This new route through the borders of Normandy, Brittany and Pays de la Loire has an undeniably curious name. It’s from régaler, to regale or treat – suggesting that you’ll feast on both the scenery and the local culinary specialities.

It also has a hint of “regal”, for a route that has more of its fair share of chateaux and fortifications. Mont Saint Michel at the start of the route is of course the best known, but Vitré is no less a marvel with its elegant castle and narrow streets. Medieval Chateaubriant has endless timber-framed houses. Fougeres, another castle town, was where we had one of the best meals of our lives (albeit on a very rainy ride; Breton weather can be unforgiving, so pack waterproofs).

It’s more or less half rail trail, half country lane. There are few hills, and the ascents are gently masked by railway grades anyway. At 300km (180mi) it’s a three-day route if you’re in a rush, but you could easily spend longer.

It’s also remarkably easy for visitors from the UK to access. Take the ferry from Portsmouth to Saint Malo, and cycle the 50km (30mi) along the coast to Mont Saint Michel. Then when you reach the end of the route at Nantes, a regional train ride (changing at Rennes, ~3hr) will take you back to Saint Malo.

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