La Vélidéale
The Vélidéale invites you on a bike journey between Royère-de-Vassivière and Saint-Nazaire, through the landscapes of Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Explore historic towns, marshes, vineyards, and nature, with must-see stops like Niort, Parthenay, and Nantes. Rent a premium electric bike with Dolcevia for a peaceful adventure.
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Day 1: Royère-de-Vassivière to Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat – 53 km of nature and heritage
🌿Discover this route with DolceVia for an unforgettable experience!
🚴♂️ Immerse yourself in the heart of Limousin for a first stage through lakes, forests, and authentic villages. Depart from Royère-de-Vassivière, within the Millevaches Regional Natural Park, where Lake Vassivière offers a refreshing stop. Take the opportunity to discover the International Center for Art and Landscape, a unique cultural stop in the middle of nature.
🌿 Following the Maulde River, your route passes through Bujaleuf, with a possible stop at the beach of Lake Saint-Hélène, before reaching the Vienne River. You will then enter the training grounds of the legendary Raymond Poulidor, one of France's most beloved cycling champions.
🏛️ Arrive in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, a charming medieval town where you can stroll through the shopping streets and admire the collegiate church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Saint James’ Way. Before ending the day, don’t miss tasting the local specialty, massepain, an almond-based treat perfect for refueling!
🛏️ For a restful night in an elegant setting, stay at Le Jardin des Lys, a refined guesthouse ideally located in the city center. Book your night at Le Jardin des Lys.
© Destination Limoges
Day 2: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to Aixe-sur-Vienne – 48 km along the Vienne River
🚴♂️ This stage takes you deep into the heart of Limousin, following the Vienne River, which has shaped the landscapes and powered numerous mills. Take a break at the Moulin du Got, still in operation today, where paper is handcrafted using traditional methods. Further along, a stop at the International Center for Caricature and Humor Drawing in Saint-Just-le-Martel will offer a fun and relaxing moment before continuing your journey.
🌿 Upon arrival in Limoges, explore the historic districts, stroll through Place des Halles or the Boucherie district. Don't miss Saint-Étienne Cathedral and the Bishop's Garden, perfect for a break before setting off again. For art lovers, the Adrien Dubouché National Porcelain Museum is a must-see.
🏞️ Leaving Limoges, the cycle route follows the developed banks of the Vienne River. The Vaseix departmental forest, with its shaded trails, is an ideal spot for a picnic before reaching Aixe-sur-Vienne, the gateway to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park.
🛏️ For a peaceful night in an authentic setting, stay at this charming accommodation.
© Destination Limoges
Day 3: Aixe-sur-Vienne to Rochechouart – 39.94 km through protected nature and historical heritage
🚴♂️ This stage takes you from Aixe-sur-Vienne to Rochechouart, initially following the Vienne River before veering away near Saint-Brice-sur-Vienne. Along the way, Saint-Yrieix-Sous-Aixe, with its charming village center, is a perfect spot for a lunch break.
🌿 As you enter the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, the Pouge Pond in Saint-Auvent offers a peaceful setting, classified as a Natura 2000 protected area. From the birdwatching observatory, you can spot various bird species resting or nesting in this preserved environment.
🏞️ Your journey continues towards Rochechouart, where its majestic château, now a contemporary art museum, dominates the valley. The final stretch offers breathtaking views before you arrive in this historic town.
🛏️ For a comfortable stay in a characterful setting, book a night at Le Manoir des Perrières.
© Guide du Périgord
Day 4: Rochechouart to Confolens – 38.39 km of geology and heritage
🚴♂️ Leaving Rochechouart, your route takes you through an impact zone from a meteorite that fell here 214 million years ago. This geological heritage is reflected in the local architecture, where impactite breccia, a material from this cataclysm, is used. The Vélidéale passes by Lavaud Lake, a peaceful spot for birdwatching, before joining La Scandibérique.
🌿 Along the way, don't miss the Gallo-Roman baths of Chassenon, one of the largest and best-preserved sites in France. The route then continues into the beautiful Vienne Valley, where you'll cross the river at Exideuil, home to a remarkable Romanesque church classified as a Historic Monument.
🛏️ For a peaceful night, stay at the Manoir des Comtes, a charming guesthouse where you can relax after a day full of discoveries. Book your stay here: Manoir des Comtes.
© La Vélidéale
Day 5: Confolens to Ruffec – 67.91 km of heritage and Charente charm
🚴♂️ Depart from Confolens, a "Petite Cité de Caractère" filled with history and exceptional medieval heritage. Take the opportunity to explore the local sights and, if you're there in mid-August, attend the festival of art and popular traditions, a lively event with dancers and musicians from all over the world. Then, follow the Vienne River to Saint-Germain-de-Confolens and its majestic castle, offering a breathtaking view of the region. The bike route continues to Alloue, where you can visit the Maria Casarès House, the former residence of the actress now transformed into an artists' residence.
🌿 Continue your journey towards Champagne-Mouton, a small town perfect for a refueling stop before resuming your ride. Along the way, two beautiful "Petites Cités de Caractère" await: Nanteuil-en-Vallée, with its cobbled streets, abbey, and the Argentor Garden, and Verteuil-sur-Charente, where the castle and Romanesque church are must-see landmarks.
🏞️ You'll pass through Barro, a peaceful village, before reaching Ruffec, where tranquility and local shops offer a great place to recharge before the next cycling adventure.
🛏️ For a restful night, enjoy the local accommodations to fully recover before continuing your journey.
© Angouleme Tourisme
Day 6: Ruffec to Melle – 72.88 km of history and scenic countryside
🚴♂️ Begin your ride as La Vélidéale departs from Charente, heading into the peaceful Mellois countryside along charming country roads. Along the way, make stops to explore the area’s historical gems: in Raix, admire the Romanesque Saint-Barthélemy Church; in Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie, visit the 14th-century Château de Saveilles, a stunning blend of fortress and Renaissance style; and in Chef-Boutonne, discover the Château de Javarzay, one of the first Renaissance castles in Poitou.
🌿 Continuing your journey, follow the Boutonne River through a delightful and family-friendly path, leading to Melle. This stretch, rich in Romanesque architecture, also offers refreshing stops in lush green spaces. The route then follows the Véronne River, winding through picturesque roads ideal for cycling at a relaxed pace.
🏞️ Melle, nestled in the heart of the Pays Mellois and home to ancient silver mines of the Frankish Kings, offers a peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, perfect for a well-deserved break.
🛏️ For a relaxing stay, unwind at Maison Fossemagne for a quiet night in a beautiful setting before continuing your adventure.
© Fondation du Patrimoine
Day 7: Melle to Champdeniers – 62.61 km of nature and heritage
🚴♂️ This route begins with the peaceful greenway, the Ruban Vert, an old railway track connecting Melle to Prahecq. Enjoy this pleasant and accessible section, a true immersion in a green tunnel. You will then reach Niort, passing through Limoges Avenue, all the way to La Brèche and Port Boinot, which are the city's green lungs. Welcome to the gates of the Marais Poitevin!
🌿 After exploring Niort, head towards Champdeniers-St-Denis, following the Vélo Francette route. On your way, you can stop for a gourmet break at the Atelier de l'Excellence butter shop in Echiré, or admire the majestic Château du Coudray-Salbart at the entrance of Ternanteuil. Once you reach Champdeniers, immerse yourself in its charming local heritage.
🛏️ For a peaceful night, stay at Gîte du Val d'Egray, a peaceful haven to rest before continuing your journey.
© Marque Poitou
Day 8: Champdeniers to Bressuire – 63.30 km of medieval charm and scenic beauty
🚴♂️ Your journey begins in Champdeniers, heading toward the beautiful village of Saint-Marc-la-Lande, where you can visit its stunning collegiate church, the commandery, a medieval-inspired garden, and its conservatory orchard. As you ride through the Gâtine Poitevine, the landscape transforms from granite to limestone. Along the way, you'll discover picturesque villages, mysterious rivers, and enchanting sights like a legendary chiron, a ford, and panoramas shaped by bocage hedges. Don't miss the magnificent church of Saint-Pierre-de-Parthenay-Le-Vieux, often attributed to the fairy Mélusine. In Parthenay, take a moment to relax at the base of leisure activities near the Thouet River before exploring the medieval town center with its rich history.
🌿 Next, head towards Bressuire, passing through Parthenay’s historic district with its hundred timber-framed houses. The Rue de la Vau Saint-Jacques, the longest medieval street in Europe, offers a step back in time. Wander through its winding alleys for stunning views and climb to the top of the impressive Porte Saint-Jacques for a panoramic view of the verdant, rolling countryside of the Gâtine. Before heading out toward Bressuire, stop at the former train station in Fenery for a refreshing break and a moment to relax with a book.
🛏️ For a relaxing night, stay at Domaine de la Sapinière, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
© Parthenay
Day 9: Bressuire to Mortagne-sur-Sèvre – 63.36 km through hedgerows, castles, and picturesque valleys
🚴♂️ This cycling stage starts gently with a route from Bressuire to Nueil-Les-Aubiers, following the old Bressuire/Nueil-Les-Aubiers railway line. This path offers breathtaking panoramic views of the bocage, with landscapes to admire from all directions. You'll pass the old Voultegon station and can take a break at the Voulmentin picnic area to enjoy the serenity of nature. Continue on the greenway to Nueil-Les-Aubiers, a typical village in the region.
🌿 Continue your journey from Nueil-Les-Aubiers to Mauléon on a green path, characteristic of the bocage landscape. In Saint-Aubin de Baubigné, take a short detour to visit the Château de La Durbelière, a historic site. Mauléon, a Petite Cité de Caractère, offers a peaceful stop before heading to the La Corbelière Sensitive Natural Area (ENS), a tranquil site with stunning rural landscapes.
🏞️ The stage continues with 31.46 km to Mortagne-sur-Sèvre. You'll cross the Sèvre Nantaise valley, alternating between paths and small roads. Stop at Mallièvre, another Petite Cité de Caractère, a former village of weavers. As you approach Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, enjoy the beautiful views of the valley and the impressive Barbin Viaduct, a true postcard view of the region.
🛏️ For a comfortable night, stay at the Gîte Les Pones, a peaceful and cozy place to rest before continuing your journey.
© La Vélidéale
Day 10: 38.57 km bike ride from Mortagne-sur-Sèvre to Clisson 🚴♂️
🌊 On this stage of La Vélidéale, you will pass through beautiful rolling landscapes along the Sèvre Nantaise valley, a river with a sometimes tumultuous character. Take a moment to pause at the foot of the many mills that line the route, remnants of the region's industrial past where these mills were used to produce flour and fabrics 🏞️.
🏰 Don’t miss the must-see Château de Tiffauges, the largest fortress in the West, where history awaits at every corner. Afterward, your route will take you to Cugand, where you can discover the small village of Gaumier, home to the only fulling mill in France still in operation. A real journey through time 🔧.
🌸 Finally, your stage ends in Clisson, this charming town with an Italian flair, where it’s lovely to wander through its picturesque streets and colorful houses.
🛏️ For your accommodation, you can book a night at the Villa Saint-Antoine Hotel.
© La Vélidéale
Day 11: 40.60 km cycling route from Cugand to Nantes
🚴♂️ Between the majestic medieval castle of Clisson and the Tuscan-inspired Garenne Lemot, this stage offers a unique blend of historical and cultural heritage. Clisson is also known for hosting Hellfest, the largest extreme music festival in Europe! 🎸
🍇 From Clisson to Nantes, the Vélidéale passes through the Muscadet vineyard, with stunning views of the Sèvre Nantaise, dotted with picturesque fords like the one at Moulin d’Angreviers and perched manors offering splendid panoramas. 🌿
🍷 Along the way, take a well-deserved break at Vertou, near Chaussée des Moines, an ideal spot to relax on a terrace. The river then guides you to Nantes, where the permanent artistic route of Voyage à Nantes takes over to showcase the capital of the West.
🌊 The Sèvre Nantaise, the last major tributary of the Loire, merges with the river to take you on the next part of your adventure.
🛏️ For your accommodation, you can book a night at the Hôtel Graslin.
© Istock
Day 12: 48.74 km bike route from Nantes to Cordemais
🌊 Between Nantes and Cordemais, let the Loire guide your bike journey. The village of Trentemoult, with its colorful houses, marks the start of this section, punctuated by the artworks of the Estuaire artistic route 🎨.
🚴♂️ The Vélidéale shares its route with La Loire à Vélo and La Vélodyssée until Pellerin, where the Loire ferry takes you to Couëron on the right bank of the river. This part of the bike route immerses you in the peaceful atmosphere of the Loire marshes, with tranquil landscapes to discover along the way 🌾.
⚡️ The stage ends at Cordemais, where you can admire its port, the EDF power plant, and the striking Villa Cheminée, an artwork by artist Tatzu Nishi, which stands out with its originality in this otherwise flat landscape.
🛏️ For accommodation, you can book a night at the Gîte Mido.
© La Vélidéale
Day 13: Cycling route of 41.32 km from Cordemais to Saint-Nazaire
🌊 Between Cordemais and Saint-Nazaire, the longest river in France guides you to the ocean, marking either your first stop or your final destination on this grand cycling journey. Before arriving in Saint-Nazaire, cross the peaceful Loire marshes 🏞️.
⚓️ The charm of the old small ports of Rohars and Lavau-sur-Loire will accompany you, as well as the breathtaking views of the marshes from the T. Kawamata Observatory and the Trou Bleu viewpoint. A true moment of disconnection awaits you here, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life 🌿.
🌅 Finally, Saint-Nazaire, a garden city by the ocean, opens its arms to you. Explore its 20 beaches and coves accessible by bike, discover unique museums, and admire an architectural heritage that oscillates between the Belle Époque and Reconstruction periods.
🐦 An immersion in Brière will also allow you to discover the second-largest marsh in France, where you can observe migratory birds such as herons, tits, and blue-throats that have found an ideal nesting place.
🌊 And there it is, the Atlantic at the end of the Loire marks the end of this unforgettable journey!
🛏️ For your accommodation, you can book a night at the Ti Aber Gîte.
© Nantaise
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