Escape for a weekend...
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La Vélo Francette in Saumur Loire Valley
From Gennes-Val-de-Loire to Montreuil-Bellay (73 km - 2 days)Do you know the Vélo Francette near Saumur? From (or to) Angers, the route follows the mythical route of La Loire à Vélo by the left bank of the Loire; in southern Saumur, you walk along the Thouet, between Montreuil-Bellay, the last walled town of Anjou, "Small City of Character" and one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France" and Saumur, the "Pearl of Anjou "... A very beautiful bucolic itinerary, along the water and through history...
La "Francette Bike" is a 630 km long cycle route, it offers a new experience to savor, along the water and rivers, the charms of pretty towns and villages and the serenity of the French countryside. From Ouistreham to La Rochelle, a concentrate of sweet France, a resolutely slow tourism experience!
The advantages of this route are not lacking: the Landing Beaches, the connection with the Véloscénie (Paris - Mont Saint-Michel), the Mayenne towpath, the Loire Valley between Angers and Saumur, beautiful walks in the valley du Thouet, the Marais Poitevin and an arrival in La Rochelle for a swim in the Atlantic.
British tourists will appreciate the so Frenchy character and the great accessibility of the route since its starting point is on the port of Ouistreham at the descent of the cross-Channel ferries.
From Genne-Val-de-Loire to Montreuil-Bellay, in the heart of Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, we offer several itineraries to discover the hidden treasures of our territory.
From Angers, you pedal on the right bank of the Loire. You cross the royal river at Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire and reach the charming village of Thoureil, "Small City of Character" with a rich maritime past. 5 km further, you reach Gennes where many Gallo-Roman remains can be discovered or even the preserved biotopes of the Joreau pond.
The Francette bike continues on this left bank of the Loire until Saumur. You cross the town of Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault, also classified as a "Small City of Character", on the wooded hillside (compulsory meaning). If you do the Saumur > Angers route, the route runs along the Loire in the town. Possible variant towards Saumur: La Loire à Vélo, on the right bank. If you choose this option, cross the bridge at Gennes. You reach Rosiers-sur-Loire. Then, a portion of the greenway, over 16 km, as close as possible to the last wild river in Europe, is offered to you (inquire before leaving because the path is subject to flooding). On your way, discover the villages of Saint-Clement-des-Levées, Saint-Martin-de-la-Place then Saint-Lambert-des-Levées and finally Saumur.
You will certainly take the time to discover Saumur, City of Art and History, rich in its 62 historical monuments, its museums and its castle which majestically overlooks the city, but also, equestrian capital...
In Saumur, you leave the Loire and a few pedal strokes further, at Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent, you continue your route along one of its tributaries, Le Thouet. A bucolic course, during which you will certainly come across fishermen and joggers. Take the time to take a break on the megalithic bridge ofArtannes-sur-Thouet and enjoy the calm of the place. Then you cross between cultivated fields and vineyards and reach, after a slightly hilly route, Montreuil-Bellay with an exceptional medieval heritage.
You benefit here, within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, of a preserved, protected and valued nature, of a remarkable fauna and flora. You are in the country of troglodytes: open your eyes wide to admire the cavities from which the freestone was extracted for several centuries; some are now inhabited, others converted into visit sites (wine cellars, mushroom houses), restaurants or nightclubs: take a break and discover the rich past of these places! Also observe the flat-bottomed boats typical of our region on the Loire. Choose from: river shuttle, cruise-meal or discovery (different themes possible). Enjoy the tranquility of the Thouet valley, take advantage of the viewpoints over its meanders. You cross the Appellation Saumur vineyard.
