Castle's route - from Vaux le Vicomte to Versailles

Cycling trip between Fontainebleau and the Palace of Versailles

If you want to discover the treasures of Ile-de-France by bike, this trip is for you. The rich heritage and culture of this region with its historic towns and emblematic castles will leave you with fond memories. Your cycling trip begins in Vaux le Vicomte and ends on the Véloscénie route.
You cross the countryside of the Paris basin through imperial forests and pretty villages.

Points of interest during the stay:

• Castles of Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau and Versailles
• Imperial Forest of Fontainebleau
• the Seine by bike
• the Haute Chevreuse valley
• the royal city of Dourdan

Day 1: Arrival in Fontainebleau or Melun

Arrival in Fontainebleau or Melun in a charming hotel or guest room.
You are a stone's throw from Paris but you breathe the country air. Discover the impressive historical heritage and of course the imperial forest of 22,000 ha of unspoiled nature in the city of Fontainebleau. Melun is at the gates of the forest and on the banks of the Seine. You can admire its river port, its parks and gardens.

Day 2: From Fontainebleau to Etampes / 55 km

Cross the imperial forest of Fontainebleau admiring its flora and fauna to the village of Barbizon, cradle of Impressionism. On this bike ride, you will see the village of Dannemois where singer Claude François lived. The last stop goes to Etampes, a town of art and history with its many religious buildings including the Notre-Dame collegiate church.

Day 3: From Etampes to Rambouillet / 55 km

The cycling trip in the Paris region continues on the Véloscénie route towards the Rambouillet forest on a cycle path along the river. Small country roads guide you to the royal town of Dourdan, the gateway to the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse regional natural park. Take the time to visit this historic city.
The stage ends in the heart of the Rambouillet forest, facing its castle.

Day 4: Rambouillet - Palace of Versailles / 50 km

Travel to the heart of the Chevreuse valley on this stage by bike. You can visit villages full of character, the countryside and the woods before reaching the Palace of Versailles, a World Heritage Site. Now is the time to admire and visit the jewel of French art and the residence of Louis XIV.

Day 5: End of your cycling trip on the Véloscénie

Your trip ends after breakfast.

General informations :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 and 4 * (local standards)
• Prices for children: contact us.

The dates :
 
Achievable between April and October 2021.
 
Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except puncture).
• Luggage transfer at each stage
• A travel file (the road book in French or English with color maps and tourist documentation)

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program.

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• GPS navigation with smartphone application (audio and visual), in addition to the traditional road book: + 10 euros per person
• Extra night (s)
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Levels:
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Weather :
 
Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.
 
Technicality:
 
Cycling: 50 to 57 km per day or 4 to 5 hours of cycling per day
Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.
 
Accommodation:
 
The hotels are 3 * and 4 * with rooms equipped with shower and toilet.
 
Additional nights:
 
An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour.
 
Meal :
 
- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: not included.
 
The bike :
 
- Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last accommodation and notify reception. We will take care of his return.
We offer specific equipment for children, seats, small hitched bikes and trailers.
 
- Personal bike: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your own bicycle. If you have rented a bicycle, it will be picked up at the hotel.
 
Assistance:
 
- Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene)
- In case of bad weather or if you cannot cycle for one day, possibility of a direct journey to the next stage (paid service).
 
Luggage:
 
They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).
 
Roadbook :
 
We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also provide you with vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.
 
Transport:
 
- By train: RER from Paris
- By road: Take the ring road from Paris, 40mn journey.
 
 
Cancellation insurance :
 
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.