Take in greenery on Cycle Route of the Year

Running across western France from Ouistreham in Normandy down to La Rochelle for 630 kilometres, Vélo Francette is a stunning ride which incorporates a number of French countryside highlights.

The itinerary takes in Normandy, Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes. It was created two years ago and has been named Cycle Route of the Year 2017 by Fiets En Wandelbeurs, the Dutch cycling and walking fair. For them features such as Orne, Calvados, Mayenne, Anjou and Deux-Sèvres make it a route equal to those of the Vallée du Rhône, Catalonia or Austria.

The organisers have split the route into 24 stages, each between 15 and 30 kilometres long. On the Vélo Francette website a selection of the main stops and suggestions for walks can be found.

There’s a rich heritage to discover along the way. The landscape is dominated by Mont Pinçon, with its 362 metres, this isn’t the Alps but for cyclists, it is a good challenge.

Further south, from Domfront or Château-Gontier, you can admire beautiful medieval towns before approaching Angers. Then towards Saumur, passing castles, vineyards and the Loire river. Then from Saumur, head south.

Once you’ve crossed the Loire, the landscape changes gradually. From Saumur to Niort, it is a succession of castles and small villages connected via small country roads. You'll cross the marshes of Poitou before following Rompsay canal towards La Rochelle, the final stage of the trip.