This cycling holiday, based at Hotel Spa du Beryl in Bagnoles de l'Orne, combines day rides with sightseeing in some of the historic and interesting towns in this area of Normandy. The hotel has a swimming pool and spa to relax after each day's ride and there is secure storage for the bikes. There will be rides each day, some direct from the hotel and some starting further away by driving with the bikes to the start. To make transport arrangements simple there will be two choices of route each day, one longer and one shorter, with all routes starting and finishing in the same place and meeting up at the town for lunch and sightseeing.
Provisional programme
Monday 10th June (for those travelling overnight Sunday).
There will be a short local ride starting at the hotel and looping around to Lignieres Orgeres on La Veloscenie - Bagnoles Bagnoles loop. The elegant spa town of Bagnoles-de-l’Orne became particularly popular in the late 19th century, a period in French history known as the Belle Epoque. Some grand period buildings still occupy prime positions.
Tuesday 11th June - Domfront
The first full day with the whole group, so a ride starting at 10.00am from the hotel car park and riding to Domfront and back. Both routes start at the hotel and go to Domfront with both returning by the same route - Bagnoles Domfront short route and Bagnoles Domfront long route. Perched on a hill above Varenne valley is the fortified medieval town of Domfront, founded in the 11th century. It has preserved many reminders of its rich past, making it a delightful place for a stroll: charming squares and narrow streets, a 12th-century Romanesque keep, remains of the old feudal castle, rampart towers, and picturesque half-timbered houses, mansions and interior courtyards.
Wednesday 12th June - Alencon
All will meet in hotel car park at 09.30am and then drive to the start of the ride at Le Grande Avenue, Saint Denis sur Sarthon. that will loop to Alencon and back. The shorter route turns off La Veloscenie near Roupperoux and then heads direct to Alencon whilst the longer Domfront route extends further north to Carrouges before turning towards Alencon with section back from Alencon common to both routes. Alençon owes much of its renown to influential women, and it is thanks in good part to its dukes and to their wealthy wives, that grand buildings went up in Alençon in the late 15th century, from the austere castle to elaborate churches. It has long been renowned for its lace-making traditions, which date back to the 17th century
Thursday 14th June - Mayenne
Again, all will meet in hotel car park at 10.00am ready to drive to the start of the ride at Lassay les Chateau. The Bagnoles Mayenne route follows Voie Verte for about 60% of the ride to Mayenne and back. At the edge of Normandy, the town of Mayenne has an imposing castle as a reminder of its past as a stronghold and ducal town. It has towered above the Mayenne river for over a thousand years. In turn a Carolingian palace, castle fort and prison, Mayenne castle now houses a museum