Épernon / Maintenon
An exceptionally bucolic stage along the Eure Valley, riding beside fields, forests and gently flowing rivers. Start from Epernon, a little town designated a Petite Cité de Caractère® for its history, including the secret of its mummy, to be unearthed… Continue along the charming Drouette River leading to the beautiful Eure River, which guides you to Maintenon. This town boasts a wonderfully romantic château, witness to the secretive love affair between the Sun King, Louis XIV, and Françoise d’Aubigné, better known as Madame de Maintenon.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Stage description
From Epernon train station, you start this stage cycling along a series of peaceful little roads shared with motorized traffic leading you beside the Drouette River. The stage then meanders through the Eure Valley up to Maintenon, a stopover town on the Veloscenic cycle route. The Château de Maintenon is renowned for serving as a love nest for Louis XIV and Madame de Maintenon. The romantic atmosphere imparted by the French formal gardens and Vauban's Aqueduct is striking!
Not to be missed:
- Epernon, Petite Cité de Caractère®, a little town that proves a delight to wander around, exploring the historic centre and the area around the church. Plus, will you solve the mystery of the mummy?
- Maintenon, its château and splendid gardens in formal French style created in the spirit of André Le Nôtre.
On the map, activate the to discover nearby services and points of interest.
Food and drink en route
- Epernon: with many stores, plus a market on Tuesday mornings on Place de la Mairie.
- Maintenon: with many stores and a market on Thursday mornings on Place du Château.
Bike repair
- Cycles Mister D, Villiers-le-Morhier.
- L'Atelier des Cyclistes, Nogent-le-Roi.
- Custom Bikes (mobile). Tronçon Rambouillet – Chartres.
Consult the list of all the bike repairers along or near the route.
Nearby train stations
- Épernon station (regional TER line Paris – Chartres)
- Maintenon station (regional TER line Paris – Chartres)
See our article on reaching the veloscenic cycle route for more information on options for travelling with a bicycle.
