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La Vélo Francette: cycle tour from Saumur to La Rochelle

7 days / 5 days riding  / ref. VF1 / Difficulty Moderate / Linear trip
from 990 €
per person

Your cycling tour on La Vélo Francette:

A superb route over the water, from Loire Valley to the Atlantic Ocean via the Sèvre Niortaise.

Discover an authentic route and off the beaten track for a road movie “Sweet France”, between pretty villages and charming countryside. From Saumur and its vineyards to the Atlantic and La Rochelle via the “Green Venice” of the Marais Poitevin, this circuit reveals many architectural treasures with many cities of character and a bucolic and preserved landscape.

View trip map

Tour highlights

  • Riding through the The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park
  • Saumur, its vineyards, its castle and its Cadre Noir Riding school
  • The Thouet Valley and its villages of character
  • Arrival on the Atlantic and La Rochelle

Day 1Arrival in Saumur


Discover this elegant city of Art and History and its vineyards. Ideas for a visit: The Cadre Noir riding school, the imposing Saumur Castle with its exceptional view over the Loire river and an inevitable visit of a cellar to taste a glass of Saumur sparkling wine.

Day 2Saumur – Thouars | 43 km


First step along the water, from Loire Valley to the Thouet Valley, which presents beautiful cities of character. The fortified city of Montreuil-Bellay and Thouars on their rocky outcrops are the must-sees. In Taizon, the remarkable bridge of the 13th century is also to be seen.

Day 3Thouars – Parthenay | 66 km


Never far from the Thouet river, this bucolic and more rugged route allows to discover some gems of Romanesque Art like Saint Généroux or Airvault. Saint Loup, city of character, is also a must stop. His castle would have inspired the French Writer Charles Perrault. Shortly after, Cebron Lake is perfect for a relaxing break before arriving in the medieval town of Parthenay.

Day 4Parthenay – Niort | 54 km


A rural stage that combines remarkable heritage (Champdeniers-Saint-Denis and Collegiate of Saint Marc la Lande) and beautiful landscapes along the Sèvre Niortaise. Arriving in Niort, you are greeted by the 12th century dungeon and the large 19th century covered market, in Baltard style.

Day 5Niort – Damvix | 37 km (option + 4 km)


Between land and sea, discover the charms of “Green Venice” and its small villages, including Coulon “small city of character”. The Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin is a place apart, poetic. A boat trip in this charming green labyrinth is a good time, a relaxing break.

Day 6Damvix – La Rochelle | 53 km


Ultimate stage of the “Vélo Francette”, the route stays true to the water. First Sèvre Niortaise to Marans, nice river city with its marina, its historic center and its futuristic bell tower. Continue on bike paths along the canal of Marans to arrive in apotheosis on the ocean and its magnificent beaches. The historic center of La Rochelle is full of architectural treasures.

Day 7Departure during the day


Take some time to walk under the typical arch streets of the city, or to visit the Towers of the “Vieux Port”, loyal guards of the city since the 13th century!

Possibility to plan an extra bike excursion on Ile de Ré (54 km).

From the centre of La Rochelle, take a shuttle boat to the Ile de Ré! Once you’ve arrived in Saint Martin de Ré, a seaside village of incomparable charm, set off along excellent and safe cycle paths to discover the magic of the Ile de Ré, a true cycling paradise. Cycling through salt marshes and maritime landscapes, you’ll reach Ars-en-Ré, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France“. On the way back, take a look at the ruins of the Abbaye des Châteliers. Rivedoux-Plage, with its white sandy beach, is more inviting. Return to La Rochelle by bike.


Select your category

category Standard

Your accommodation

These hotels offer all the comfort and well-earned rest after a cycling day (private bathroom). A perfect place to enjoy all the centres of interest around.
Pictures for indicative purposes. Depending on the availability.
Including :

• 6 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom)
• Luggage transport during the bike stages (1 luggage 20kg per person)
• Equipped cycle rental for 5 days
• A personalized travel app, including all your cycling stages as well as tourist and practical information
• City taxes
• Hotline 7 days a week

Not including :

• Dinners / Lunches / Drinks
• Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting
• Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance)
• Single room supplement (6 nights included)
• Transfer from La Rochelle to Saumur and personal bike repatriation

Children discount :from 0 to 2 years old : - 90%
from 3 to 11 years old : - 20%
from 12 to 15 years old : - 10%

(Only if the triple or quadruple rooms are occupied by 2 adults minimum )

VTC ARCADE bike - 21 speed gears

OPEN or CLOSED frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)

Helmet not provided.

ARCADE or EXS ebike

UNIVERSAL frame

  • 1 rear pannier
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 lock (for 2 bikes)

Helmet not provided.

Practical details

  • Bikes will be delivered at the 1st hotel.
  • At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel, we will pick them up.
Your travel appYour journeyHow to arrive in SaumurReturn

Your travel app

You’ll have personalized access to our travel app, which you can download onto your smartphone.
This app includes all your cycling stages, tourist and practical content, as well as your accommodation. The application will guide you along your route, like a GPS, during your cycling stages.

In addition to the app, you’ll receive a complete digital roadbook by email, including color maps of your stages.
If you would like a printed version of the roadbook, please let us know when you book your trip. It will be provided at your first accommodation.

How to arrive in Saumur

By train
From Paris Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train) – (about 2h30).
For more information, do not hesitate to visit : www.sncf.com/en

By plane

  • From Orly airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).

– Bus shuttle (Le Bus Direct) : from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Line 1 >> Paris Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).
www.lebusdirect.com/en/lines-and-schedules/orly-airport-paris-etoile-champs-elysees-line.html

– Bus shuttle (Orly Bus) : from Orly Sud or Ouest > > Paris centre – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 4 >> Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlybus.php

– Orly Val (automatic metro): from Orly Sud or Ouest >> Paris – stop ‘Antony’ >> RER B – stop ‘Denfert Rochereau’ >> Metro line 4 >> Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).
http://aeroportorly.paris/orlyval.php
www.transilien.com/en
www.ratp.fr/en/plans-lignes

  • From Beauvais airport:
    – Taxi transfer to Paris Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).

– Bus shuttle >> Paris – stop ‘Porte Maillot’ >> Metro line 1 + line 13 >> Paris Montparnasse train station >> Angers St Laud train station or St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train).
www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com/en/acces-et-transports/navettes/

Return

If you have to come back to the start point:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France (please contact us).
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station (by TGV train) >> Saumur train station (by train) – (about 4h30).
    – La Rochelle >> Saumur (by taxi)

 If you have to return to Paris (city centre) / Paris Airports:

  • This return can be carry out by RandoVelo/Biking France (please contact us).
  • A return transfer by train is possible and organised on your own. Please visit: www.sncf.com/en
    Plan to go to the train station with your luggage (and your potential own bike)
    (Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >>  Paris Montparnasse train station (by TGV train).
    – La Rochelle Ville train station >> St Pierre des Corps train station  or Poitiers train station (by TGV train) >> Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station (by TGV train).

Nearby Airports:
– La Rochelle Airport: www.larochelle.aeroport.fr/en
– Nantes Airport: www.nantes.aeroport.fr
– Poitiers Airport: www.poitiers.aeroport.fr/en
– Bordeaux Airport: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en


Trip overall rating : / 2 testimonials

« Thank you for all the work and organisation »
« It was very well organised and delivered.  »
Gregory UK travel date: 27 May 2023
« Organisation toujours aussi parfaite »
« Organisation toujours aussi parfaite pour notre troisième randonnée avec 2 couples d’amis retraités, ... »
Hervé France travel date: 04 June 2022