Gravel adventure in Île-de-France between castles and forests
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationSeine-et-Marne / Fontainebleau
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AgeFrom 3 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions33.7 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
What if the adventure began just outside Paris? Embark on a 3-day, 175km gravel ride through the Île-de-France region, exploring forest trails, greenways, and quiet country roads. From the Sénart forest to Fontainebleau, head to Barbizon, the renowned artists' village, and then on to the charming streets of Moret-sur-Loing.
A change of scenery for the last stage: follow the Seine and discover the heritage of the Île-de-France region with the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte and the medieval fortress of Blandy-les-Tours, before returning to Paris via the Bois de Vincennes.
A micro gravel adventure on the outskirts of the capital, where forests, castles, artists' villages, and the heritage of the Île-de-France region transform every turn into a new discovery. Since it's a loop starting and ending in Paris, a one-way service is simply not necessary.
The highlights
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Explore the forests of Sénart and Fontainebleau on the gravel paths
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Make a stop in Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing, between art and heritage
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Discover Vaux-le-Vicomte and Blandy-les-Tours by bike
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
The expert's opinion
The difficulty level can vary depending on the distance, elevation gain, and weather conditions of each stage. Cycling practice before departure is recommended to ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
In figures
Gravel
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 61 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 260 m
- Average daily descent: 100 m
Management
Digital Roadbook
Program
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Heading towards Barbizon, between forests and plains
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 67 km
- Positive elevation gain 220 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
An early departure from Paris for a cycling getaway through the Sénart forest. You pedal at a leisurely pace along shaded paths, soothed by the fresh morning air. The route continues across the plains of Essonne before plunging into the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. At the end of the day, you arrive in Barbizon, a charming village that was once a haven for landscape painters, ideal for a break and a moment of relaxation.
Day 1 -
From Barbizon to Melun, between forest and banks of the Seine
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 55 km
- Positive elevation gain 240 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Leaving Barbizon , head towards the Fontainebleau forest and its iconic landscapes, between rocky outcrops and winding paths. A stop in Moret-sur-Loing , a charming medieval village listed among the most beautiful in France, offers a chance to relax and stroll through its picturesque streets. The route concludes gently along the Seine , all the way to Melun , the final destination of this journey rich in contrasts.
Day 2 -
Castles and countryside between Melun and Vincennes
- Activity Gravel
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Melun , you'll head towards the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte , an architectural gem of the 17th century. The route continues to Blandy-les-Tours , where a medieval castle stands in the heart of a charming village. At the end of the day, you'll reach the Bois de Vincennes , a vast green oasis on the outskirts of Paris, to conclude this leg of your journey through heritage and nature.
Day 3
Accommodation
Throughout your stay, you will be accommodated in 3-star hotels carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality and location suitable for your cycling route.
After each day of cycling, you'll enjoy a comfortable room to rest and recharge before the next stage. We prioritize ideally located accommodations, allowing easy access to city centers, restaurants, and main points of interest.
Access
Go to the starting point
From Paris-Nord train station :
- Metro : Take metro line 4 from Gare du Nord station to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to Rue de Cléry.
- Bus : Line 39 takes you from Gare du Nord to Poissonnière - Bonne Nouvelle in about 13 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Gare de Lyon :
- Metro : Take line 14 to Châtelet , then change to line 4 to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The total journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
From Montparnasse Station :
- Metro : Take line 4 directly to Réaumur - Sébastopol . The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on days 1 and 2
- Trip organization
- GPX track
The price does not include
- Luggage transport
- Transport to the meeting point on Day 1
- Meals
- Insurance
- Bike rental (see option)
Options
- Gravel rental : CHF197.60 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
The equipment mentioned is included as part of our bicycle rental service.
- Bicycle helmet
- Poncho
- Anti-theft
- Tire repair spray
- Phone holder
- Multi-tool
- 2 x 20L panniers
- Repair kit
Equipment to bring
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Cap or buff
- Cycling gloves
- External battery
- Charging cables
Clothing to bring
- Cycling jersey or breathable technical t-shirt
- Windproof and/or waterproof jacket
- Thermal underlayer (if cold)
- Cycling shorts or bib shorts
- Long tights or waterproof over-trousers (if it's cold or raining)
- Lightweight gloves (summer) or thermal gloves (winter)
- Technical socks
- Buff / neck warmer
- Beanie under helmet (if cold)
- Comfortable T-shirt
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight trousers or shorts
- Tights or leggings (if cold)
- Lightweight sandals or flip-flops
- Appropriate shoes
- Waterproof overshoes
- Rain pants
- Breathable waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
The Alexis team
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- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.