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 unsuspected 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 leave 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
• Montreuil Bellay
• The Marais Poitevin
• La Rochelle, Saumur and Thouars
• The Atlantic coast
• Visits to wine cellars and wine tasting
• The gastronomy
• The island of Ré

Day 1 - Arrival in Saumur

 
Installation at the hotel from 3 pm and visit of the city of Saumur. 

 
Day 2 - Loop of Saumur

 
Take charge of the bikes and leave for a first discovery tour.
Take the time to discover the city by visiting its 14th century castle and admiring its half-timbered houses. It's also the time to visit a cellar and to taste some saumurois wine. You will take the bicycle paths around the city on the banks of the Loire. 
Night in Saumur in a hotel.
 

Day 3 - 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. 
Night in Thouars hotel or charming guesthouse.

 
Day 4 - From Thouars to Parthenay - 67 km

 
Today's stage passes by the Cébron lake, St Loup sur Thouet and its castle. It is one of the most beautiful castles in France from the Henri IV - Louis XIII period that you can visit. Cross St Généroux and take the time to admire its 10th century church, one of the oldest in Poitou. You arrive in Parthenay, citadel of the Thouet, located on one of the paths of St Jacques de Compostelle.
Night in Parthenay in a hotel.

 
Day 5 - From Parthenay to Niort - 53 km

 
You arrive in Gâtine, a land of granite, small plots of land, full of trees, which smell of the soil, apples and chestnuts. The small valleys offer us a beautiful and mysterious landscape which probably hides some elves and fairies watching you pedaling.
Night in Niort in a hotel.

 
Day 6 - Le Marais Poitevin, from Niort to Coulon - 18 km

 
You continue your trip on the Vélo Francette. The landscape changes along the Sèvre Niortaise which guides you through this haven of greenery by its cycle tracks which then follow the canals. You cross the village-street of La Garette before reaching Coulon. 
Night in Coulon in a hotel.

 
Day 7 - Coulon - Fontenay le Comte - 28 km

 
Departure from Coulon for a tour on the Vélo Francette. Admire the landscapes of the Vendée to Maillezais and its abbey.
You will reach Fontenay le Comte, city of art and history, by following the Sèvre niortaise.
Night in Fontenay le Comte.

 
 
Day 8 - Fontenay le Comte to La Rochelle - 55 km

 
From Fontenay le Comte, you will ride along the Vendée River to Marans and then the Marans Canal to reach La Rochelle and the Atlantic coast. 
 
Two options are possible: 

Cycling along the Canal de Marans on the Vélodyssée
The Atlantic coast by bike to enjoy the sea air (+20km)
Night in La Rochelle hotel.

 
 
Day 9 - From La Rochelle to Ile de Ré by bike - 25 to 90 km

 
Take the famous bridge of the Ile de Ré to discover the little queen of bike rides, its immaculate villages, the salt marshes and the gentle way of life. Here, several variations of routes are proposed to make the most of the beauty of the island. 
This loop circuit guides you to the villages of La Flotte en Ré (dating from the 18th century) and its fishermen's boats, then to Saint Martin with its fortifications and its fort. You will cross the oyster beds, the salt marshes and the nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges. Possible return by La Couarde and Bois plage.
Night in La Rochelle hotel.

 
Day 10 - End of your cycling trip on the Vélo Francette

 
Your cycling trip ends in La Rochelle after breakfast. Feel free to spend an extra night to enjoy the city and its surroundings. 

General information:

• 10 days and 9 nights
• Level of comfort of the accommodations : 2* or 3* (local standards)
• Children's rates : contact us

Dates:

Realizable every day between April and October 2023.

Included :

• Free online tour
• luggage transport
• Roadbook on app
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire)

Not included :

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options :

• Half board
• Rental of a mountain bike or bicycle
• roadbook print version
• Boat trip from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré (one way with bike on day 9)
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour
• boat trip "Insolite Crépuscule ou aurore" with tasting of local products 2h with guide 
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Levels : 

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :

Flat and hilly terrain on the part from day 3 to day 5.

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:

- 40-49 km of riding per day, approximately 4-5 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 given to you on the morning of your first trip at the same time as your luggage is picked up. A deposit will be required.
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 welcome pack, a list of accommodations and access to our Breathe Travel application by email 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 with our minibus to Saumur.

Your vehicle :

A parking space is available at the first hotel, payable on site.

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.