In June 2015, a new route called the Vélo Francette®, completed the larger west area itineraries. It is an uninterrupted, marked trail that provides a new experience following the flow of the water and rivers to take in the charming towns and villages of the French countryside.

‘Douce France’ in a nutshell, an intentionally ‘slow tourism’ experience!

There is no end of advantages to this route: the landing beaches, La Mayenne towpath, the Loire Valley between Angers and Saumur, lovely walks in the Thouet Valley, the Marais Poitevin with a finish in La Rochelle for a dip in the Atlantic.

British tourists appreciate the French character and the easy access to the itinerary as the start point is in the Port of Ouistreham, just after debarking from the cross-channel ferry.

Discover the stage of the Vélo Francette® that crosses the Laval conurbation!