Cycling route - The plain of Versailles
Description
Explore the plain of Versailles by bike and discover its historical secrets and the park of the Château. A 25km route, combining history, culture and nature, ideal for a ride with family or friends.
Start your cycle tour on Avenue Charles de Gaulle, then enter the grounds of the Château de Versailles through the Grille des Matelots. Cycle around the Grand Canal, which stretches for 1,670 metres and has been the setting for many memorable festivities. Next, follow the Ru de Gally, which rises in the Grand Canal. This 22km-long stream crosses the plain of Versailles and was once used to provide drinking water, wash clothes and power mills.
Exit at the far end of the château grounds and turn right to discover the Gally farm. Situated between the forest of Marly and the hills of Saint-Cyr-l'École, this farm has been patiently cultivated by monks, ploughmen, market gardeners and gardeners over the centuries.
After leaving the park, you'll find Versailles airfield on your left. Since 1909, the Saint-Cyr airfield has been alive with take-offs and landings. Next, cross the Plaine de Versailles, which was part of the great park of Versailles created by Louis XIV between 1660 and 1685 for hunting. This magnificent, unspoilt area is a haven for many rare natural species.
Finish your walk in Rennemoulin, a village made up of agricultural, forest and natural areas. Then complete your cycle tour, passing by the Grand Canal and returning to the starting point on Avenue Charles de Gaulle. This cycle tour offers you a complete exploration of the destination's history, culture and natural beauty.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
The Grand Canal
Situated around the Grand Canal, the Park covers several hectares and is free to enter.Laid out between 1668 and 1679, the Grand Canal is André Le Nôtre's most original creation. Measuring 23 hectares, 60 metres wide, 1,700 metres east-west and 1,000 metres north-south, it provides a single view of the beauty and grandeur of the estate. Its dimensions were carefully designed by Louis XIV's architect to create a perfect perspective.
Park of Versailles Palace
Get on your bike and follow the cycle paths with the wind in your hair : they will lead you on a tour of the city's main monuments !The park have about 800 hectares, made up of straight alleys, wooded spaces and cultivated fields. Borded by a wall with huge gates, the park keeps the entire estate in a green bower. It is open every day of the year, excepting during adverse weather conditions (snow, high winds, etc.). Free entrance for pedestrians and riders It is possible to access the park crossing the french gardens, ou directly by one of the following gates: - Queen's gate - Saint Anthony gate - Sailor's gate (Fees with a vehicle at the Queen's gate and Saint Anthony's gate).
The Gally farms
The Gally farm, located between Saint-Cyr-l'École, Bailly and Versailles, is a historic site that was once a priory and became part of the royal estate under Louis XIV. Listed as a historic monument in 1906, it illustrates the agricultural development of the region.
Plain of Versailles
The Plaine of Versailles, located in the Yvelines department, is a vast expanse of farmland and woodland. It is characterised by its open landscapes, cereal crops and woods. The plain offers panoramic views of the Château de Versailles and its gardens.
Additional information
Updated by
Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Versailles Grand Parc - 08/08/2024
www.versailles-tourisme.com/
Report a problem
Open period
From 01/01 to 31/12/2024.
Contact
Phone : 01 39 24 88 88
Email : tourisme@ot-versailles.fr
Website : www.versailles-tourisme.com/
