Rambouillet to Mont St Michel Self-guided Cycling Tour

Arrival in Rambouillet

Surrounded by its well known former royal hunting forest, ‘Rambouillet is a real breath of fresh air close to Paris. Take time to visit the historical town center and its elegant château where French lords, emperors and presidents used to visit.

Rambouillet – Chartres | 50 km.

For this 1st stage, ride to Epernon and Maintenon to have a look at the sumptuous château of the housekeeper who had become the secret wife of the king Louis 14th. Continue to the city of Chartres and its old quarters. Do not miss the stained glass windows of the amazing Gothic cathedral which has been inscribed in 1979 on the Unesco World heritage list.

Chartres – Illiers-Combray | 32 km . Ride along the peaceful roads of the this wheat belt to reach the tiny town of Illiers-Combray, where the French poet Marcel Proust lived. Illiers-Combray has not changed much and has known how to preserve its charm of past times.

Illiers-Combray – Nogent le Rotru | 43 km.

Let’s cycle to the Perche area, a land of woods, meadows and farming. You will discover lots of charming chateaux and manor houses (like the beautiful chateau de Frazé), picturesque villages and churches before reaching Nogent le Rotrou, overlooked by its medieval chateau. .

Nogent le Rotru – Belleme | 38 km OR 42 km.

Reach the ‘Basse Normandie’ area, a green and hilly land which offers a beautiful cultural heritage among exceptional landscapes. Through the hills, you will ride from old manor-houses to tiny wash-house to Bellême, a very charming medieval village. Possibility to use the brand new ‘voie verte’ cycling path from Condé sur Huisne.

Belleme – Alencon | 52 km.

Go through the Natural Parc of ‘Perche’, from Huisne vallée et Sarthe valley, via the pretty village of La Perrière, before reaching the ‘voie verte’ cycling path in Le Mêle sur Sarthe. Follow the bike path to Alençon with its impressive Notre Dame basilica.

Alencon – Bagnoles de l'Orne | 51 km.

After cycling the Natural Parc of Normandy, you arrive at the wonderful Chateau de Carrouges, well worth a visit. The chateau is built with red bricks and granite, the result of seven centuries of history. Proceed towards Bagnoles de l’Orne, famous spa resort, a reminder of the authentic French ‘Belle Epoque’ way of life..

Bagnoles de l'Orne – St Hilaire du Harcouet | 62 km.

Continue your journey following the ‘voie verte’ bike path via Mortain, a land of legends and history. Ride through the apple and pear country, in the heart of the Norman hedge farmlands to St Hilaire sur Arcouet, a small city settled between the Sélune and Airon rivers

St Hilaire du Harcouet – Mont St Michel (or Pontorson | 48 km.

A last ride on the peaceful ‘Voie Verte’, towards the Mont St Michel right in front of you! Enjoy this splendid and unforgettable view over the bay, with the salt marshes in the foreground and the famous island with its Abbey which gradually appears in the background.

Departure during the day