This part of the route takes you past one of the most spectacular edifices along the Vire: the Viaduc de la Souleuvre. Once a hugely impressive railway viaduct designed by Gustave Eiffel, arching over the valley on five granite pillars, it survived the War but was demolished in 1970 – and is now popular for bungee jumping.
Itinerary
This section of route begins hilly but eases up on the way into the village of La Graverie, in the direction of Vire. The route continues on a shared road at the heart of the Normandy hedged farmland. You join a very accessible and easy-going greenway in La Graverie, which carries on until the entrance to Vire. Be careful where the route includes several hundred metres of the RD 56 to the south of the La Souleuvre viaduct.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- 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
- 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.
Not to be missed
The Vire Museum of art and popular traditions, located in the former hospital (19th century) is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town.
