Leave Chartres to head for Illiers-Combray, riding along small roads through wide fields, following in the footsteps of famed author Marcel Proust and his landmark novel, In Search of Lost Time. This writer was greatly inspired by the little town of Illiers-Combray, re-christened Combray in his fiction, which evokes the church, the Pré Catelan Garden and the Maison de Tante Léonie, named after a character, but in fact his real aunt and uncle’s house, now a museum that plunges you back into a fitting Belle Epoque atmosphere.

Leaving Illiers-Combray, you cycle for a short further stretch through the wide flat fields of the Beauce Plain before the landscape changes as the first hills of the Perche area appear. You head for increasingly wooded, shaded roads. Beautiful undulating green landscapes stretch out as far as the eye can see as you enter the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. The pretty little village of Thiron-Gardais lies at the end of this stage, so enjoy discovering all the history surrounding this iconic abbey.

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.

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.

Admiring old manors and mills, you meander along a greenway through the heart of the Perche area on this stage, enjoying the most peaceful of atmospheres.

Continuing to ride along the greenway from Condé-sur-Huisne to Alençon, you leave behind the Perche, but enter the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine. The Lac du Mêle-sur-Sarthe offers a very refreshing halt, much appreciated by children.

This stage offers a lovely path through the Bourse Forest, beside the Vésone River. As you cycle on through fields, the town of Alençon appears. Take time exploring this historic centre with its rich and varied architectural heritage and its traditional craft skills, notably needle-point lace-making.