©Pascal Beltrami, Sarthe Tourisme
CYCLE ROUTES
"When we set off early in the morning, when we set off on the roads... by bicycle!"
These are the words to a French song for you to have a tune in your head and feel motivated for an adventure with every freedom - now get on your bike and set off to discover our green valleys and precious heritage.
Alençon and its surrounding area are home to 3 exceptional cycle routes that will amaze you. Whether you are alone, a couple, with friends or family, whether you have an electric bike, a hybrid bike or a mountain bike, whether you are coming from Paris, Chartres, Le Mans, Tours, Saumur or Mont-Saint-Michel, all routes lead to Alençon...
so climb in the saddle!
LA VÉLOBUISSONNIÈRE®
This 250 km route linking Alençon to Saumur, in the Loire Valley (UNESCO site), takes you through the countryside on small, quiet roads and greenways. Along the way, you will be able to contemplate incredible views, the small valleys of the Alpes Mancelles or the banks of the Loire, discover a rich heritage and stop off at the pretty squares of the remarkable towns and villages you will pass through.
From La Vélobuissonnière®, you can join the cycling routes: La Sarthe à vélo, La Véloscénie and La Loire à vélo®.
ROUTE FROM ALENÇON TO SAINT-LÉONARD-DES-BOIS - 33 KM
Before leaving Alençon, fill your saddlebags with provisions and take the small country roads to
Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei, classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Notice how time seems to have stopped... Linger on the banks of the Sarthe and then climb the Alpes.
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©Pascal Beltrami, Sarthe Tourisme
LA VÉLOSCÉNIE
Alençon is a major stopover on this “Grand spectacle” route which links Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel over 450 km.
La Véloscénie takes you to the heart of the Chevreuse valley, the Perche and the Normandy bocage and allows you to (re)discover the most beautiful monuments in French history. From La Véloscénie, you can join the cycling routes of La Sarthe à vélo, La Vélobuissonnière®, La Vélo Francette® and La Vélomaritime® in Normandy.
ROUTE FROM MÊLE-SUR-SARTHE TO ALENÇON - 24 KM
Alternating flat stretches, road crossings and a route through the Bourse forest: this pleasant greenway will take you straight to the heart of Alençon town centre. But on the way, there is nothing to stop you from making a short 6 km diversion in the direction of La-Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet to visit the fascinating bicycle museum “La Belle Echappée”.
ROUTE FROM ALENÇON TO PRÉ-EN-PAIL-SAINT-SAMSON - 29 KM
Suitable for family outings, this route starts in Damigny and follows an old railway line that has been converted into an easy and safe greenway. You will cross large unspoilt areas such as the Sarthon valley or the Mont des Avaloirs regional nature reserve, the latter being accessible by bike via a rather strenuous diversion but amply rewarded by the superb view over the bocage from the belvedere.
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©David Darrault, La Véloscénie
©La Véloscénie
ROUTE FROM ALENÇON TO CARROUGES - 29 KM
This is certainly the most athletic stage of La Véloscénie... but take heart, your efforts will lead you to beautiful views of
the Écouves forest and a memorable finish at Château de Carrouges. On your way, don’t hesitate to stop in the village of
La Roche-Mabile, on the banks of the Sarthon at the foot of the famous Butte Chaumont.
©La Véloscénie
LA SARTHE À VÉLO
Between Normandy and the Loire Valley, La Sarthe à vélo route spreads over more than 400 km: with picturesque villages, castles, rivers and varied landscapes, you won’t be disappointed!
A 130 km loop, on small roads and a greenway, will take you from the Alpes Mancelles to Perseigne State-owned forest. From La Sarthe à vélo, you can join La Vélobuissonnière® and La Véloscénie cycling routes in Normandy.
©Sarthe Tourisme
ROUTE FROM ALENÇON TO MAMERS - 35 KM
Leaving the ancient City of the Dukes, you will take small roads through the green countryside before entering
the majestic Perseigne forest, with its surprising hollows and valleys, pathways and high forests. Nature lovers can picnic in the 5,000 hectares of oak, beech and other deciduous trees. In the heart of the forest, the Belvedere,
30 metres high, is the highest point in the Sarthe department (340 m). Once at the top, you will enjoy the magnificent 360° panoramic view. Don’t hesitate to stop at the Musée du Vélo (Bicycle Museum) in Villeneuve-en-Perseigne before joining the Saosnois plains with their views in the direction of Mamers.
