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We know this route well since our offices are located right on the route, in Arçais. In 1994, the founders of La Bicyclette Verte, Pierre Alain and Danielle, set out on the roads of this route, which didn't bear that name at the time. In the Thouet Valley, via Thouars and Parthenay, we fell in love immediately. We still have the maps that allowed us to complete this route in 1994! They've yellowed slightly but are preserved in a precious binder.
As an anecdote, an expedition including hoteliers was even organized to promote the route to Dutch customers, who were already very fond of cycling trips at the time. A wonderful experience and some great moments!
Since then, the cycle route was voted "Cycle Route of the Year" in 2017 by a Dutch cycling collective. And for good reason: the route, which begins in Ouistreham (Normandy) and ends on the Atlantic coast (La Rochelle), is astonishing. The quality of the accommodations offered and the diversity of the landscapes make it a remarkable route. Furthermore, the cycle paths are recent and therefore in good overall condition.
At La Bicyclette Verte, we offer several routes to discover La Vélo Francette between Saumur and La Rochelle. No matter your choice, a journey along the water awaits you.
In Saumur, the Loire is a welcoming host, watering vineyards producing excellent red and white wines. The adventure then continues along the Thouet. Discover Montreuil-Bellay and its château, which is well worth exploring. You continue through the bucolic and green Thouet Valley. It's a real pleasure to cycle through charming villages and towns with a rich but little-known heritage. In Thouars and Parthenay, the town centers have retained their old-world charm, and the majestic historic buildings hold some wonderful surprises.
After the Thouet, the Sèvre Niortaise River takes over and becomes the new guiding light. It guides you to Niort, the capital of the Green Venice. With its Donjon, its "most beautiful market in France," its pretty streets, and its dragons, this is a beautiful stop on the Vélo Francette.
You then enter the green kingdom of the Marais Poitevin. With its maze of greenways, cycle paths, and towpaths, it's truly a paradise for cycling holidays. La Rochelle, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Île de Ré are just a stone's throw away.
If you're looking for a car-free route with plenty of dedicated cycle paths, La Vélo Francette between Niort and La Rochelle is for you! Except for the outskirts of the city, the entire route is on greenways through unspoiled and lush greenery. Many of the paths are shaded, and the omnipresence of canals and waterways makes it an ideal summer destination. It's also a destination for cycling away from the crowds and is currently not threatened by overtourism.
As for activities, there's the unmissable boat ride, the opportunity to visit an educational farm, a bird park, and many other options. You'll enjoy strolls along the banks of the Sèvre, passing through locks, visiting marshland villages, and wandering through a unique ecosystem, a true green kingdom.