The Vélobuissonnière
240 kilometers
The route
The stay
5 nights with breakfast included
Included: Château de Saumur
Rental of a VTC and its accessories
Options: electric bike or gravel, half board, last night upon arrival.
What's on the program?
Your return train ticket reimbursed! From Paris, rent your bike from Dolce Via, ride along La Vélobuissonnière, and get your return train ticket to Paris reimbursed! To celebrate this new partnership between DolceVia and La Vélobuissonnière**, the return train tickets to Paris for the first users will be refunded! To take advantage of this offer, you must: 1. Rent your bike from **DolceVia** (either in-store at 58, rue de Cléry, 75002 Paris, or on the website DolceVia ). 2. Ride along **La Vélobuissonnière** and provide proof of your journey (selfies with your bike) in at least **three different towns** along the route. 3. Submit a copy of your return train ticket to **Paris**, with a visible date and price. Proof of eligibility must be sent via email to contact@lavelobuissonniere.com . Only train tickets dated between **March 1, 2025 (midnight) and December 31, 2025 (midnight)** are eligible for this promotional offer. Participation in this promotion implies full and unconditional acceptance of the terms and conditions. To learn more about La Vélobuissonnière, check out this link . Check the regulations © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️ Rent a bike with DolceVia and start your adventure along the Vélobuissonnière . 🚲 We start in Alençon, a historic city of the Dukes, rich in medieval heritage. The city is famous for its delicate lacework, the Point d'Alençon technique, which you can discover at the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace . The majestic basilica, where Saint Thérèse was baptized, is also worth a visit before heading out on the peaceful country roads. 🌄 You’ll enter the Alpes Mancelles at Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France®. Stroll through this Petite Cité de Caractère®, loved by artists, and enjoy the views and monuments, before gearing up for the climb into the Alpes Mancelles to admire the mountains and valleys where the Sarthe river flows. 🌸 Take a break at the Domaine du Gasseau to taste a flower syrup in a relaxing setting. Then, continue your journey towards Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, a village nestled in the winding paths of the Sarthe. 🏕️ For the night, stay in a unique unusual accommodation , and enjoy an immersive experience in the heart of nature. © Pascal Beltrami
🏰 In Saint-Léonard-des-Bois , a Petite Cité de Caractère, take a moment to admire the unique landscapes shaped by ancient rockslides along the Sarthe River. Need a break? Sit back at a terrace café and recharge with high-quality local products in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. 🚴♂️ Continue your journey freely along the Vélobuissonnière to Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. This Petite Cité de Caractère offers a captivating atmosphere with the ruins of its castle and its historic weavers' district. Find a peaceful spot by the Sarthe River running through the town, and cool off your feet before resuming your scenic ride. 🛤️ If you still have the energy, continue to Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, a medieval town where time seems to stand still. From the medieval bridge crossing the Sarthe, enjoy a stunning view of the castle ruins. 🏕️ For the night, treat yourself to a unique stay in an unusual accommodation , combining comfort with a full immersion in nature. © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️ Continue your journey along the Vélobuissonnière , following quiet country roads. Take a break in Neuville-sur-Sarthe for a stroll along the river and soak in the picturesque view of its charming watermill. 🏰 Get back on your bike and head towards Le Mans. Designated a City of Art and History, it boasts a wealth of architectural treasures. Wander through the medieval streets of the Cité Plantagenêt, admire the impressive Gallo-Roman walls surrounding the old town, and be captivated by the grandeur of Saint-Julien Cathedral. 💡 From July to September, experience the magic of La Nuit des Chimères, a mesmerizing light show that brings the city to life at night. After an active day, unwind at a riverside guinguette, enjoying a well-deserved break with crispy bread topped with the region’s famous rillettes. 🏡 Overnight stay: Relax and recharge at Les Jardins de Ma Mans , a peaceful retreat perfect for a restful night before the next stage of your adventure. © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️ This stage begins gently along the quays at the port of Le Mans, following the peaceful Boulevard Nature by the Sarthe River. Upon reaching Spay, enjoy a fun bio lesson with a stop at the Spaycific Zoo, where both young and old will marvel at the fascinating species of mammals and birds. For the more adventurous, try wakeboarding, followed by a moment of relaxation on the beach. 🌳 Next, continue along the road, cycling leisurely until you arrive at the village of Fillé. On the MoulinSart Island, explore the world of milling at the Cyprien Mill, enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the Art Center, or recharge at the mill’s bistro. 🌊 In Roëzé-sur-Sarthe, the Vélobuissonnière reminds us once again of its close connection with water. Take to the water with a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, or enjoy a family pedal boat ride for guaranteed laughs. For the daring, try the electric surfboard, the eFoil, and glide above the water! Alternatively, relax at the water sports base and enjoy an aperitif with a platter of charcuterie. 🏡 For the night: Stay at the Hôtel Saint-Louis , a perfect place for a comfortable evening after a day of adventure. © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️ Your bike is eager to go, so let’s get back on the saddle and head to Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, a town recognized for its craftsmanship and traditions in clayworking. 🏺 At the Faïence and Ceramics Museum, admire the pieces showcasing the local expertise, and let the kids unleash their creativity with dedicated workshops. Leave with a souvenir from one of the village’s artisan ceramics shops, then enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant overlooking the Sarthe River. 🍽️ 🌳 Next, ride on to La Flèche, passing through the lush hills of the Loir Valley. 🌿 When fatigue sets in, settle into comfortable accommodation for a well-deserved rest, because tomorrow… the adventure continues! 🏡 For the night: Stay at La Terrasse du Loir for a relaxing evening in a peaceful setting. © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️ Before leaving La Flèche, make sure to visit its zoo, where kids can become keepers for the day and experience plenty of emotions. Ranked among the most beautiful zoos in Europe, the place will captivate the young ones, thrilled to see the heroes of their favorite stories come to life. 🌿 Next, take a family-friendly greenway towards Baugé-en-Anjou, where a step back in time will immerse you in the age of knights. The completely renovated castle takes you into the world of King René, a unique knight-artist. Don’t miss the Apothecary at the Hôtel Dieu, where delicately crafted pots create a special atmosphere, tinged with nostalgia, although some of their contents may send a shiver down your spine...! 🏰 Leave your bike safely at the rest area at the foot of the castle. Wander through the old quarters and enjoy a peaceful evening in this Petite Cité de Caractère® with its typically Anjou charm. 🏡 For the night: Stay at Les Grands Moulins de Baugé for a pleasant and restful stay. © Pascal Beltrami
🚴♂️The journey towards Saumur marks the perfect ending to the Vélobuissonnière. Along the way, from the greenway between Baugé and Brion, enjoy the view of the striking twisted bell tower of Vieil-Baugé. Stop by Longué-Jumelles to visit the fully restored hydropowered mill and dive into its history through an engaging and interactive tour. 🌳 Continue your ride towards Vivy and its Monteaux lake, a perfect spot for a picnic while observing the local wildlife and flora. The finish line will guide you to Saumur, a City of Art and History®. A visit to the Château de Saumur is highly recommended, offering a stunning view over the Loire that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Don't miss the Cadre Noir, where the art of French horsemanship is taught and showcased in magnificent performances. The troglodytic houses, carved into the tuffeau rock, also captivate visitors with their unique underground networks. 🍽️ End this beautiful day savoring local culinary specialties, including the famous fouées or galipettes stuffed with mushrooms, accompanied by a few bubbles. For one last magical night, book a toue cabanée on the Loire River and reflect on your most memorable discoveries along the Vélobuissonnière! 🏡 For the night: Stay at Hôtel Anne d’Anjou for an unforgettable evening by the Loire. © Pascal Beltrami ✨ Enjoyed the adventure along the Vélobuissonnière? Discover the Paris - Saumur route!
A savoir
Here are some criteria to help you choose your trip:
- Duration: from a one-day escape to longer point-to-point journeys (2 to 10 days or more)
- Difficulty: routes accessible to beginners or more athletic routes for seasoned cyclists
- Type of bike: muscular or Ebike (included or optional depending on the packages)
- Comfort: accommodations in a hotel, bed and breakfast, or camping, depending on your preferences
- Themes: culture, gastronomy
- Easy: ideal for families or beginners, little elevation gain, 20 to 40 km/day
- Moderate: for travelers in good shape or those who want to take on a small challenge, 40 to 70 km/day
- Sporty: for long-distance enthusiasts or those used to riding a muscular bike, 70 km and more/day
- Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure
- Cancellation between 30 and 60 days: 50% refund
- Cancellation less than 30 days: no refund
- Clothing suitable for cycling (shorts/cycling shorts - essential, windbreaker, comfortable shoes)
- A water bottle (or bidon) to stay hydrated
- A first aid kit and your personal medication
- An external battery for your phone
- Rain gear (light poncho or waterproof jacket)
- A swimsuit, depending on the destination!
- And above all: your desire for adventure and discovery 🌿
- Bicycle equipment (panniers, helmet, puncture repair kit, etc.) is provided in all our packages.