BV25-12 Paris > Chartres > Paris

If you haven’t been to Chartres, it’s a fantastic destination for a cycling trip—whether you're riding there, back, or both! The cathedral is truly spectacular, and according to UNESCO, it is "one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century."

I first discovered this route by taking the train out and riding back, but I designed this round-trip option for those looking for a longer ride. I’ve mapped it out to keep the route slightly different each way, so it’s not just a straight out-and-back.

The ride starts by heading out of Paris along the quai and through Sèvres. While this stretch isn’t the most scenic, it efficiently gets you out of the city and onto the good stuff. After passing through Versailles and descending the famous 17 turns, the route takes you through forests and fields until you reach Maintenon. This town has a beautiful château with a fascinating history. The expansive gardens behind it are worth a visit, and while you can sneak a peek while riding past, it's a place you may want to explore without the bike someday.

From there, the ride continues mostly through open fields, but the kilometers fly by until you reach Chartres. The route takes you right up to the front of the cathedral, giving you the perfect opportunity to step inside for a quick look if you have time.

For the return, the route stays slightly south with less than 2 km of overlap. You’ll pass through Rambouillet, where you can check out yet another historical monument or simply refuel for the final stretch. Shortly after, you’ll ride across one of my favorite roads—Rue des Vaux de Cernay—stunning in every season. From there, it’s a classic return through Chevreuse, Châteaufort, and Meudon before rolling back into Paris.

This route is a true all-day adventure, but if you have the time and the legs, it’s well worth the effort.

GPX File