!  Alençon known as  the city of the dukes you can visit its castle, the Notre-Dame basilica or just stroll through the picturesque old town.

Today's highlight of is the 17th century moated castle of Carrouges. It is one of the largest castles in Normandy easily recognize able  by its reddish brick. You cycle up and down multiple times through a pleasant forest to  Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. The spa town is characterized by numerous Belle Époque villas from the 19th century.

You cycle along well developed forest paths to Domfront. The small town features a beautiful old town and a castle ruin well worth a visit. Stock up on provisions before setting off for Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouët. Now the path lead you through a seemingly endless hilly pastures! Along the way all signs will point towards today's destination the Mont-Saint-Michel.

You cycle through the Norman countryside for the last time on asphalt bike routes.  On the horizon the impressive monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel awaits ! The architecture and the backdrop of the Wadden Sea stunning and rightfully famous. The view is truly memorable- so do not miss out on a visit. You will spend the night in Pontorson at a distance of around 10 kilometer.

A transfer (included) will take you to Saint-Malo train station. If your schedule permits the time do pay a visit to the old seafaring town of Saint-Malo to reflect on your cycle tour in Normandy. The historic city center lies in the sea just like a peninsula. If you like, we will be happy to extend your stay with an extra night in Sait-Malo. Alternatively you could book the optional transfer to Versailles instead and if your schedule permits spend an extra night in Versailles.