Vélo Francette From Loire to Marais Poitevin by bike

Cycle route on the Vélo Francette, between Saumur and Niort

This cycling trip on the Vélo Francette begins on the banks of the Loire and then follows the Thouet valley. In Parthenay you enter the Porte St Jacques in the old town. In Niort, gateway to the Marais Poitevin, you will be captivate with its rich medieval heritage, charming alleyways, and water activities, providing a unique experience that blends nature and culture

Highlights of the stay :

• Saumur and Thouars
• the Marais Poitevin natural park
• the Thouet
• Montreuil Bellay
• Cellar visits and wine tasting.

Day 1 - Arrival in Saumur

Check into the hotel and discover the town of Saumur for the first time. Enjoy the town's unique blend of culture and scenery, with its white tufa stone houses, famous vineyards (notably for Saumur wine), picturesque banks of the Loire River and majestic castle dating from the 11th century.

Overnight in Saumur.

Day 2 - Montsoreau loop tour - 32 km

The cycling loop between Saumur and Montreuil Belley partly follows the Loire à vélo route through the vineyards of the Saumur region. Leaving Saumur you cycle along the Loire before heading into rolling countryside, passing châteaux, picturesque villages and trogloditic caves. Direction to Montreuil Bellay, you pedal through appelation vineyards. Take the time to visit the Chateau de Montreuil Belley.

Night in Saumur.

Day 3 - From Saumur to Thouars - 45 km

Today's stage in the Thouet valley takes you as far as Thouars. Admire and visit one historic monument after another as far as Montreuil Bellay and its château. You'll cross medieval bridges in the heart of the countryside.

Overnight in Thouars.

Day 4 - From Thouars to Parthenay - 67 km

Cycle to Parthenay, passing the Lac du Cébron and the Château de Saint-Loup-sur-Thouet, one of the most beautiful châteaux in France, dating from the Henri IV - Louis XIII period. Although it is privately owned, it is possible to visit it. Then,you will pass through the commune of Saint-Généroux, where you can admire its 10th-century church, one of the oldest in Poitou. The route ends in Parthenay, a charming medieval town. With its ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings, the town will appeal to lovers of history and heritage. Parthenay is also a stopping-off point on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight in Parthenay.

Day 5 - From Parthenay to Niort - 55 km

The cycle route from Parthenay to Niort takes you through the picturesque Gâtine countryside, between lush green valleys and charming little villages. You'll pass through peaceful countryside, fragrant with fruit and nature, before arriving in Niort, a dynamic city with a rich heritage.

Overnight in Niort. 

Day 6 - Niort

Discover the city of Niort at the gates of the Marais Poitevin with its keep, its covered markets and the edges of Sèvre. End of the tour after the breakfast.

General informations :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Standard version : 3*
• Comfort version : 3* and 4*
• Child rates: contact us

The dates 2025 :

Available between April and October.

Included :

• 6 nights in 3* or 3/4* accommodation with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transport
• Access to our hiking app, Respire Voyages, with day-by-day itineraries
• Assistance in case of breakdown (excluding punctures)

Not included :

• Transport to the starting point

• Personal expenses

• Visits not included in the itinerary

The options :

• Half-board (4 dinners excepted in Thouars)

• Standard bike or ebike rentals

• Return transfer to the starting point by private van or train

• Extra night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour in Saumur or Niort

• Rental bike theft insurance

• Cancellation insurance

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat and hilly terrain on the part of day 3 to day 5.
Many cycle paths that can be paved or white road in good condition, as well as shared lanes.

Weather :

Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality :

32 to 67 km of hiking per day, or about 4 to 7 hours of cycling.
Easy to follow route.

Bibliography :

- Guide Vélo Francette

Food :

- Breakfast: buffet
- Lunches: not included
- Dinner: half-board option with dinners at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant: Starter, main course, dessert, drinks not included.

The bike :

- Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return. We offer specific equipment for children, seats, small hitched bikes and trailers.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance:

Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Return :

By minibus or train: We will give you the timetables. Support for luggage and bicycles. (on request, other prines on Sundays and bank holidays)

Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max 20 kg).

Roadbook :

We will provide you with a travel booklet by e-mail and post before your departure, as well as access to our GPS application. We will also provide you with hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags.

Transportation:

- By train: TGV, TER or Intercités about 2h15 from Paris Austerlitz.
- By road: A10 motorway, then A85 E60 via Tours
- By plane: Tours airport.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.