The Vélobuissonnière: Alençon to Saumur by bike

Your return train ticket refunded!

From Paris, rent your bike from Dolce Via, ride La Vélobuissonnière, and benefit from the refund of your return train ticket to Paris!

To celebrate this new partnership between DolceVia and La Vélobuissonnière, the return train tickets to Paris for the first users are refunded!

To benefit from this operation, you will need to:

1. Rent your bike from DolceVia (either in-store at 58, rue de Cléry, 75002 Paris, or on the website DolceVia

2.Ride La Vélobuissonnière and provide proof of your passage (selfies with the bike) in at least 3 different municipalities along the route.

3.Provide a copy of the return train ticket to Paris with the date and price clearly visible.

The supporting documents must be sent by email to: contact@lavelobuissonniere.com . Only train tickets dated from March 1, 2025, midnight to December 31, 2025, midnight are eligible for this promotional operation.

Participation in this promotional operation implies unconditional acceptance of the rules in their entirety.

To learn more about La Vélobuissonnière, check out this link

View the rules

© Pascal Beltrami

🚴‍♂️ 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 famous 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 tranquil 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.

🏕️ For the night, treat yourself to a stay in an unusual accommodation , for an immersive experience in 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

🚴‍♂️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. 🌳 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. 🍽️ 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 Hôtel Anne d’Anjou for an unforgettable evening by the Loire. © Pascal Beltrami ✨ Did you enjoy the adventure along the Vélobuissonnière? Discover Paris - Saumur!