This first stage plunges you into the heart of verdant, bucolic valleys where water and medieval heritage naturally coexist. Between the tranquillity of the Creuse River and the silhouette of the oldest Merovingian keep in Châtillon-sur-Indre, take the time to disconnect.

To discover:

• The castle and historic centre of Châtillon-sur-Indre: Stroll along the cobbled streets leading to the medieval ensemble to observe its imposing 12th-century keep. The panoramic view of the Indre Valley from the ramparts offers a fine glimpse of the area's bocage landscape.

• The Mado Robin Museum and the heritage of Yzeures-sur-Creuse (1h00): Discover the area's Gallo-Roman remains and the collection dedicated to the famous opera singer born in the village. The site provides a refreshing cultural stop just a stone's throw from the banks of the Creuse.

• The Rives de la Creuse natural site: Explore this preserved natural area along the riverbank, ideal for observing aquatic wildlife and enjoying a walk in the shade of the poplar trees.

The Sud Touraine Greenway: Enjoy a safe route set up along a former railway line connecting Yzeures-sur-Creuse to the gateway of the Brenne Regional Natural Park. The flat route is perfectly suited for a hybrid bike ride along wet meadows and ponds.

Situated on the gateway to Limousin, the commune of Chaillac offers a more hilly landscape where bocage countryside, lakes and dense forests alternate. The atmosphere is peaceful, ideal for enjoying the quiet of Indre's small country roads.

To discover:

• Rochegaudon Lake: Enjoy Chaillac's body of water on a hike along the developed trail around the lake. The site is perfect for taking a relaxing break in the heart of nature.

• The Mine and Minerals Museum (1h00): Explore the region's mining past through a unique collection of fluorites and minerals extracted from the Berry subsoil.

• The ruins of Brosse Castle: A few kilometres from the village, visit the remains of this ancient medieval fortress perched on its rocky spur overlooking the Bouzanne Valley.

Ponds and Chestnut Trees Circuit: Take the quiet, low-traffic shared roads circling around Chaillac. This undulating 25 km route requires a small effort on an electrically assisted bike, but rewards you with magnificent panoramas over the hills of Boischaut Sud.

Heading north up the department, this stage crosses the vast plains and forests of Berry. Between small towns of character such as Dun-sur-Auron and the banks of the Auron, you will discover a preserved architectural heritage. To discover:

• The ramparts and Belfry of Dun-sur-Auron: Stroll along the old medieval fortifications bordered by the Canal de Berry. The town retains an authentic charm with its half-timbered houses and Saint-Étienne collegiate church.

• The Circus Museum in Vatan: Stop off in Vatan to visit this unique site dedicated to the circus arts, housing period sets, costumes and posters.

• The banks of the Charente in Lunery: Explore the riverbanks and the industrial heritage linked to the former ironworks that shaped the history of the town of Lunery.

The Berry Canal by bike: Pedal along the former Berry Canal from Dun-sur-Auron or Lunery. The developed towpath offers a completely flat route, perfect for a cycle touring ride in the shade of century-old tree lines.

A radical change of scenery in Neuvy-sur-Barangeon, where the pine forests and large ponds of Sologne take over. The air smells of resin and damp earth, offering a cool and wooded stage lulled by nature.

To discover:

• The Water House and Gentilly Mill (2h00): Explore this educational centre located along the Barangeon River. The trail set up on boardwalks over the peat bog allows you to understand the flora and fauna of the wetlands.

• The village and its Sologne architecture: Stroll through the village to observe the typical red-brick constructions and timber frames, characteristic of traditional Sologne housing.

• The Pipardière Pond: Observe wild birds from the banks of this preserved pond, symbolic of the vast expanses of water shaping the area.

The Great Sologne Loop: Take a hybrid bike loop through the forest massifs connecting Neuvy-sur-Barangeon to the surrounding ponds. The compacted forest paths take you as close as possible to the wild nature of Sologne.

At the gateway to Orléans, this stage sits directly on the north bank of the Loire. Opposite the historic town of Jargeau, the landscape opens up onto sandy banks, wild islands and the display of seabirds.

To discover

• The inland port and the banks of the Loire: Stroll along the levees to admire the traditional flat-bottomed boats, such as toues and barges, which recall the era of river navigation.

• The suspension bridge and view of Jargeau: Cross this bridge connecting Saint-Denis-de-l'Hôtel to the opposite bank to enjoy an exceptional panorama over the Loire riverbed.

• Saint-Denis Church: Discover this building rebuilt after the wars, bearing witness to the history and resilience of the inland port town.

La Loire à Vélo: Join the legendary La Loire à Vélo route. The itinerary follows the safe levees, offering an unobstructed view of the royal river listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A smooth and pleasant section to cycle on a touring bike.

Heading north into Eure-et-Loir, the landscape changes to make way for the vast open expanses of Villages Vovéens. This is the realm of big skies, windmills and a very special light.

To discover:

• The Voves Windmill: Visit this witness to Beauce's agricultural history. Meticulously restored, it illustrates traditional milling expertise in the heart of this vast plain.

• The Voves Camp Memorial: A preserved place of remembrance, retracing the history of this Second World War internment camp through an informative documentary trail.

• The religious heritage of the grouped villages: Explore the hamlets attached to Villages Vovéens to discover their rural millstone churches and typical small squares.

La Veloscénie through the Beauce: Join the sections of La Veloscénie winding along very quiet countryside roads. This route allows you to cross the plain in complete safety, where the only reliefs on the horizon are the silhouettes of church steeples and wind turbines.

This final stage on the borders of Normandy and Eure-et-Loir takes you into the Thymerais. The landscape becomes hilly again, composed of intimate valleys like that of the Avre, state forests and discreet small castles.

To discover:

• Saint-Lubin-des-Joncherets Castle and Park (1h30): Stroll through the gardens of this residence bordered by the Avre, where canals and small stone bridges lend a country charm to the walk.

• Châteauneuf State Forest (2h00): Take advantage of the forest paths for a hike to discover the century-old oaks of the Thymerais massif.

• The remains of the Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais fortifications: Explore the centre to observe the traces of the old motte-and-bailey castle and understand the historical role of this former border town.

Avre Valley Circuit: Travel along the small roads connecting Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais to Saint-Lubin-des-Joncherets. This undulating route by hybrid bike or electrically assisted bike follows the Avre River, weaving between undergrowth, former watermills and characterful villages.