From Paris to Alençon on the Véloscénie
Day 1
75 km
Paris → Rambouillet
Depart from Paulette’s agency and ease out of the city along the Promenade des Vallons de la Bièvre, a long green ribbon that gently sets the pace. Stop for a bucolic break at Domaine de Sceaux or the Vallée aux Loups. Soon, the landscape turns rural.
At Massy, you head toward Limours, crossing the Viaduc des Fauvettes, suspended among the treetops, and the intriguing Aérotrain track—a relic of 1960s futuristic transport dreams. The journey continues through deep forests and quaint villages to Rambouillet, nestled in a woodland haven.
Day 2
54 km
Rambouillet → Chartres
Start the morning in the park of Rambouillet’s château, a true green oasis. Then ride through the gentle Guéville Valley to the charming Petite Cité de Caractère® of Épernon, perched where three rivers meet.
Follow the Eure river through fields and woods to Maintenon, where a romantic château once sheltered Louis XIV. The countryside opens up, and soon the majestic silhouette of Chartres Cathedral appears on the horizon, signaling the end of a delightful stage.
Day 3
58 km
Chartres → Thiron-Gardais
Before you leave, admire the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral one last time. Then, cycle into Proustian countryside. In Illiers-Combray, retrace the steps of Marcel Proust at Tante Léonie’s house, the village church, and the peaceful Pré Catelan garden.
The route leads you to the edge of the Perche region, where the landscape softens. Shaded forests, golden meadows, quiet villages… everything invites you to slow down. Arriving in Thiron-Gardais, with its abbey and serene monastic atmosphere, feels like stepping into a more contemplative rhythm.
Day 4
60 km
Thirons-Gardais → Mortagne-au-Perche
Welcome to the heart of the Perche Regional Nature Park—land of manors, mills, hedgerows, and Percheron horses. This stage immerses you in rustic authenticity, with rolling panoramas and architectural gems.
Pause in Nogent-le-Rotrou to climb up to Saint-Jean Castle, then continue through Rémalard-en-Perche with its half-timbered houses. A series of forest roads leads you to Mortagne-au-Perche, a hilltop town famous for its gentle pace of life.
Day 5
39 km
Mortagne-au-Perche → Alençon
The final stage is shorter but just as rich. The Condé-sur-Huisne – Alençon greenway guides you peacefully through forests, meadows, and quiet villages. At Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe, take a refreshing break by the lake, a favorite local spot.
Then cycle through the Normandie-Maine Park, past hedges and groves, until Alençon appears, its slate roofs and lively historic center a welcome sight. Visit its lace museum, lively squares, and inviting streets.
Drop off your Paulette rental bike in Alençon. No return trip to plan—just ride free, with your panniers full of memories and a smile on your face.