After leaving Chartres, Saint-Jacques by bike head for llliers-Combray, town which inspired Marcel Proust for his mythical book "A la recherche du temps perdu". The places mentioned in his famous work: the Pré Catelan or the house of Tante Léonie, now the Marcel Proust Museum, immerse you in the atmosphere he created. There is also a gentle transition to a more hilly territory, between Beauce and Perche.
The route
On small roads marked "Saint-Jacques à vélo".
You leave Chartres by the Eure valley and follow a network of cycle paths on the Beauce plateau to Fontenay-sur-Eure. You will take small roads to Illiers-Combray, in a typical Beauce agricultural environment.
Common stage with the Veloscénie itinerary (double signposting).
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 128m
Descents: 99m
Lowest point: 125m
Highest point: 171m
Slope breakdown
3km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
31km flat (-1% to 2%)
0.51km climb (2% to 5%)
Road types
9km (28%) of cycle paths
24km (72%) of shared roads
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
33km (99%) of smooth surface
0.44km (1%) of rough surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
