
La Vélobuissonnière
On a 240 km route, La Vélobuissonnière connects Alençon to Saumur via Le Mans. Wth DolceVia, rent a high-end electric bike with our one-way service. Cross the rolling hills of the Alpes Mancelles, follow the banks of the Sarthe Valley, ride through country roads, and then reach the vineyards of the Loire Valley. La Vélobuissonnière is dotted with charming villages and lively historical centers.
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Day 1: Alençon – Saint-Léonard-des-Bois (31 km): The Alpes Mancelles Landscape
🚴♂️ Rent a bike with DolceVia and start your adventure along the Vélobuissonnière . 🚴♂️ Start your ride in Alençon, the former city of the Dukes with its rich medieval heritage. The city is renowned for its delicate art of lace-making at the Point d'Alençon. Marvel at the secrets of this technique at the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace , or immerse yourself in the grandeur of the majestic basilica, the site of Saint Thérèse's baptism, before heading out on the peaceful country roads. 🌄 Enter the Alpes Mancelles in Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei, recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France®. Stroll through its monuments and viewpoints that make this Petite Cité de Caractère® loved by artists, before shifting into high gear in the Alpes Mancelles to admire the hills and valleys where the Sarthe River flows. 🌸 Take a break at Domaine du Gasseau to taste flower syrup in a relaxing setting. Then, continue towards Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, a village nestled in the meanders of the Sarthe River. 🏕️ For the night, stay in a unique setting, an unusual accommodation , and enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of nature. © Pascal Beltrami


Day 2: Saint-Léonard-des-Bois – Beaumont-sur-Sarthe (33 km): Medieval Parentheses
🏰 In the "Petite Cité de Caractère" of Saint-Léonard-des-Bois , take the time to admire the unique landscapes of ancient rockslides nestled along the Sarthe River. If you're feeling low on energy, recharge at a café terrace. Enjoy high-quality local products in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 🚴♂️ Continue freely along the Vélobuissonnière to Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, and immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of this "Petite Cité de Caractère," with its castle ruins and former weavers' quarter. Find a quiet spot along the Sarthe River, which flows through the town, and cool your feet before continuing this bucolic ride. 🛤️ And if you're still on track, keep going to Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, an ancient medieval town that will teach you the value of time. Enjoy the stunning view of the castle ruins from the medieval bridge spanning the Sarthe. 🏕️ Evening accommodation: Stay in a comfortable and unique setting at an unusual accommodation , for a new immersive experience in the heart of nature. © Pascal Beltrami
Day 3: Beaumont-sur-Sarthe – Le Mans (46 km): The Plantagenet City, an open-air history book
🚴♂️ 🚴♂️ A new stage of this journey along the Vélobuissonnière . Stay on course along the quiet country roads winding through the countryside. In Neuville-sur-Sarthe, take a leisurely stroll along the Sarthe River and let yourself be charmed by the picturesque view of the watermill. 🏰 Then, get back on your bike and shift up a gear to reach Le Mans. This City of Art and History® has much to teach you with its rich historical heritage. Play hide-and-seek in the medieval streets of the Plantagenet City, marvel at the genius and strength of the builders with the imposing Gallo-Roman wall surrounding it, or be awed by the impressive Saint-Julien Cathedral. 🌟 To enchant your evenings, from July to September, the streets light up with the "Nuit des Chimères" (Night of the Chimeras): a treat for the eyes! After a sporty day, a guinguette by the river will be the perfect place to cool off and unwind while nibbling on crispy rillettes toast. 🏡 For the night: Stay at the Jardins de Ma Mans for a peaceful and comfortable evening. © Pascal Beltrami


Day 4: Le Mans – La Suze-sur-Sarthe (30 km): Follow the river’s course along the Vélobuissonnière
🚴♂️ This stage begins at the quays of the port of Le Mans, where you can take your time strolling along the Sarthe River on the picturesque Boulevard Nature. In Spay, take a break at the Spaycific Zoo, a perfect spot to entertain the little ones with amazing species of mammals and birds. For the more athletic, try wakeboarding, followed by some relaxation on the beach. 🌳 After this stop, continue at a leisurely pace and, after a few kilometers, arrive in the village of Fillé. On MoulinSart Island, explore the world of milling at the Cyprien mill, enjoy a contemporary exhibition at the Art Center, or recharge at the mill’s bistro. 🌊 In Roëzé-sur-Sarthe, La Vélobuissonnière invites you for another aquatic experience. You can paddle in a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or go for a family pedalo ride with plenty of laughs guaranteed. For the more daring, there’s also electric surfing, the eFoil, to fly above the water! If you prefer a more relaxing stop, the nautical base is the perfect spot for enjoying an aperitif with a platter of sausages. 🏡 For the night: Stay at the Hôtel Saint-Louis , an ideal place for a comfortable evening after a day of adventure. © Pascal Beltrami
Day 5: La Suze-sur-Sarthe – La Flèche (35 km): From the Sarthe Valley to the Loir Valley
🚴♂️ Your bike is getting impatient, so let’s hop back on and head to Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, recognized as a Town and Craft City, known for its traditions around pottery and ceramics. 🏺 At the Faïence and Ceramics Museum, admire local craftsmanship and let your children unleash their creativity in dedicated workshops. Leave with a souvenir from one of the village’s art pottery studios, then enjoy a charming lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Sarthe. 🍽️ 🌳 Next, head to La Flèche, passing through the lush hills of the Loir Valley. 🌿 When you start feeling tired, settle into a comfortable accommodation for some well-deserved rest. Because tomorrow... the adventure continues! 🏡 For the night: Stay at La Terrasse du Loir for a relaxing moment in a peaceful setting. © Pascal Beltrami


Day 6: La Flèche – Baugé-en-Anjou (21 km): Biology Lessons
🚴♂️ Don’t leave La Flèche without visiting its zoo, where children can become temporary caretakers and fill up on emotions. Recognized as one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe, it will captivate the youngest, delighted to see the heroes of their favorite stories in real life. 🌿 Then, follow a family-friendly greenway to Baugé-en-Anjou, where a little history lesson will take you back to the time of knights. The castle’s completely renewed scenography tells the story of King René, a unique knight-artist. The Apothicairerie of the Hôtel Dieu is also a must-see: the finely crafted rows of jars create a unique atmosphere, filled with nostalgia, though some of them might scare us a bit with their contents...! 🏰 Leave your bike worry-free at the designated stop area at the foot of the castle. Wander through the old town and enjoy a peaceful evening in this Petite Cité de Caractère® with its typically Angevine charm. 🏡 For the night: Stay at Les Grands Moulins de Baugé for a pleasant and peaceful night. © Pascal Beltrami
Day 7: Baugé-en-Anjou – Saumur (41km): The Loire Valley as a Conclusion, the final stage of the vélobuissonnière
🚴♂️ Heading towards Saumur, La Vélobuissonnière ends beautifully. Along the way, from the greenway between Baugé and Brion, enjoy the view of the surprising twisted bell tower of Vieil-Baugé. Stop in Longué-Jumelles to visit the fully restored hydropower mill, and learn all about its history through a scenographic and interactive tour.
🌳 Then continue the journey to Vivy and its Monteaux water body, a remarkable spot for a picnic. Observe the local fauna and flora peacefully. The finish line will lead you to Saumur, a Town of Art and History®. A visit to the Château de Saumur is highly recommended: overlooking the Loire, it looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. Also, visit the Cadre Noir, where the art of French horsemanship is taught and showcased in magnificent performances. Carved into the tuffeau, the troglodyte houses fascinate visitors with their unique underground networks.
🍽️ End this beautiful day by savoring local gastronomic specialties, including the famous fouées or stuffed galipettes with mushrooms, accompanied by a few bubbles. For a magical last night, book a cabanée boat on the Loire, the royal river, and reflect on your most beautiful discoveries during this adventure on La Vélobuissonnière !
🏡 For the night: Stay at Hôtel Anne d’Anjou for an unforgettable evening by the Loire.
© Pascal Beltrami
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