Surely one of the most enjoyable cycle routes in France, this 10 day cycling adventure from Rambouillet, a small town south west of Paris, to Mont Saint Michel on the Normandy coast, takes advantage of some excellent ‘voies vertes’ - car-free cycle paths. En-route, cyclists will enjoy sublime scenery and memorable overnight stops in wonderful old towns such as Chartres and Alençon.
A network of wonderful cycle paths connects the French capital to Mont Saint Michel on the Normandy coast and this cycling holiday makes full use of these 'voie vertes' or greenways, offering relaxed, traffic-free cycling through charming countryside. Along the way you'll pedal through verdant countryside punctuated with quaint villages full of rustic French charm, such as Illiers-Combray and Bellême, as well as historic medieval towns such as Chartres and Alençon.
Chartres
At the end of the ride, the fortified island monastery of Mont Saint Michel awaits, connected or disconnected from the mainland depending on the state of the tide. This iconic site makes a fitting finale to this highly enjoyable cycling holiday.
The ‘voie vertes’ or greenways are mostly former railways lines that have been repurposed as scenic, car-free cycle paths. They are wide, smooth and when there are hills, the gradients are gradual - ideal for cycle touring. The longest day of riding is about 36 miles, so this tour is well within the reach of anyone with a good level of fitness.
