The Vélo Francette between the Loire, the Marais Poitevin, and the Atlantic: our cycling holidays

The Vélo Francette in brief: 630 km from Normandy to the Atlantic

The Vélo Francette is a route that stretches from Calvados to Charente-Maritime. Between Ouistreham (near Caen) and La Rochelle, 630 km of cycle path connect the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a route along the waterways, offering a taste of the "Sweet France." The landscapes along the way are remarkable: the Suisse Normande, the Mayenne Valley, the Loire River, the Thouet Valley, the Sèvre Niortaise, and the Marais Poitevin.

Why the Saumur - La Rochelle section is the most beautiful

At La Bicyclette Verte, we know the Vélo Francette well since our offices are located in Arçais, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. As early as 1994, Pierre Alain and Danielle began offering cycling routes between Saumur and La Rochelle that closely resembled the current Vélo Francette route. They fell in love with the Thouet Valley immediately. Its idyllic banks and charming towns (Saumur, Thouars, Parthenay, Niort) beautifully enhance the journey.

Cycling from Saumur and the Loire River to La Rochelle and the Atlantic coast is a truly delightful experience.

Our 4 cycling trips on the Vélo Francette (from Saumur to La Rochelle)

From Saumur to the Marais Poitevin

It all begins in Saumur, where the Loire River meanders between vineyards and tuffeau stone houses. Your wheels then follow the Vélo Francette, along the Thouet River: Montreuil-Bellay and its castle, medieval Thouars, and Parthenay with its cobbled streets. At the end of your journey, Niort welcomes you: a majestic keep, market halls voted "France's most beautiful market," and the first scents of the Marais Poitevin. Six days of water, heritage, and tranquility. You pedal light; we carry the rest.

From Niort to La Rochelle

Imagine: shaded canals, the gentle lapping of a boat in Coulon, the pastel shutters of Arçais, the Sèvre Niortaise River guiding you to the Atlantic. The Vélo Francette from Niort to La Rochelle is six days in the verdant realm of the Marais Poitevin: a complete greenway, flat and shaded, before the triumphant arrival facing the towers of the Old Port. Bonus: a loop on the Île de Ré, with its pine forests and white villages. The ideal route for beginners or for a leisurely journey.

From Saumur to La Rochelle, the complete route

One Loire River, two other rivers, one ocean. Cycle from Saumur to La Rochelle in seven days, at your own pace. Follow the Thouet River, pass through the medieval towns of Thouars and Parthenay, glide through the Marais Poitevin, the "Green Venice," and emerge facing the towers of the Old Port. A marked route, mostly greenways, 3-4 star hotels each night, and luggage transported. The ultimate cycling adventure in Western France, with nothing to worry about. Only one question remains: when will you leave?

From the Marais Poitevin to Royan, between the Vélo Francette and the Vélodyssée.

And what if you extended the adventure all the way to the ocean? From Niort to Royan, this eight-day journey combines the best of the Vélo Francette and the Vélodyssée. You'll cross the Marais Poitevin at dawn by boat, reach La Rochelle, follow the coast via Châtelaillon and Fouras, discover Rochefort-la-Maritime, the pine forests of La Tremblade, and the majestic arrival in Royan. Sea, marshes, greenways, salty sea spray: 100% flat, 100% escape.

Accommodation, luggage, and services included in our trips.

On the Vélo Francette, everything is designed so you can simply pedal. Included in each trip: your nights in 3- and 4-star hotels with breakfast, tourist tax, luggage transfer between hotels, the Respire Voyages GPS app with the day-by-day itinerary, and 24/7 assistance in case of any problems. Optional extras: hybrid or electric bike rental, half-board, additional nights, return transfer by train or shuttle, and cancellation insurance.

Why choose La Bicyclette Verte on the Vélo Francette?

We don't just sell the Vélo Francette; we live it. Our offices in Arçais are located in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. Every hotel, every stage, every route variation—we've personally experienced them by bike. This firsthand knowledge is what sets our trips apart. You'll be traveling with a local team, directly accessible, who know their region like the back of their hand.