The Vélidéale, a new bike route for lovers of the little queen (bicycle)

02 July 2024

The Vélidéale, a route of the Parks

A new bike route has been created: the Vélidéale. Stretching over 665 kilometers, it connects Lake Vassivière in Creuse to the Brière marshes near Saint-Nazaire, passing through 6 departments: Creuse, Haute-Vienne, Charente, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique.

Route and stages of the Vélidéale

Download the brochure with the map of the Vélidéale

It is unique in that it passes through 4 Regional Natural Parks in western France:

• Millevaches,
• Périgord-Limousin,
• Marais poitevin,
• Brière.

These Parks offer breathtaking views of the biodiversity in many sensitive areas, at the crossroads of numerous rivers and protected marshlands.

Throughout its route, the aquatic DNA predominates, through the ocean, lakes, rivers, marshes, and waterways. Lovers of freedom will experience a route that is at times coastal, urban, or wild, but always at the heart of biodiversity.

Binoculars are recommended to fully enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and the endless diversity of wildlife and flora!

A bike route connected to other cycling paths

10 other bike routes are connected to the Vélidéale, such as La Vélo Francette in the Marais Poitevin, as well as La Loire à Vélo and La Scandibérique. The Vélidéale is part of the growing network of cycling paths in France.

This bike route brings you closer to what matters most: a perfect escape to passionately contemplate the nature we all love.

It is sure to delight both the most athletic cyclists and families who enjoy bike travel. As for the terrain, some effort will be required to cross the rolling landscapes of Creuse and Haute-Vienne, but the approach to Nantes is less challenging.

In the Marais Poitevin, it passes through the town of Niort, follows the Sèvre Niortaise River, and goes past the majestic keep and the market halls, named the most beautiful market in France in 2024. Connections to villages in the Marais, such as Magné and Coulon, are possible from Port Boinot by following La Vélo Francette.

To plan your trip, remember to book your accommodations and visits with Accueil Vélo certified providers.