La Véloscénie, from Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by Jenny Diab

Let's put the brakes on in Chevreuse, at Marc's syrup-making workshop. In his workshop, you can make your own syrup with a wide range of flavours. Once in his shop, Marc shares his craft and lets you taste his bewitchingly flavoursome syrups! Continue your walk in the Rambouillet forest. A place rich in flora and fauna, where peace and quiet reign supreme. Stop off at the wildlife area known as the Espace Rambouillet. This site, recognised by the ONF (Office National des Forêts), aims to preserve biodiversity. There's something for young and old to marvel at before getting back on your bike and continuing on La Véloscénie.

The Château de Maintenon, just a stone's throw from Paris on the Véloscénie route, is a must-see. Join a guide to discover the history of the château through its rooms and sumptuous garden. To top it all off, there are unusual themed tours and workshops (well-being sessions, sound naps, introduction to relaxation therapy, biodiversity workshops to discover bats). An out-of-the-ordinary getaway!

Through 17 kilometres of rolling countryside, breathtaking panoramas guide you to the SpaPOM. An atypical place based around one of Normandy's flagship products: the apple! A massage, swimming pool, hammam and sauna lull you into a state of relaxation. After this soothing interlude, it's off to Maison Ferré for more of the same indulgence. We'll discover the expertise of Grégoire Ferré, producer of cider and apple juice. The walk ends with a tasting of local products.

Read more: An autumn on the cider trail in Normandy

Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts et de la dentelle in Alençon, Normandy. During a guided tour, you'll discover the traditional ways of making this fabric. You can also watch a demonstration of this art. A skill that is unique in the world. Meticulousness and patience are the watchwords of this extraordinary museum. Continue your cycle ride to Carrouges castle to admire its architecture. Louis XIV once spent a night here. Then take a pleasant break in the Lancelot-du-lac forest. The perfect place for a picnic!

The final straight and surely the most beautiful stage of this magnificent journey. In any case, my favourite! Travel 14 km north of Normandy, between La Roche Torin and Mont Saint-Michel. The route is absolutely sublime. The more you pedal, the more you discover the Mont in the distance, coming closer and closer. The Abbey and the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel round off this beautiful 450-kilometre itinerary from Paris.

During peak periods, it's best to wait until nightfall to discover the Mont-Saint-Michel site in the best possible conditions. A night-time sound and light show is available throughout the summer between 7.30pm and 11pm, except on Sundays (bookings available on the Les Nocturnes de l'Abbaye website, in the Destination Mont-Saint-Michel Tourist Offices and at the entrance to the abbey).

It is possible to hire a bike (VTC or VAE) for the Véloscénie. The service provider will take care of picking up the bike at the departure and arrival points. Prices vary between 15 and 80 euros, depending on the model chosen. Via the Véloscénie website, you can find all the ‘bike hostels’ that guarantee quality services along the cycle routes. These include accommodation, tourist offices, restaurants, bike repair shops and bike hire companies. It can be identified by a green logo. ‘The Véloscénie guide is also available to help you prepare for this itinerary. It includes good addresses, places to eat and sleep, and lots of advice on how to make the most of your trip.

Everything you need to know to prepare your cycling trip on the Véloscénie