La Vélo Francette, From Saumur To La Rochelle

8 days between the Loire and the Atlantic, to discover the path of the Vélo Francette…

Awarded the best cycling route in 2018, the Vélo Francette is an adventure off the beaten path to discover unknown, wild and bucolic lands. With an exceptionally dense network of greenways, this stretch of the V√©lo Francette allows you to discover the regions of Poitou and Charente.

In six stages, you link Saumur, on the banks of the Loire to the city of La Rochelle facing the Atlantic Ocean. Saumur stands out with its admirable medieval castle, overhanging the Loire and the charming city center of Saumur, until you reach La Rochelle, where you discover relatively unknown towns and villages that are not without charm. Thouars, Parthenay or Niort are worth a visit for their well-preserved heritage. Finally, at the end of your trip, the arrival on La Rochelle is a real treat. Take the time to stroll along the old port, gaze at the towers of Saint Nicolas and the Chain that have guarded the entrance of the latter for over 600 years and stroll through the winding streets of the old town.

During your escape on the Vélo Francette, you also discover natural landscapes that make up the route’s charm. From the banks of the Loire to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the Vélo Francette is intimately linked to water as both rivers and wetlands are ubiquitous throughout the journey. From meander to meander, the Thouet then S√®vre Niortaise pace your pedaling. But above all, the discovery of the Marais Poitevin Regional Park offers a range of green and refreshing landscapes, among the most beautiful of the journey. Nicknamed the Green Venice because of its large number of rivers and canals, this region allows you to cross many wetlands and picturesque villages like Coulon, Ar√ßais and Marans.

Away from the tourist motorways, on the tracks and the cross roads, lies another France of unsuspected charm. From one village to another, along the rivers or through the meadows, the V√©lo Francette allows you to discover it …