Musée du Vélo - La Belle Echappée
The Belle Échappée museum, in the Sarthe, within the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, traces the history of cycling, the Tour de France and the world of its advertising caravan. It presents the collection of Ivan Bonduelle, a cycling enthusiast, which includes many unique pieces.
The historical route, from 1868 to the present day, is divided into booths with jerseys, bikes and posters, and screens recalling the feats of each era. An interactive area tells the story of ten legendary jerseys on a giant screen. Other rooms recall the advertising caravan, with figurines and caps, and 'Ivan's treasure': portraits of champions and bikes from every period. The collection also includes unusual cycling-related objects, such as bottles, china, cake charms and trophies.
