After making your way to your first night’s hotel, you’ll meet with your tour leader who’ll be supporting you during your week of cycling, giving you the opportunity to ask any last minute questions you might have about the week ahead. Depending on flight times, you may have the opportunity to visit the world famous Chateau de Versailles.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 305 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll leave the enchanting city of Versailles behind, as we ride along the glorious Valley de la Chevreuse. We’ll make our way past traditional chateaux and wash-houses, pedalling through rustic French villages on a mix of cycle paths and country lanes, a taster of what is to come. We’ll be sure to sample some tasty local fayre along the way, like fresh goats cheese, produced by the farms of the Chevreuse Natural Park.

We’ll soon make our way to the Domaine de Rambouillet, home to the incredible Chateau de Rambouillet. This important Chateau was once home to a number of French royals, but is now open to the public for a nosey.

With the hotel not far, there is plenty time in the afternoon to visit the castle before heading into town for a nice evening meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

Our ride this morning will see us riding along quiet, country roads and through charming villages, including Hanches. We’ll have the chance to visit the chateau of Madame de Maintenon, the last wife of the Sun King, Louis XIV. We’ll discover the fascinating story of Madame de Maintenon’s life, and enjoy the French-style gardens, bursting with colour.

Our final destination for today is the awe-inspiring city of stained glass and light; Chartres. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. Often described as a masterpiece of gothic art, it boasts 9 sculpted gates and 2600m square of stained-glass windows dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.

With many restaurants to choose from, Chartres is the perfect town to indulge in some fine French dining.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 100 Metres Approx.

With a short ride ahead today, we have more time to explore Chartres including a last glimpse of the Cathedral before heading towards the river Eure along the cycle path.

Leaving Chartres, the gentle ride leads us to Illiers Combray through the romantic countryside that inspired Marcel Proust’s novel ‘la Recherche du Temps’ (In Search of Lost Time). There will be time to visit the holiday home, now Museum, where Proust passed some of his easter holidays before heading to our accommodation.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.

Leaving Illiers Combray, we’ll ride along greenways as we make our way to the tranquil Perche Natural Park. This region is famed for the Percheron breed of horses, founded by Jean le Blanc in 1827. Strong and hardworking, the Percheron have been instrumental to this region, ploughing fields and harvesting crops. Keep an eye out for them as you cycle along!

Cycling on minor roads, we’ll make our way to Condeau, or onto Sablon sur Huisne where we’ll spend this evening. On route we pass even more castles (like Château Saint-Jean and the beautiful gardens of Domaine de l’Abbaye.) Our destination, Condeau is another peaceful village, with magnificent views of the Perche valley.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 350 Metres Approx.

Today’s ride begins with a gently paced meander, on well-packed gravel surfaces, through the Natural Park of Normandie Maine. The park is bursting with wildlife and lush greenery. Tranquil gravel cycle paths will lead the way to today’s destination; the town of Alencon.

Alencon is famous for its needle lace-making. The technique has now been recognised by UNESCO, thanks to its high level of craftsmanship. You can discover the history of Alencon’s lace industry at the town’s Museum of Fine Arts and Lace (the Musee des Beaux-Arts et de la Dentelle).

It’s also worth paying a visit to the birthplace of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as the Basilique de Notre Dame. And for Castle viewing collectors, you can also visit Le Château des Ducs and the “Experimental Garden”. In the evening, take a stroll through the old town’s medieval, cobbled streets where you can find bars, restaurants, shops and cafes.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 410 Metres Approx.

Today’s ride is a little more undulating than previous days, but our efforts will be rewarded with breath-taking views. Cycling away from Alencon, we’ll make our way to the characterful Chateau de Carrouges. The Chateau began its life as a stronghold during the Hundred Years War, and then became a noble residence in the 15th Century. Its verdant gardens offer a welcome picnic stop.

Getting back on our bikes, we’ll head to today’s destination, on a relaxing ride through the Forest Domaniale Des Andaines, reaching Bagnoles de l‘Ornes, the only thermal spa town in the Northwest of France. The town is nestled in a forest glade and set on a picturesque lake, making for a relaxing stay. Make sure you visit the towns Belle Epoque neighbourhood, renowned for its architecture. The town hall is a must-see!

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 275 Metres Approx.

This morning we’ll leave the spa town of Bagnoles de l‘Orne, and make our way through glorious countryside and forests. We’ll soon arrive in the town of Domfront, a medieval town with a rich history. It’s worth locking up your bikes and exploring the city on foot. Occupying an important point on the border between Brittany and Normandy, the town was the scene of much fighting in the 11th century. Today you can discover the ruins of the medieval castle, as well as the historic town centre, offering unrivalled views of the Varenne River valley.

Continuing our ride we’ll make our way along dedicated cycle routes, before reaching the lively town of St Hilaire du Harcouet.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 130 Metres Approx.

Our final day’s cycling will see us leaving St Hilaire du Harcouet, following a greenway that will take us through yet more glorious countryside. We’ll soon be rewarded as the awe-inspiring Mont Saint-Michel comes into view.

Perched atop a magical island, set in the bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, the medieval monastery is truly breath-taking. The bay itself is subject to some of the biggest tidal variations in Europe, meaning the views change hourly. At high tide the island is surrounded by water, but as the waters ebb, a vast network of channels can be seen and make your way either on foot or by shuttle to explore the abbey.

After exploring Mont Saint-Michel, we’ll make our way to the town of Pontorson, the perfect base to reflect on our week of cycling!

• Meals: Breakfast

Time to say adieu to this beautiful region. After breakfast (approx 09:00) you’ll be transferred to Saint Malo train station, for onward travel.