Cycling the Velo Francette route from Saumur to La Rochelle

Discover the charming old town of Saumur and its magnificent castle crowning the city. Saumur is not only the capitale of the equestrian art but also a gastronomy center surrounded by a rich wine area.

You leave Saumur and its castle resting on its "emerald rock" and start by following the Thouet river through abundant and calm nature. A break is essential in Montreuil-Bellay and its castle with majestic architecture. The building, which overlooks the Thouet, offers you a splendid setting for your lunch. Continue on and enjoy the shaded Ballastière path. After a steep climb, you'll end your day in Thouars, with its castle belonging to the Dukes of La Trémoille.

This morning, leave Thouars and follow the river all day long. Drive to Saint-Généroux, where you can admire the old bridge and the pre-Romanesque church. Pedal a few kilometers further to reach Airvault. You'll appreciate the character of this small town, its abbey church and, above all, its old castle. Follow the Vélo Francette signs to Lac du Cébron, a haven of peace and bucolic scenery. Arriving in Parthenay at the bottom of the town, you'll pass the old gate and fortifications. Soak up the medieval atmosphere of the town, which is transformed every summer into the capital of games.

This stage of the Velo Francette itinerary goes west to reach the Vendée. On the horizon this morning takes shape the country of Gâtine, between authentic villages, country roads and generous nature, the relief becomes more marked. Visit Mazières-en-Gâtine with its Romanesque church and halfway along the route allow yourself a stop at Champdeniers, a village overlooking the valley with its old tannery site and its castle. You will reach the river banks of the Sèvre Niortaise at Ternanteuil, then ride to the town of Niort. Gateway to the Poitevin marshes, you will appreciate the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere of the city.

You ride on the bike path along the river to leave Niort and reach the small country roads in the marshes. Through the quiet and lovely small villages, you reach Arçais also called the “Green Venice of the Marais Poitevin”. After a lunch on the harbor, you can board small boats and navigate through the narrow canals to discover the rich flora and fauna. In the afternoon, your bike tour take you to the picturesque charm of the wild marshes through Saint-Georges-de-Rex before reaching Coulon, a small village with white stone houses. You can visit the interesting museum of the marshes to complete your knowledge of the region.

You leave Coulon through the marshes by riding on the dam. You cross a large part of the wet marshes. Your bike ride leads you to Maillezais famous for its 11th-century abbey, where the history of the Marais Poitevin started. Your bike route takes you then to the town of Fontenay-le-Comte, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, visit the many churches and the Renaissance castle of Terre-Neuve.

You follow the Vendée river to Marans and enjoy the charm of the marsh Marais Poitevin. In the afternoon, you ride through La Rochelle countryside following a canal before reaching the old port of La Rochelle. The city prosperous past can be easily noticed thanks to its nice architecture, like the remarkable old fortified harbor.

After breakfast, enjoy one last visit of La Rochelle and its harbor before returning home or extending your stay on your own.