Thiron-Gardais / Nogent-le-Rotrou

You’ll need to find a final burst of energy at the end of this stage, arriving at Nogent-le-Rotrou, historic capital of the counts of Perche, to reach its château dominating the Huisne Valley. Along the rest of the stage, there are other splendid viewing points, plus typical villages. In addition, lovely winding roads lead you through the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. Along the way, you may spot some beautiful Percheron draft horses.

 Stage description

From Thiron-Gardais, our cycle route follows a variety of picturesque little roads. You'll note the slopes along this stage, requiring some effort, in particular on two occasions, riding up the slope after the hamlet of La Gaudaine, and then a few kilometres before Nogent-le-Rotrou. You enter this town via a modern development, before riding up to the highest point in town, where the Château des Comtes du Perche dominates the scene, then you descend into the historic centre.

 Not to be missed:

• Abbaye de Thiron-Gardais, a medieval gem in this historic village.
• Thiron-Gardais Royal and Military College and its formal French gardens, bought and restored by celebrity French cultural figure and TV presenter, Stéphane Bern, and where, on many days, you can enjoy a drink in the shade of the orangery.
• The Domaine de l'Abbaye de Thiron-Gardais and its themed gardens, offering a colourful breath of fresh air. The Domaine, open year-round, also organizes escape games.
• The Château des Comtes du Perche, a medieval castle looking across the hills of the Perche area, while inside, a museum recalls the adventures of the lords of the Perche through history.

 On the map, activate the Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration to discover nearby services and points of interest.

 Food and drink en route

• Thiron-Gardais: numerous shops, restaurants and establishments serving snacks or drinks, including several tea rooms and a snack bar on a floating barge on the lake.
• La Gaudaine: a pleasant stop by the old wash house.
• Nogent-le-Rotrou: numerous food shops and a market on Saturday mornings on Place Saint-Pol.
• Margon: a bakery near the Étang de Margon lake, north of town — a lovely spot for a picnic break.

 Bike repair

• Decathlon Chartres Mainvilliers, Chartres
• Access 2 Roues, Chartres
• Perche Bike, Nogent-le-Rotrou
• Custom Bikes (mobile service on the Chartres – Nogent-le-Rotrou stretch)

 Consult the list of all the bike repairers along or near the route.

 Nearby train stations

• Nogent-le-Rotrou station

 See our article on reaching the veloscenic cycle route for more information on options for travelling with a bicycle.