La Vélobuissonnière: from Alençon to Saumur by bike

🚴‍♂️ Rent a bike with DolceVia and embark on an adventure along the route of the Vélobuissonnière .

🚲 The journey begins in Alençon, a historic city of the Dukes, marked by its medieval heritage. It is a famous place for its lace at the Point d’Alençon, which you can discover at the Museum of Fine Arts and Lace . The majestic basilica, where Saint Thérèse was baptized, will also impress you before you set off on the quiet country roads.

🌄 You will arrive in the Alpes Mancelles, at Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France®. Let yourself be charmed by its monuments and panoramas, favored by artists, and then begin your exploration of the mountains and valleys of the Alpes Mancelles, where the Sarthe winds through.

🌸 Take a break at the Domaine du Gasseau to enjoy a delicious flower syrup in a serene environment. Then head towards Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, a charming village nestled in the heart of the meanders of the Sarthe.

🏕️ Continue your escape: book a unique accommodation for an immersive night in the heart of nature.

© Normandie Tourisme

🏰 In Saint-Léonard-des-Bois , a Small Town of Character, take a moment to admire the landscapes shaped by millennia-old stone piles lining the Sarthe. Need a break? Settle down on the terrace and recharge your batteries while enjoying local products in a warm and soothing atmosphere.

🚴‍♂️ Continue your journey freely along the Vélobuissonnière to Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. This Small Town of Character reveals an enchanting atmosphere with the remnants of its castle and its former weavers' district. Find a peaceful spot by the Sarthe that runs through the town, and treat yourself to a refreshing break before continuing your countryside escape.

🛤️ If you still have energy, push on to Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, an ancient medieval town where time seems to stand still. From the medieval bridge spanning the Sarthe, enjoy a stunning panorama of the castle ruins.

🏕️ Truly disconnect. Your reward: a unique night in an unusual accommodation, combining the comfort of a cocoon with the purest immersion in nature.

© Laurène Philippot

🚴‍♂️ Continue your journey on the Vélobuissonnière , taking peaceful roads that traverse the countryside. Stop in Neuville-sur-Sarthe for a stroll along the river and be charmed by the picturesque beauty of its watermill.

🏰 Get back on your bike and head towards Le Mans. Designated a City of Art and History, it is full of architectural treasures. Get lost in the medieval streets of the Cité Plantagenêt, admire the majestic Gallo-Roman walls that surround it, and be impressed by the Saint-Julien Cathedral, a masterpiece of the era.

💡 From July to September, be amazed by the Nuit des Chimères, a light show that enhances the city at dusk. After a day rich in discoveries, relax in a riverside guinguette while enjoying rillettes on a crispy slice of bread.

🏡 For the night: Treat yourself to a restful stop at the Jardins de Ma Mans, a peaceful haven ideal for recovering before the next stage.

© Pascal Beltrami

🚴‍♂️ This stage begins gently on the quays of the port of Le Mans, following the Sarthe along the peaceful Boulevard Nature. In Spay, take a playful break at the Spaycific Zoo, where both young and old will marvel at the surprising wildlife. For thrill-seekers, try wakeboarding before enjoying a moment of relaxation on the beach.
🌳 Back on the road, pedal leisurely to the charming village of Fillé. On the MoulinSart island, dive into the world of milling at the Cyprien mill, admire a contemporary exhibition at the Art Center, or take a gourmet break at the mill bistro.
🌊 In Roëzé-sur-Sarthe, La Vélobuissonnière still reminds us of its special connection with water. Choose a canoe, kayak, or paddle ride, or hop on a pedal boat for a friendly family moment. The more daring can try electric surfing, eFoil, and glide above the water! For a quieter break, settle at the nautical base and enjoy an aperitif accompanied by a charcuterie board.
🏡 For the night: Rest at the Hôtel Saint-Louis, a comfortable setting ideal after a busy day.
© Pascal Beltrami

🚴‍♂️ Your bike is ready to go again, so let's get back in the saddle towards Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, a town known for its crafts and traditions related to working the land.

🏺 At the Museum of Faience and Ceramics, admire the works stemming from local know-how and let your children express their creativity during dedicated workshops. Leave with a souvenir from one of the artisanal pottery workshops in the village, then enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant overlooking the Sarthe. 🍽️

🌳 Continue your journey to La Flèche by crossing the lush hills of the Loir Valley. 🌿 When fatigue sets in, drop your bags at a comfortable accommodation for a well-deserved rest, because tomorrow... the adventure continues!

🏡 For the night: Stay at La Terrasse du Loir for an evening of relaxation in a soothing setting.

© Pascal Beltrami

🚴‍♂️ Before leaving La Flèche, don't miss a visit to its zoo, where children can become caretakers for a day full of emotions. Ranked among the most beautiful zoos in Europe, this place will fascinate the youngest, happy to meet in real life the heroes of their favorite stories.
🌿 Then, take a greenway ideal for families towards Baugé-en-Anjou, where a journey back in time awaits you, in the heart of the knightly era. The fully renovated castle immerses you in the world of King René, an exceptional knight-artist. Don't miss the Apothecary of the Hôtel Dieu, where the finely crafted jars create a special atmosphere, tinged with nostalgia, although some of their contents may evoke a slight shiver...!
🏰 Leave your bike safely at the rest area at the foot of the castle. Stroll through the old quarters and enjoy a peaceful evening in this Petite Cité de Caractère® with typically Angevine charm.
🏡 For the night: Spend the evening at the Grands Moulins de Baugé for a pleasant and restful stay.
© Pascal Beltrami

🚴‍♂️Heading towards Saumur, La Vélobuissonnière ends beautifully. Along the way, from the greenway between Baugé and Brion, enjoy the view of the astonishing twisted bell tower of Vieil-Baugé. Take a break in Longué-Jumelles to visit the fully restored hydraulic mill, and discover its history through a scenographic and playful tour. 🌳 Then continue your journey to Vivy and its Monteaux water body, an ideal spot for a picnic and to peacefully observe the local wildlife and flora. The finish line will guide you to Saumur, City of Art and History®. A visit to the Château de Saumur is highly recommended: overlooking the Loire, it 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 troglodyte houses, carved into the tuffeau, also fascinate visitors with their unique underground networks. 🍽️ We end this beautiful day by savoring local gastronomic specialties, such as the famous fouées or stuffed galipettes with mushrooms, accompanied by some bubbles. For a final magical night, book a toue cabanée on the Loire, the royal river, and reflect on your most beautiful discoveries during this adventure on La Vélobuissonnière! 🏡 For the night: Stay at the Hôtel Anne d’Anjou for an unforgettable evening by the Loire. ✨ Want another getaway? After La Vélobuissonnière, try the Paris - Saumur, the Paris - London, or the must-see Véloscénie.