Cycling our scenery

LA VÉLIDÉALE, BIKE ROUTE FROM LIMOUSIN TO THE ATLANTIC

  • VassivièreLimoges
  • Spring
  • 82 km

©Limoges depuis le pont Saint-Étienne / Sébastien Laval

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From Lac de Vassivière to Saint-Nazaire, La Vélidéale is a cycling adventure through all kinds of biodiversity, 5 regional nature parks and countless environmentally-sensitive areas home to rivers and listed wetlands. Explore the little village lanes in Petites Cités de Caractère, take a break to cool down by a lake… Experience a journey that has it all: untamed landscapes, towns and beaches!

The section of La Vélidéale in Nouvelle-Aquitaine covers 477km from Royère-de-Vassivière (on the edge of Haute-Vienne and La Creuse) to Mauléon (on the border of Deux-Sèvres and Vendée). Your cycling adventure runs through 4 départements (Creuse, Haute-Vienne, Charente, DeuxSèvres) and 4 Regional Nature Parks (Millevaches, Périgord –Limousin, Marais Poitevin and Gâtine).

©Vélo lac de Vassivière/ Marco_Polo-CRTNA-

TRAIL 1: Vassivière-Limoges 82km: a slice of Canada by the lake surrounded by craftsmanship

The adventure begins in Royère de Vassivière in Creuse and takes you through the Millevaches Regional
Nature Park to Bujaleuf in Haute-Vienne. Take a break and cool off at Lac de Vassivière’s 1000 hectares of water along the way. WHAT to see and do: Centre International d’Art et du Paysage on Île de Vassivière.

The path runs along the Maulde and Vienne from Bujaleuf to Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat where the famous
cyclist Raymond Poulidor used to train. Visit the shops and UNESCO-listed collegiate church in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.

The route carries on along the Vienne to Limoges where you can watch artisan paper being made at Moulin du Got. Pay a visit to the Centre International de la Caricature et du Dessin d’Humour in Saint-Just-le-Martel before you ride over Pont Saint-Martial bridge into Limoges. End your day on a high with a walk in the Limoges Cathedeal area and Jardin de l’Évêché.

©Velidale à Niort / Sébastien Laval

TRAIL 2: Confolens-Niort 160km : château life deep in the leafy countryside

Confolens is a Petite Cité de Caractère and a must-visit on La Vélidéale. The medieval town is bursting with heritage and hosts a popular art and traditions festival in summer. After Confolens, the path runs along the Vienne to Saint-Germain-de-Confolens where you can drink in the views from a château on a rocky spur. Head west across the Charente River (Nanteuil-en-Vallée and Verteuil-sur-Charente, two lovely towns) and Ruffec. Then ride to Mellois with stops in Raix, Paizay-Naudouin-Embourie, and Chef Boutonne, home to Château de Javarzay. Set off from Chef-Boutonne through the Boutonne Valley to Melle, famous for its silver mines and leafy landscapes. Last but not least, the route takes you along Le Ruban Vert greenway to Niort on a leisurely and family-friendly ride. Welcome to the Marais Poitevin!

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