Cycling trip between Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles
If you don't yet know Ile-de-France by bike, you might be surprised. The rich heritage and culture of this region will leave you with a remarkable impression between historic towns and emblematic castles. Your cycling trip begins in Fontainebleau and ends on the Véloscénie route.
You drive through the heart of the countryside of the Paris basin through imperial forests and charming villages.
Points of interest during the stay:
- the castles of Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau and Versailles
- the imperial forest of Fontainebleau
- the edge of the Seine by bike
- the Chevreuse valley
- the royal city of Dourdan
Day 1: Arrival in Fontainebleau
This is the starting point for your cycling trip. Arrival at the first accommodation in Fontainebleau or Melun in a charming hotel or guest room.
You are not far from Paris and yet you breathe the country air. More than a city, Fontainebleau offers a whole country with an impressive historical heritage and of course the imperial forest of 22,000 ha of unspoiled nature. The town of Melun is located at the gates of the forest and on the banks of the Seine. It has a river port, parks and gardens.
Day 2: On the road to the castles of Vaux-le-Vicomte, Blandy and Fontainebleau - 57 km
Your first bike tour guides you along the banks of the Seine towards the castle of Vaux le Vicomte and its formal gardens. You cross Melun and its river port to continue to the fortified castle of Blandy, a vestige of medieval French military architecture. You then ride on small country roads along the Seine by bike.
Visit the medieval villages of Fontaine le Port and Samois-sur-Seine before reaching the park of the Château de Fontainebleau by a cycle path.
Day 3: Fontainebleau - Etampes / 55 km
Pedal through the imperial forest of Fontainebleau enjoying its flora and fauna to the village of Barbizon, cradle of Impressionism. On this cycle route, discover the village of Dannemois where the singer Claude François lived. The last stage takes you to Etampes, a town of art and history with its many religious buildings including the Notre-Dame collegiate church.
Day 4: Etampes - Rambouillet / 55 km
The bike trip continues on the Véloscénie route towards the Rambouillet forest on a cycle path along the river. You drive on charming country roads to the royal town of Dourdan, the gateway to the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional natural park. Take the opportunity to visit this historic city.
Your cycle route ends in the heart of the Rambouillet forest, opposite its castle between Versailles and Chartres.
Day 5: Rambouillet - Palace of Versailles / 50 km
You are in the heart of the Chevreuse valley on this route. Pass through villages of character, countryside and woods before reaching the Palace of Versailles, a World Heritage Site. It is one of the finest achievements of French art and the residence of Louis XIV.
Day 6: End of your cycling trip on the Véloscénie
Your stay ends after breakfast.