Want to step off the beaten track and cycle through the Loire Valley away from the banks of the Loire? Welcome to the Royal Valley of the Eure! This portion of French cycle route V41 travels along the river Eure and allows you to discover plenty of local natural and cultural treasures. From mills to washing places, medieval cities to sumptuous châteaux, the Eure valley has plenty to offer!
The Eure à Vélo, a 500-km signposted cycle route
The Eure à Vélo, or cycle route V41, was naturally created by following the Eure river. A total of 500 km of cycle trail connects Rouen to Tours from the Seine. The route travels along the Eure to Chartres, before switching to the valley of the Loir and joining the Loire à Vélo near Tours.
Your cycle adventure in the Royal Valley of the Eure will guarantee you a change of scenery and is the perfect opportunity to discover the fascinating local area up close in a convivial way. With family or friends, you’ll have plenty of time to stop off in delightful little towns and villages along this well-signposted route!
Follow the itinerary though the heart of a royal region
Start your adventure in Chartres. Before you set off, take time to stroll through the winding streets in the old district of the city, where you’ll be charmed by the washing places, stone bridges and half-timber houses, relics of its medieval past. Of course, a visit to the stunning Notre-Dame cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must!
Continue towards Dreux. You will shortly arrive on the banks of Mézières-Écluzelles lake, the largest lake in Eure-et-Loir. Take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic or a refreshing trip in a canoe. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the exceptional wildlife living here, including wild orchids, butterflies and anemones!
The itinerary then follows a greenway for 27 km along a former railway that ran from Dreux to Pacy-sur-Eure. Stop in Montreuil to admire the Avre aqueduct with its 79 arches over the Eure valley. It is one of the most spectacular structures in Eure-et-Loir!
Further on, the magnificent royal city of Anet awaits you, built on the edge of a forest on the banks of the Eure. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the Château of Anet, a true Renaissance masterpiece that was built by King Henry II for his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. This little gem has nothing to envy of the finest Loire Châteaux!
A few tips for organising your cycling tour
The Eure à Vélo Royal Valley itinerary is easily accessible by train, whether you start in Chartres or Bueil: perfect for organising a cycling tour in complete freedom! There is plenty of accommodation along the way, so you can travel at your own pace and take each day as it comes!
To help organise your trip, take a look at the cycle tourist’s charter, which offers plenty of simple advice, such as using a well-equipped bike in perfect condition, wearing a helmet and light-coloured clothing to help stay cool and always carrying water, supplies, a repair kit and a detailed map of the route.
