Hilly bike rides – the quiet roads of Perche in France

If you like to go on active holidays, but don’t have a favourite sport, it can be hard to decide between hiking and cycling. Some landscapes lend themselves well to both thanks to their relief. This is the case in the Parc naturel régional du Perche in France.

Located 100 kilometres (62 mi) from Paris, this rural area is characterised by its countless small country roads with very little traffic, making it ideal for cycling. The terrain is undulating, offering magnificent views without ascending long passes.

I’ve been heading to La Perche regularly since 2010 to visit family. I’m always happy to take my bike and explore the length and breadth of the region. This is how I discovered the Routes tranquilles du Perche (the quiet routes of the Perche), a network of routes through the entire natural park. In this Collection, I present its nine loops, which cover 60 to 100 kilometres (37 to 62 mi). For longer rides, you’ll find accommodation en route so you can split the route in two. I’ve also occasionally modified sections to avoid main roads.

The downside of the beautiful countryside landscapes of Perche is that the region isn’t well served by public transport. The loops departing from Nogent-le-Rotrou and La Loupe are easily accessible by train from Paris and Le Mans and the ‘Valleys and mills’ route passes through Condé-sur-Huisne station. However, I recommend driving to the start of the other loops. Another possibility is to start from a station and follow different loops to create your own multi-day cycling adventure.

I’d suggest choosing the town of Nogent-le-Rotrou as your basecamp; it has plenty of services and a train station. Rémalard, a smaller but charming town is also a good choice thanks to its location in the heart of the regional park and nearby to necessary amenities. Remember to bring enough supplies and water for the day, as well as tools such as a puncture repair kit to deal with minor mechanical problems.

The loops take place entirely on asphalt, apart from a small section of greenway on the ‘Valleys and mills’ route. A road or touring bike is ideal. If the hills put you off, you can also opt for an electric bike. The positive altitude difference can sometimes exceed 1,000 metres (3,280 ft).

The roads are passable year round. I often ride them in winter, although the cold can be biting. Spring, summer and autumn are more pleasant for long 100-kilometre (62 mi) outings.

So, cycle at your own pace. The rolling landscapes, manors and mills of the quiet Routes du Perche await.