Oise and Vexin by bike: the monuments loop

This stage takes you into a haven of green open spaces. Your journey through Saint-Germain-en-Laye forest will bring you to Conflans-Ste-Honorine and thence to the heart of the Vexin Natural Regional Park which will delight you with its lovely unspoilt landscapes. Old villages, manor houses and chateaux, pretty private homes and of course the natural world are all awaiting you.
You can choose between two differents Avenue Verte routes : the Oise Valley via Auvers-sur-Oise, Chantilly…or the Normandy track via Giverny and Gisors.

This stage has both intimacy and grandeur. Here the little bridges, windmills and fortified castles of the peaceful Epte Valley contrast with the touristic bustle of the village of Giverny. The many miles of greenway created between Gasny and Gisors provide the ideal opportunity to really appreciate the bucolic landscapes punctuated by the river and several lakes. But don’t forget that you are also on the old frontier between France and Normandy which takes you towards the legendary chateau of Gisors.

Leaving Gisors, the tiny roads follow the Epte Valley between the wooded hills of Vexin. You will then travel between peat lands, wet meadows and limestone meadows covered with large numbers of orchids in spring.
The Oise and the Normandy tracks converge to a single main track close the the famous abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly.

This stage principally follows an old railway transformed into a greenway, passing through a lovely landscape full of attractions, from the gates of Beauvais to the wet meadows of the Pays de Bray. Departing from the SNCF railway station in Beauvais, the itinerary follows the Thérain River, passing right by the painter André Van Beek remarkable garden and the Saint-Paul amusement park. Laughs and thrills guaranteed! The route then offers a succession of varied bucolic scenery, with ponds and picturesque farms and cottages reminiscent of nearby Normandy.
The Oise and the Normandy tracks converge to a single main track close the the famous abbey of Saint-Germer-de-Fly.

Between the Thérain River Valley and the Picard Plateau, the itinerary becomes wonderfully bucolic, the path will come in what was once the garden of the bishops and counts of Beauvais. Indeed, Castel of Bresles, today’s town hall, was the dignitaries summer residence. The old royal road then takes you to the astonishing church of Saint-Ouen de Therdonne, overlooking the surrounding fields. Finally, you will arrive in Beauvais, with its magnificent cathedral and numerous monuments.

You will cycle into the heart of the Oise - Pays de France Regional Nature Reserve, emblematic of the southern Oise landscapes and atmospheres. Along the way, discover municipalities and forests sharing the same rich historic heritage: the Castle of Chantilly, the Potager des Princes («Princes’ Kitchen Garden»), Senlis Cathedral, Royal Moncel Abbey, the forests of Chantilly and Halatte… An itinerary made for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Exploring the right and left banks, the itinerary of this fourth stage alternates between the charming holiday residences on the banks of the Oise and the powerful industrial sites of Persan and Beaumont-sur-Oise. Your will then cycle to the timeless Royaumont Abbey and the outstanding Château de Chantilly. From the medieval village of Senlis to Pontpoint, the route will also give you a taste of some of Europe’s famous pilgrims routes (the EuroVelo 3 also called « The Scandibérique » in France . You will be able to discover impressive religious building like the gothic cathedral of Senlis or the Moncel Abbaye.

Exploring the right and left banks, the itinerary of this fourth stage alternates between the charming holiday residences on the banks of the Oise and the powerful industrial sites of Persan and Beaumont-sur-Oise. Your will then cycle to the timeless Royaumont Abbey and the outstanding Château de Chantilly. From the medieval village of Senlis to Pontpoint, the route will also give you a taste of some of Europe’s famous pilgrims routes (the EuroVelo 3 also called « The Scandibérique » in France . You will be able to discover impressive religious building like the gothic cathedral of Senlis or the Moncel Abbaye.

You’ll begin this third stage in a verdant setting. Cross through the royal forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye to reach Conflans-Ste-Honorine, a proud river port marking the confluence of the Oise and Seine Rivers. The itinerary takes you along the edge of the Oise Valley, with its succession of remarkable towns and villages. This charming valley has inspired some of the greatest painters, including Van Gogh, Cézanne and Daubigny.
You can choose between two differents Avenue Verte routes : the Oise Valley via Auvers-sur-Oise, Chantilly…or the Normandy track via Giverny and Gisors.