Vélo Francette, from Saumur to La Rochelle

The Vélo Francette, from Saumur to the Atlantic Coast 

This great itinerary on the Vélo Francette offers an unexpected architectural heritage and beautiful landscapes of the French countryside. After crossing the towpaths in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, you will be able to smell the sea spray. You start from the city of Saumur on the Loire River before reaching the Thouet Valley. The Atlantic coast at La Rochelle awaits you at the end of the bike trip on the Vélodyssée route. 

The route is entirely marked out and alternates between small roads and towpaths. Discover a fabulous cycling route adapted to all levels.

Points of interest of the route : 

• The Thouet Valley
• Saumur, Montreuil Bellay, Thouars, Parthenay
• Niort and the Natural Parc of the Marais Poitevin
• La Rochelle and the Atlantic Coast

Day 1: Arrival in Saumur

Check-in at the hotel and visit to the town of Saumur. Enjoy the town’s unique blend of culture and scenery, with its white tufa stone houses, famous vineyards (famous for Saumur wine), picturesque banks of the Loire and majestic 11th-century château.

Overnight in Saumur.

Day 2: From Saumur to Thouars (45 km)

First stage by bike in the Thouet valley. Admire and visit the historical monuments that follow one another until Montreuil Bellay and its castle. You will cross medieval bridges during this route which leads you to the city of Thouars. 
Overnight in Thouars.

Day 3: From Thouars to Parthenay (67 km)

Today you will set off in the direction of Parthenay, passing through the commune of Saint-Généroux, where you can admire its 10th century church, one of the oldest in Poitou. You will then pass 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 and see the Lac du Cébron. The route ends in Parthenay, a charming medieval town. it hits ramparts, cobbled streets and old stone buildings, the town will appeal to lovers of history and heritage. Parthenay is also a Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela.

Overnight in Parthenay.

Day 4: From Parthenay to Niort (56 km)

The route between Parthenay and Niort takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the Gâtine and Deux-Sèvres regions, passing through charming villages, lush green fields and peaceful forests. You will arrive in Niort, the gateway to the Marais Poitevin. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the centre of Niort and its donjon.

Overnight in Niort.

Day 5: From Niort to Fontenay le Comte (46 km)

If your fifth day is a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday, stop off at the Place des Halles in Niort to discover the most beautiful market in France before heading to Fontenay le Comte. From Niort, follow the Sèvre Niortaise and discover the Venise Verte, passing through Magné and Coulon. On the way, you can stop at the typical village of Le Mazeau for a boat trip (optional). You’ll then enter the Vendée, passing near the charming village of Maillezais, where you can catch a glimpse of its abbey. Arrive in Fontenay-le-Comte, where you can visit the 16th century Château de Terre Neuve.

Overnight in Fontenay-le-Comte.

Day 6: Fontenay le Comte to La Rochelle (55 km)

Set off today to discover the Marais Vendéen along the river Vendée. You’ll discover new landscapes along the low houses that line your route as far as the little port of Marans, the last village before the sea. Here you can follow the Vélo Francette routes. Today’s stage ends in La Rochelle, a charming and famous city. Admire its old port, the towers that guarded its entrance from the 13th to the 15th century, the historic city centre and the 15th century town hall.

Overnight in La Rochelle.

Day 7: La Rochelle

End of stay after breakfast. Enjoy the day strolling through the streets of La Rochelle one last time or extend your stay with an extra night. It is also possible to book a loop on the Île de Ré in addition to the extra night.

General Information:

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3* and 4* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2026:

• Departures every day from April 15th to October 15th
• High season: July and August

Included:

• 6 nights with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transport between hotels, max. 20 kg / item
• GPS app with points of interest
• Breakdown assistance (except for flat tires)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options:

• Rental of a mountain bike or electric bike
• Half-board (5 dinners except in Thouars)
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour in Saumur and La Rochelle (on request)
• Additional day with loop on the Isle of Ré (on request)
• 1-hour boat trip on day 5
• Return to Departure point:
  • By train
  • By private shuttle with luggage and personal bikes (on request)
• Theft insurance for the rental bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level : 
1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground:
Flat and hilly terrain on the part from day 2 to day 4.

Numerous bike paths that can be paved or white roads in good condition, as well as shared roads.

Climate:  
Mild sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• 45 to 67 km of cycling per day, approximately 4 to 6 hours of cycling.
• Easy to follow route.

Bibliography :

Guide on the Vélo Francette

Meals :

• Breakfast: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread, butter, jam, orange juice)
• Lunch : not included
• Dinner: half board option with dinners at the hotel or in a nearby restaurant: starter, main course, dessert (drinks not included).

Bicycle:

• Rental bike: If you rent a bike, it will be delivered to your first hotel. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last hotel and inform the reception. We will take care of its return.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before you leave. At the end of the tour, you will be responsible for your own bike.

Assistance :
Assistance in case of breakdown (except for flat tires for which we do not intervene).

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

Travel book :

You will receive a roadbook, a list of accommodations, the vouchers and access to our GPS application by email and by post before your departure. 

Transportation:

• By train: TGV, TER or Intercity trains at about 2h15 from Paris Austerlitz.   
• By road : A10 freeway, then A85 E60 by Tours
• By plane: Tours airport.

Return trip:
It is possible to book a return by train or by private van to Saumur (on request, and with a surchage if return on Saturdays or bank holiday).

Cancellation insurance :
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out a cancellation insurance. To learn more about the insurance, click here.