…well almost. Basse Copette is not far from the proposed 218 km cycle ‘path’ that will run between St Paul’s Cathedral in London and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and due to be complete in 2012 in time for the Olympics. That part that passes through Seine Maritime (the Department in which Basse Copette is to be found) runs from a town called Forges-les-Eaux to the coastal port of Dieppe. The cycle path is known locally as la route verte, or the green road, and has been open since 2007. The cycle path was once the route of a railway line that went from Paris to Dieppe, and passes through the wonderful town of Neufchâtel-en-Bray, from where the delicious, heart-shaped Neufchâtel cheese originates, and passes by some wonderful châteaux that make great picnic stops. A great day out for guests at Basse Copette.


Whether you bring your own bikes with you, or you fancy a bike ride and wish to hire a bike and ride somewhere – la route verte is a must. A number of guests at Basse Copette have cycled various sections of this route. There are very reasonable bike hire shops at both Forges-les-Eaux and Neufchâtel. Some of the bikes even have baskets on the front for your bread and cheese and bottle of cider! The shop at Neufchâtel hires out bikes at €6 for half a day, and is located on the cycle path – it really could not be easier.

The path between Forges and Neufchâtel is just over 18 kilometers, and besides being a great cycle ride, there are other things to do along the way as well. For example, the path runs right by the Renaissance château de Mesnières-en-Bray, certain sections of which (the chapel and much of the first floor) were badly destroyed by fire in February 2004. But through painstaking restoration work is being brought back to its former glory.

Culture and exercise! And having worked up an appetite, return to Basse Copette for a gourmet meal!