Montfort-l'Amaury and Chevreuse Valley Loop

The route primarily features quiet, well-paved roads winding through the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. You'll encounter a mix of forest massifs, steep valleys, and agricultural plateaus. While generally smooth, some segments can be challenging due to hilly terrain and notable climbs like the Côte des 17 Tournants and a particularly steep 600-meter ascent through a forest.

This route offers several points of interest. You can enjoy views of the Château de la Madeleine from the Town Center, pass by the scenic Étang de la Tour, and see the historic Saint-Pierre Church of Montfort-l'Amaury. Other notable spots include the Milon-la-Chapelle Wall and the Côte des 17 Tournants, both popular climbs.

This route is rated as 'moderate' due to its distance of approximately 85 km and an elevation gain of about 750 meters. While mostly on well-paved surfaces, the hilly terrain and specific steep climbs mean it requires good fitness. Beginners with some road cycling experience and a decent fitness level could manage it, but it's not ideal for absolute novices.

The Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse is beautiful year-round, but for road cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but check weather conditions for ice or snow, especially on shaded climbs.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle on the public roads and trails within the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse. The park is open access for recreational activities.

While there isn't one designated 'start' point, many cyclists begin their journey from towns within or bordering the park, such as Chevreuse, Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, or Montfort-l'Amaury. These towns typically offer public parking options. It's advisable to check local parking availability for your chosen starting point.

This route is designed for road cycling, primarily on paved roads. While dogs are generally allowed in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, bringing a dog on a racebike route of this distance and difficulty is not practical or recommended. If you wish to explore the park with your dog, consider shorter, more suitable walking or hiking trails.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers sections of the La Véloscénie - via Buc (12% of the route) and the Grand Tour de Paris (12% of the route). You'll also briefly cross parts of the Franchard - Villiers-Saint-Frédéric and Chemin de Trèves, Igny - Rambouillet trails.

Yes, the route passes through charming villages within the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse where you can find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to refuel. It's a popular cycling area, so amenities catering to cyclists are generally available, especially in larger towns like Chevreuse or Montfort-l'Amaury.

Given that this is a 'racebike' tour with mostly well-paved roads and significant climbs, a road bike is the most suitable choice. Its lightweight frame and efficient gearing will help you tackle the distance and elevation gain effectively. While some segments might be unpaved, they are generally short enough not to require a gravel or mountain bike.

The estimated duration for this 85 km route is around 3 hours and 52 minutes of active cycling time. However, this can vary significantly based on your fitness level, the number of stops you make for sightseeing or refreshments, and the pace you maintain. Plan for a half-day to a full-day excursion to fully enjoy the scenery and highlights.