On the road of Louis XIV in the Paris area

Arrival in the heart of Paris or in Vincennes

Arrival at your hotel in Paris (if you’re hiring bikes) or Vincennes (if you’re bringing your own bikes). You’ll be given your route guide, which will set out your itinerary.

Overnight stay and breakfast at a 3 hotel in Paris or a 4 aparthotel (studio) in Vincennes

From Paris to Le Coudray-Montceau by the ‘Scandibérique’ 50 km 85 m From Vincennes to Le Coudray-Montceau by the ‘Scandibérique’ 47 km 68 m

Setting off from Paris you’ll follow the Seine southwards. The first fewkilometres offer a striking contrast between historic heritage and contemporary architecture. You’ll see, in particular, the majestic Notre- Dame Cathedral, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance buildings, the Accor Arena and the impressive François-Mitterrand site of the National Library of France. Further on, at the confluence of the Seine and the Marne, the striking Chinagora complex catches the eye with its architecture inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing.

OR Starting from Vincennes and its château, your journey will begin with a pleasant cycle route through the Bois de Vincennes to the Seine. As the route unfolds, the Seine Valley reveals another facet of its history. Former factories, redeveloped brownfield sites and vast infrastructure bear witness to the region’s rich industrial past. The iconic Vitry-sur-Seine thermal power station remains in the cyclist’s view for some time before the landscape gradually gives way to more natural surroundings. Former quarries, converted into lakes and leisure areas, now provide a haven for numerous species of birds and make for pleasant places to relax. Little by little, the urban environment gives way to a greener setting, heralding the arrival in Corbeil-Essonnes.

Overnight stay and breakfast at a 4* hotel.

From Coudray-Montceau to Fontainebleau by the ‘Scandibérique’ 47 km 190 m Via the châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Blandy + 10 km + 45 m

From Evry and the remains of its old flour mills, the Scandibérique follows the peaceful meanders of the Seine through bucolic surroundings. The wooded, often shaded banks invite you to cycle at the river’s leisurely pace. The absence of major roads and frequent bridges enhances this pleasant sense of calm that accompanies travellers throughout this stage.

On the way to Melun, beautiful 19th- and 20th-century mansions serve as a reminder that the banks of the Seine were long a popular holiday destination. A must for your lunch break: the Château de Vaux-le -Vicomte and its French formal gardens, where you can enjoy a meal at the château’s restaurant. You will then continue on your way to the fortified castle of Blandy, a rare example of medieval military architecture in the Île-de-France region. This stage offers a true immersion in a natural setting, between the shifting reflections of the river and the edges of the Forest of Fontainebleau.

Next comes Samois-sur-Seine, a charming village with narrow streets full of character, world-famous for hosting the annual Django Reinhardt festival every summer. Finally, the arrival in Fontainebleau marks the culmination of this wonderful journey. A royal town at the gate way to one of France’s most famous forests, it offers a prestigious setting to round off your day in front of the château, before setting off again, re-energised, towards new adventures

Overnight stay and breakfast in a 3* hotel.

From the Imperial Forest of Fontainebleau to the charming villages of the Parisian countryside 55 km 300 m

Today you’ll be cycling through the Imperial Forest of Fontainebleau. Covering an area of 25,000 hectares, it remains a true delight for nature lovers, thanks to its rich and diverse flora and fauna. You’ll discover the little village of Barbizon, the cradle of Impressionist painting, and continue on your way, exploring other villages, notably Dannemois, made famous by its mill where the popular singer Claude François once lived. You’ll round off your day’s cycling along a cycle path that will take you straight to your third stopover town

Overnight stay and breakfast at a 3* hotel.

Royal towns and the Rambouillet Forest 55 km 300 m

This time, your Parisian cycle tour will take you towards the Rambouillet Forest, where, it is said, wallabies roam freely! From Etampes, you’ll follow a cycle path alongside a charming little river and continue along narrow country lanes, allowing you to savour the tranquillity of the surroundings.

You’ll discover the royal town of Dourdan, which is also known as the ‘gateway to the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park’. Here you’ll find a château, the Porte de Chartres, 19th-century architecture and the ramparts... Your day will then draw to a close in the heart of the Rambouillet Forest, opposite its impressive château

Overnight stay and breakfast in a 4* hotel.

From the Chevreuse Valley to the Palace of Versailles 50 km 250 m

After a few kilometres, you’ll enter the heart of the Chevreuse Valley and cycle to discover all its treasures: churches, abbeys, castles, manor houses, wash houses... Around these charming villages, the countryside and woods always take centre stage. You’ll discover picturesque little villages before heading towards the prestigious Palace of Versailles. You’ll then finish your cycle ride very close to Paris, where you can explore Louis XIV’s masterpiece. You’ll then have the chance to cycle around the palace grounds.

Overnight stay and breakfast in a 3* hotel

From Versailles to Paris by ‘Véloscénie’ 40 km 170 m Or From Versailles to Vincennes by ‘Véloscénie’ 50 km 195 m

From Versailles, leave the Sun King’s palace behind as you head towards the Bièvre valley. This section of the route is surprisingly idyllic: wooded hillsides, streams and meadows where a few cows sti ll graze create a setting that almost makes you forget how close you are to the capital. Thanks to its gentle terrain, peaceful country lanes and high-quality cycle facilities, this stage is a particularly pleasant ride. As you approach Massy, the Bièvre Valley naturally leads you to the famous Vallons de la Bièvre promenade, a 12-kilometre-long green corridor lined with trees and free from motor traffic. Make the most of thisopportunity to take a break in two of the most beautiful green spaces in southern Paris: the Domaine de Sceaux and the Domaine départemental de la Vallée-aux-Loups, a haven of peace once dear to Chateaubriand.

The final few kilometres gradually take you towards the heart of Paris. After cycling through the southern districts of the capital, you’ll join the cycle path along the banks of the Seine, which you’ll fol low all the way to your accommodation, whether in Paris or Vincennes. An amazing finale at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Pyramid !

Departure after breakfast