La Véloscénie: From Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel
Day 1
88 km
Paris → Rambouillet
Start your journey from Paulette’s Paris agency (115 rue Brancion), joining the Coulée Verte through Porte de Brancion. You’ll soon leave the city buzz behind and cycle under the leafy canopy of this greenway. Make your first stop at Parc de Sceaux, designed by Le Nôtre, and consider a detour to the leafy haven of Vallée-aux-Loups in Châtenay-Malabry. Ride on toward the Bièvre Valley and into the Yvelines, passing Igny, Bièvres, and Jouy-en-Josas before reaching the Parc Naturel de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. The route gently rises and falls through charming villages until Rambouillet, a former royal retreat, welcomes you with fresh air and open vistas. Stroll through the château park or unwind in a cozy old-town restaurant.
Day 2
54 km
Rambouillet → Chartres
Leave Rambouillet along its wooded castle paths to reach Epernon, a “Petite Cité de Caractère.” The route flows through the Eure Valley toward Maintenon, where the castle and gardens are well worth a pause. Glide onward through peaceful farmland and hamlets, arriving in Chartres.
Wander the old town, visit the majestic Gothic cathedral, and, if you’re lucky with the season (April to September), stay for the stunning light shows. As evening falls, the scent of linden trees and the hush of cobbled streets set the tone for a quiet, reflective night.
Day 3
58 km
Chartres → Thiron-Gardais
Leave the city behind on a smooth cycle path through the Beauce plains to Illiers-Combray—Proustian village par excellence. Pause in the Pré-Catelan or explore Aunt Léonie’s house if you’re a literature lover. The land begins to rise: welcome to the Perche region. Thick forests, quiet roads, and the first real climbs bring you to Thiron-Gardais. Don’t miss its abbey, formal gardens, and royal college. At dusk, golden light sweeps the rooftops and a peaceful hush settles over the village.
Day 4
56 km
Thiron-Gardais → Mortagne-au-Perche
Pedal through the Perche Natural Park, a patchwork of rolling hills, forests, and hedgerow-lined paths. In Nogent-le-Rotrou, climb to Château Saint-Jean for sweeping views. Then, switch to a greenway built on an old railway line, which leads straight to Mortagne-au-Perche, historic capital of the Perche. This hilltop village invites you to slow down—perhaps with a taste of its famous black pudding. With crisp air, wide skies, and cobbled lanes, it’s the kind of place where time naturally slows.
Day 5
44 km
Mortagne-au-Perche → Alençon
Ride along the Sarthe Valley, passing villages and forest groves. Stop at Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe, a delightful spot for a break by the water. Approaching Alençon, the path alternates between lush nature and quiet heritage. In Alençon, explore the old center, lace museum, and the gentle rhythm of life in the Parc Normandie-Maine. Enjoy a drink on a sunny square—every street here tells a story, and the air smells of warm stone and garden blooms.
Day 6
54 km
Alençon → Bagnoles-de-l’Orne
Follow a tranquil greenway through the Sarthon Valley and the Mont des Avaloirs nature reserve. Climb to the panoramic viewpoint for a 360° look over the region. Quiet villages like Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson lead the way to Bagnoles-de-l’Orne. This elegant spa town, with its Belle Époque flair and stately villas, feels like a step back in time. The scent of pine and the shimmer of the lake create a magical retreat-like atmosphere. This elegant spa town, with its Belle Époque flair and stately villas, feels like a step back in time. The scent of pine and the shimmer of the lake create a magical retreat-like atmosphere.
Day 7
48 km
Bagnoles-de-l’Orne → Mortain
Head west through wooded hedgerows and hills. Stop in Domfront, a stunning medieval village clinging to the cliffs. Continue to Mortain, nestled in a dramatic natural setting. The final climb is a challenge, but the view of Mont-Saint-Michel from Saint-Michel Chapel is your reward. Be sure to visit the hidden waterfalls too. Wind, birdsong, and forest shade—this stage is about slowing down and soaking it all in.
Day 8
61 km
Mortain → Le-Mont-Saint-Michel
Your final day rolls easily along a flat greenway—perfect for enjoying the last stretch. Pass through Ducey and the salt meadows of the bay. Gradually, Mont-Saint-Michel’s silhouette emerges on the horizon.
From Beauvoir, follow the coastal path to the access bridge. Park your bike and explore this one-of-a-kind monument on foot. It’s the perfect end to your journey: between sea and sky, in a near-mythical atmosphere. Your legs may be tired, but your spirit will soar—you’ve just ridden through a living postcard.
With Paulette, enjoy the Véloscénie your way: fully equipped bikes, support along the route, and the freedom of a one-way rental.