Stage 1
Discover the real beauty of a hidden France; starting in the Prestigious city of Paris with the grandeur of Versailles, travel West by bike through the rural and changing landscape on this newly developed major cycling route. Also known as 'L'Itineraire Grand Spectacle' because by combining the two stages you can visit the two most famous tourist attractions of France : La Tour Eiffel and Mont st Michel.
Discover stage 2 - Alençon to Mont St Michel
Holiday Highlights
- Introductory welcome and personal bike fitting
- Start at Point Zero in Paris outside Notre Dame Cathedral*
- Artistic quarter of Montmartre
- Palais de Versailles
- Chevreuse Valley and the forest of Rambouillet
- Guéville Valley
- Pretty villages
What's Included
Starting Days
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrival Paris day 1
- Summary
Your hotel in Paris is situated in the artistic quarter of Montparnasse just nearby to the famed Moulin Rouge where the cancan made its debut. You may have a view of the Sacre Coeur from your room. Also within walking distance of the Parisian major department stores and the Opera... so you won't be wondering what to do on your first evening.
- Hotel
Royal Fromentin
ParisA typically Parisian 1920's hotel situated in the fun and artistic quarter of Montmartre close to all the famous sites such as Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and the Grand department stores on the Haussemann Boulevard.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Bar
- English spoken
- 24 hour manned reception
Board
- Cuisine
A typical French breakfast of croissants, breads, jams and coffee is served in their funky bistro style day room.
Clients will dine in a nearby traditional restaurant.
2
Paris to Versailles day 2
- Summary
From Point Zero you will ride pass some of the most famous landmarks of Paris; Cathedral Notre Dame (temporarily closed) and Eiffel Tower and many others, before heading along the Valley of la Bièvre to the Royal City de Versailles.
- Hotel
Résidence du Berry
VersaillesSituated in the heart of the Saint Louis quarter at Versaille and just 3 minutes for the Palais de Versailles, this 18th century hotel has been entirely sympathetically renovated, conserving the historical character that reminds us of its prestigious background.
Facilities
- Champagne bar
- Billiards room
- Garden
Board
- Cuisine
Opposite the Hotel, you can find the warm family brasserie, Le Cafe Des Arts. Take a seat at one of the tables and discover a menu revisiting the range of bistro dishes. You will be welcomed in a friendly atmosphere, with an efficient and friendly service.
22 mi
(35 km)3
Versailles to Epernon day 3
- Summary
Leave Versailles along the Valley de la Chevreuse, pass by castles, museums and pretty little villages. Tasting at cheese farms or small beer producers possible before entering into another former Royal Domaine of Kings... Rambouillet. Cycle through the forêt de Rambouillet to arrive at Epernon.
- Hotel
Le Colombier de Hanches
EpernonA converted farm house in beautiful surroundings now providing very comfortable chambre d'hôte accommodation with a swimming pool and restaurant.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Garden and terrace
- Swimming pool
- Hair dryer and complimentary toiletries in the rooms
- Treatments and massages available on request
- Communal salon
Board
- Cuisine
Traditional French Menus using local seasonal produce.
A continental breakfasts can also be served on the terrace with views of the river.
42 mi
(68 km)4
Epernon to Illiers Combray day 4
- Summary
Quiet country lanes through charming pretty little villages before arriving at the great City of Chartres. Time to enjoy the magnificent castle and gardens of Madame de Maintenon the last wife of King Louis XIV. Then into the City of Chartres itself to visit the impressive gothic Cathedral. Finish the day at Illiers-Combray, a romantic countryside setting that inspired the author Marcel Proust for his novel 'A la Recherche du Temps Perdu'.
- Hotel
Hôtel les Aubépines
Illiers-CombrayThis renovated 19th century Manor House names Les Aubépines in homage to Marcel Proust offers comfortable and individually designed rooms. You can dine in either of the two hotel restaurants or enjoy a drink in the pretty rose garden.
Facilities
- Bar
- Communal salon
- Hair dryer and complimentary toiletries in the rooms
Board
- Cuisine
A Continental breakfast which may be enjoyed in the garden.
Client will eat from a traditional French menu using seasonal local produce.
40 mi
(64 km)5
Illiers Combray to Rémalard day 5
- Summary
A peaceful ride through forest hills and natural landscape in park of Perche, known for the Percheron horse. Fruit and apple cider producers will be happy to welcome you for a tasting along the way. Arrive in the pretty little Normandy village of Rémalard.
- Hotel
Domaine de Villeray
CondeauThis 16th century Château and Mill house is situated in the beautiful unspoiled Le Perche regional park and offers a perfect way to relax after a days cycling. The wellness centre offers massages for tired leg muscles or you may just want to take a stroll by the river in the glorious surroundings.
Facilities
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
- Pool/beach towels
- Indoor pool (all year)(Additional charge)
- Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- Hammam (Additional charge)
- Massage (Additional charge)
- Spa and wellness centre(Additional charge)
- Sauna (Additional charge)
Board
- Cuisine
34 mi
(55 km)6
Rémalard to Alençon day 6
- Summary
A gentle cycle ride in the natural Park of Normandy Maine. A protected area of forest and bocage. A varied landscape until you arrive at your destination in the large Normandy town of Alençon capital of the Orne department.
- Hotel
Hôtel des Ducs
AlençonThis town spa hotel situated in the centre of Alençon; capital of Normandy region, offers contemporary and comfortable accommodation. All rooms have been tastefully and individually designed for comfort and relaxation.
Facilities
- Terrace and garden
- Bar
- Wellness centre
- Sauna (additional charge)
- Free WiFi
Board
- Cuisine
41 mi
(66 km)
*Following the devastating fire in April 2019 in which the Notre Dame sustained substantial damage, the cathedral is temporarily closed to the public while reconstructive work is carried out.
You will still begin your route at Point Zero but optional visits to the Notre Dame are not currently possible.
Route & Location
Customise Your Holiday
Combine with stage 2
This first stage of the Véloscenie can be combined with stage 2 to make a spectacular 10 day ride from Paris to Mont st Michel.
