Cycling
The Veloscenic route
You are travelling As a couple
Budget €
Season Fall, Spring, Summer
Localisation Eure Valley
If you're looking to explore France’s most picturesque areas by bike, then leisure cycling holidays are the ones for you! Long distance routes like the Veloscenic - an itinerary from Paris to the Mont St-Michel via Chartres, Eure et Loir and Normandy - offer a whole lot more than just a bike ride. There’s the sense of adventure, the personal challenge and the variety of scenery you’ll experience along the way. With roads threading through a patchwork countryside between quaint villages and historic towns, Eure et Loir is the perfect place to start a two-wheeled adventure.
Everyone off at Epernon!
With the wind in your hair and freedom at your feet, you won’t want to miss a pit stop in Epernon, a village labelled “Petite cité de caractère®” before heading to the Eure Valley packed with sights of interest: the Château de Maintenon and its French gardens await. A castle with the history of a fairy tale! The chateau was built for Françoise d'Aubigné - the governess of the King's illegitimate children with Madame de Montespan - before she secretly married King Louis XIV and eventually became known as Madame de Maintenon. Take a little break while you’re there: a visit of the stunning chateau brings French heritage to life. A walk in the gardens will introduce you to an interesting architectural feature to marvel at in the background: the iconic aqueduct of Maintenon.
Let there be light: Chartres en Lumières!
Direction Chartres! Book a cosy place in the historic town centre to rest your head after a day of cycling. Head to le Café Bleu for a romantic dinner with views on the illuminations of the light show “Chartres en Lumières” projected onto the façade of the cathedral. A walk through the city will reveal no less than 24 heritage buildings and historic treasures all lit up! After this sparkling stroll, you'll probably feel ready to nod off. Slipping between the fresh bed sheets of your cosy accommodation is the ultimate way to finish off a wonderful day of discovery.
Let's go explore Chartres
Feeling sore the day after your first section of the Veloscenic is normal. Nothing to worry about. A recovery breakfast made of fresh, local produce may be exactly what you need: freshly baked bread, pastries, freshly squeezed juice, homemade jams…For a fresh new you ready to continue your cycling adventure in Eure et Loir! Let’s go linger a little and explore Chartres, stroll its charming little streets and take a close look at its cathedral.
Reaching for a brew at the end of a long day discovering Chartres is some kind of tradition here at la guinguette de Chartres, on a deckchair by the river. Blissful!
Couples Bucket List
in Eure et Loir
Park and garden, Historical sites and monuments
Château de Maintenon
MAINTENONEnter the "secret gardens" of the Sun King. Discover the furnished home of Madame de Maintenon, whose eternal youth charmed Louis XIV the all-powerful.
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Cycling the Veloscenic route
Eure ValleyIf you're looking to explore France’s most picturesque areas by bike, then leisure cycling holidays are the ones for you! Long distance routes like the Veloscenic - an itinerary from Paris to the Mont St-Michel via Chartres, Eure et Loir and Normandy - offer a whole lot more than just a bike ride.
Read more
Le Café Bleu
CHARTRESOpposite the cathedral, the typical facade of a Bistro hides an elegant dining room, decorated in contemporary fashion with light woods. You will appreciate the typical french cuisine with local products: one of the most famous place in Chartres.
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Leisure equipment
La Petite Venise, la Guinguette de Chartres
CHARTRESLa Petite Venise, La Guinguette de Chartres with its waterside terrace will be a true haven of peace and quiet for children and adults. Enjoy walks along the Eure throughout the season, as well as entertainment and events. Booking not required; ...
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House
Maunoury CityBreak
CHARTRESRight next to the town centre and 5 minutes from the cathedral, a spacious suite in an early 20th-century house.
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Apartment
Maison ailleurs “Le Jardin”
CHARTRESThis magnificent town house of character and charm conceals a hidden treasure - a most remarkable garden! It is with great taste and talent that this house has been magnificently converted into an ideal place to stay for those in search of old ...
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Le Tripot
CHARTRESPleasant atmosphere and gourmet cuisine in a typical restaurant in Chartres. Old facade classified as historical monuments. You will appreciate the stone fireplace.
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Restaurant L’Amphitryon
CHARTRESRestaurant overlooking the Cathedral. Business lunches, family meals, groups welcome. Outdoor terrace during the Summer.
Read more Park and garden, Historical sites and monuments
Read more Jardins et aqueduc de Maintenon
MAINTENON
Hotels - restaurant
Hôtel Le Boeuf Couronné
CHARTRESLogis de France hotel-restaurant ideally located between the cathedral and the train station, close to the historic centre.
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Hotels
Ibis Chartres Centre Cathédrale
CHARTRESIn Chartres, with terraces overlooking the peaceful waters of the Eure. Ask for a room with a view of the cathedral! Hotel Ibis combines chain hotel services with beautiful views!
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Hotels - restaurant
Le Grand Monarque Hotel & Spa
CHARTRESThis renovated former coaching inn just begs the traveller to stop off for fine food and a comfortable stay.
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Historical sites and monuments
Crypte de la Cathédrale
CHARTRESRecognised as a listed monument in 1979, Chartres cathedral boasts an exceptional collection of 12-13th-century windows and sculptures. The Romanesque crypt is one of the longest in Europe, and houses some original frescoes alongside some ...
Read moreChartres Tourisme – Office de Tourisme de Chartres Métropole
CHARTRESDominated by the graceful silhouette of its Gothic cathedral, a jewel of the 12th and 13th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major international centre for stained glass, Chartres conceals treasures that take the visitor beyond time: ...
Read moreEssentials for this cycling adventure
