Saddling up from Troyes to Chaource

Setting off from Troyes, take to the road for a new gravel adventure on the Raid Bulles! From historic heritage to gastronomic delights, this stage is packed with discoveries.

Known as the European capital of stained glass, Troyes welcomes you at the start of the route, with its colourful timber-framed houses and its many churches, including the majestic Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral! In fact, it's in the heart of the cathedral that you'll be able to admire some superb stained-glass windows, symbolic of the destination.

Leave the city along the Canal des Trévois, then the Cours du Triffoire. The hustle and bustle of the city gradually fades away as you plunge into the surrounding countryside. After around twenty kilometres, you pass through the charming village of Villemereuil and its lovely château, listed on the Route des Châteaux de l'Aube. The heat is beginning to make itself felt? The forest cover that awaits you at the end of the stage will provide the much-needed coolness!

As you ride through the forest, you'll pass the lakes of l'Embranchoir and Palluau, veritable havens of peace. Look up from your handlebars and you're sure to spot some wild animals! After this interlude with nature, you'll leave the woods and head for the village of Les Loges-Margueron and its château de Crogny.

This stage comes to an end in the town centre of Chaource. Here, don't miss a visit to the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: it houses some precious Christian art treasures, including the famous "Mise au Tombeau" dating from 1515. And what would a visit to Chaource be without sampling its famous cheese? This local delicacy is the perfect way to build up your strength... and round off your first visit on a gourmet note!