The route of the 200 kilometres (120 mi) race has varied over the years, it previously started in Magnanville, near Paris, and finished in Vimoutiers.

The present day race starts in Pont-Audemer in the Eure department and heads south for 60 km to the environs of the finishing town of Livarot in the Calvados department.

Once in the region of Livarot the race takes in seven climbs around the town, some of which are ascended several times.

The last of these 14 climbs is 10 km from the finish line which is in the town centre of Livarot on the Route de Lisieux.

By the 1970s famous riders were regularly participating and sometimes winning the race: riders such as Bernard Hinault and Joop Zoetemelk added celebrity and allure to the race.