Day 1 Chartres
Arrival in Chartres.
Day 2 Chartres – Illiers Combray 30 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”.
Day 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the train station of Saint Malo. Possibility to book our return shuttle-service to Chartres, Versailles or Paris.
Please tell us if you wish to add an extra night to your stay
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Elisabeth Cowey, Wellington