Les maisons à colombages de Domfront
La Véloscénie - J. Damase
Arrivée à Domfront à vélo
J. Damase - Orne
Vue sur Le Mont-Saint-Michel depuis La Véloscénie
D. Darrault - La Véloscénie
Panorama sur Domfront - La Véloscénie
La Véloscénie - J. Damase
Cascade de Mortain, alimentée par la rivière Cance
F. Massias

From the Normandy bocage to Mont-Saint-Michel by bike

170 km from Alençon to Mont-Saint-Michel by bike

From the historic town of Domfront perched on its rock, this section of La Véloscénie to the Mont St-Michel follows a greenway along a disused railway line going through the typical quiet countryside of the Bocage Normand. This area is reputed for its apple and pear orchards and its gastronomy. You'll pass the pretty villages of Mortain and Ducey. From Domfront, an alternative route along another greenway takes you to Flers via the charming Varenne Valley. A truly fabulous location. This section of the Véloscénie and the Tour de Manche takes you on small roads through the polders, which are dotted with tiny villages, before you arrive at the highlight of the route. Mont-Saint-Michel, ever-present, cuts a mythical silhouette surrounded by grasslands and constantly shifting sands.

 

Le château de Carrouges sur La Véloscénie
J. Damase - La Véloscénie

A visit to Carrouges Castle

On the border between Normandy and Maine, Carrouges Castle encapsulates seven centuries of history. Surrounded by a moat, behind its simple pink brick and granite façades, its rooms retain the charm of a lived-in home. Famous guests have stayed here, including King Louis XI in 1473 and Catherine de’ Medici in 1570.

Les maisons à colombages de Domfront
La Véloscénie - J. Damase

The small medieval town of Domfront

A border town and a stop on the old road from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, Domfront overlooks the Normandy bocage. The town centre, beautifully renovated, is a fine example of medieval urban architecture.

Les cascades de Mortain
© J. Damase - La Véloscénie

Recharge your batteries at the Mortain waterfalls

Perched on the hillside lies the village of Mortain, the green heart of the Normandy countryside and a crossroads for the La Vélomaritime – EuroVelo 4 and La Véloscénie cycle routes.
In this lush green setting, park your bikes for a short walk to the small waterfall. A series of wooden footbridges and steps will lead you to the main waterfall, which, with its 25-metre drop, will impress you with its flow and remarkable natural setting.
The best time to visit is in May or early June to enjoy the rhododendrons in bloom, which add an extra touch of charm to the place.

Vélo en famille au Mont St-Michel
La Véloscénie - D. Darrault

A wonderful arrival at Mont-Saint-Michel by bike

The highlight of the trip, arriving at Mont-Saint-Michel by bike is a truly unique experience. Topped by an abbey that is a masterpiece of Gothic art, the islet faces the strongest tides in Europe.

The bay of Mont-Saint-Michel alternates between open sea and rippling sandbanks. It is possible to walk into the bay with a guide.

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Map of the cycle route

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Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

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Map of the cycle route

Alençon / Carrouges

18 Alençon / Carrouges

29 km
1 h 56 min
I cycle a lot
La Véloscénie meanders along quiet roads through the Pays d'Alençon area up to the Château de Carrouges, headquarters of the Normandie-Maine Park. Enjoy delightful views onto Ecouves Forest before the challenging stretch to reach Carrouges, only suitable for the fit!
Carrouges / Bagnoles-de-l'Orne

19 Carrouges / Bagnoles-de-l'Orne

23 km
1 h 33 min
I cycle often
You alternate between quiet country roads and portions taking you through forests before arriving at Bagnoles-de-l'Orne. This pretty Norman thermal spa resort sits in a very green setting and will happily cater to exhausted cyclists ! Follow a treatment and you may head off reinvigorated !
Bagnoles-de-l'Orne / Domfront

20 Bagnoles-de-l'Orne / Domfront

21 km
1 h 24 min
I cycle often
This stage takes you through beautiful, quintessential Normandy countryside, with traditional hedgerows, apple orchards and woods. You cycle along quiet roads, one like a balcony overlooking Les Andaines Forest.
Domfront / Barenton

21 Domfront / Barenton

17 km
1 h 07 min
I begin
The exit from Domfront isn't easy, with a steep slope and a lot of traffic. However, La Véloscénie then joins a greenway, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful, typical Bocage Normand countryside, particularly beside the Sélune River.
Barenton / Mortain

22 Barenton / Mortain

10 km
41 min
I begin
The village of Mortain stands out on its hillside at the heart of the green Bocage Normand area. It also stands at the crossroads of La Véloscénie and Le Tour de Manche cycle routes. This stage of La Véloscénie is almost entirely on greenways, except for the unavoidable link to Mortain.
Mortain / St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët

23 Mortain / St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët

11 km
43 min
I begin
The enchanting Cance waterfalls are a focal point of the powerful local terrain, carving between steep hills, an untamed heart of ‘Armorican Normandy’. The greenway then heads towards St-Hilaire which precedes your arrival in the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët / Ducey

24 St-Hilaire-du-Harcouët / Ducey

19 km
1 h 15 min
I begin
Stronghold between Brittany, Cotentin and the Loire country, St Hilaire du Harcouët offers many activities during the summer around the Prieuré lakes. This stage of la Véloscénie and the Petit Tour de Manche, travelling along a greenway, is full of life.
Ducey / Mont-Saint-Michel

25 Ducey / Mont-Saint-Michel

22 km
2 h 03 min
I begin
The final stage of la Véloscénie and a spectacular resting point on the Tour de Manche, where the greenway rolls all the way to the mouth of the Sélune. From there on, as you travel on shared roads, you can indulge in a feast for the eyes: Mont-Saint-Michel rises up, a colourful panorama, set like a jewel in the circle of the bay.