Vélo Francette cycling guides and maps

The Vélo Francette, a 600 km cycle route from Ouistreham to La Rochelle

Starting from the beaches of the English Channel, the Vélo Francette will connect you to Normandy and the Atlantic coast, passing through the Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes regions. The route begins in Ouistreham, on the Côte de Nacre, a few kilometers from Caen. The route then follows the Orne Valley towards Flers, then enters Mayenne, where the route runs along the river on superb towpaths.

The route continues to Laval, then Angers, the capital of Anjou. After passing along the banks of the Loire, the Vélo Francette descends south, crossing the Deux-Sèvres region and the famous Marais Poitevin by bike, before reaching La Rochelle, one of the most popular cities for cyclists in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

The Vélo Francette map allows you to easily identify the different stages, accommodations, points of interest, and main connections with other cycle routes.

What to see along the Vélo Francette?

Throughout this cycling route, the Vélo Francette takes you through a wide variety of landscapes and towns rich in heritage.

Here are the highlights of the Vélo Francette route:

• Ouistreham and Caen by bike : for a start between beach and history, with the D-Day landing beaches and the monuments of Caen.

• Flers : A green and hilly stage in the Normandy countryside.

• Mayenne : A real favorite for nature lovers, with its riverside paths.

• Laval : A city of art and history to discover by bike.

• Angers by bike : A lively city with an exceptional heritage, on the banks of the Loire.

• Niort : A lovely stopover before entering the Marais Poitevin.

• Marais Poitevin by bike : A unique area, also known as the “Green Venice,” perfect for a stroll along the water.

• La Rochelle by bike : A seaside arrival in a friendly, cycle-friendly town.

Our route ideas on the Vélo Francette

Whether you have a few days or a full week, here are some route ideas for a cycling holiday in France on the Vélo Francette:

• Niort to La Rochelle: 2 to 3 days cycling through the Marais Poitevin, a natural and authentic route.

• Flers to Mayenne: A perfect weekend to get started with cycling between Normandy and Mayenne.

• Angers to Saumur: 2 days of cycling through heritage sites and vineyards.

• La Vélo Francette in a week: The entire Velo Francette route from Ouistreham to La Rochelle, a cycling holiday in France to be organized with La Bicyclette Verte and Bicybags, cycling tour specialists.