La Vélo Francette – from Normandy to the Atlantic

Embark on a simple, authentic cycling trip along the Vélo Francette itinerary. The route crosses Normandy, Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes regions over 600 km to reach the Atlantic coast at La Rochelle. The itinerary is very well signposted, and consists mainly of shared secondary roads and greenways. The Vélo Francette is linked to several other major cycle routes: between Angers and Saumur it follows the Loire à vélo (EuroVelo 6) and joins the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) in La Rochelle. We've tested the southern section of the Vélo Francette for you, from the Châteaux de la Loire to the Atlantic, following the Thouet region and the Marais Poitevin. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of medieval towns such as Airvault and Parthenay, enjoy a moment of rest in the heart of the Marais Poitevin or visit a majestic abbey such as Maillezais. Thanks to the diversity of its landscapes, its cultural heritage and its architectural legacy, the Vélo Francette takes you through an authentic and unspoilt « douce France ».