The Château Saint-Jean overlooks the Huisne valley
Nogent-le-Rotrou is dominated by an impressive rectangular medieval keep, 30m in height. Ramparts with seven towers add to the defences.
Built from 11th to 15th centuries, the Château Saint-Jean rises high above the Huisne Valley. Curiously, its security-conscious medieval designers didn't provide any obvious access to the castle from the adjoining town. The situation was rectified at the Renaissance, when a stairway was built, with 155 steps joining the castle to the Le Paty quarter of town.
Custom route
Custom route
13 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.
14 Nogent-le-Rotrou / Rémalard
Rejoin the cycle route, riding along undulating little forested roads before branching off onto a greenway going from Condé-sur-Huisne to Alençon. Enjoy the peace along this long country stretch running very close to the Huisne River. Allow yourself a short detour to the magnificent hamlet of Villeray.