Travelling north to south along La Vélo Francette, you’ll cycle beside a good number of rivers, canals and other waterways, all offering great possibilities for nature lovers, for those who like sporting activities or messing around in boats, or for those who simply wish to marvel at the exceptional waterside heritage. Enjoy going with the flow of France’s western waterways on La Vélo Francette!
The Orne River
The Orne is one of Normandy’s major rivers, flowing up from southern Normandy to join the Channel. Its source is at Aunou-sur-Orne, northeast of Ecouves Forest. The Orne flows along for 170km through the centre of Normandy. Starting at La Vélo Francette’s most northerly point, though, you follow the Orne upstream from its estuary for some way. From the port of Ouistreham to Caen, the river runs in a straight, canalized channel. To the south, between Thury-Harcourt and St-Philbert-sur-Orne, it meanders much more tortuously through the Suisse Normande hills. Beyond St-Philbert-sur-Orne, not much of a detour away from La Vélo Francette’s route, you can take a memorable boat trip out on Rabodanges Lake, set in remarkably unspoilt southern Norman countryside.
Val d’Orne, for boat trips out on Rabodanges Lake: +33 (0)2 33 39 30 30
http://www.bateau-valdorne.com/
La Suisse Normande Tourist Office, +33 (0)2 31 79 70 45, +33 (0)2 31 79 70 45
http://otsuissenormande.e-monsite.com/en/
Explore the route along the Orne River
The Varenne River
The Varenne River accompanies cyclists on La Vélo Francette between Fumeçon (near Flers) and Ambrières-les-Vallées. The Varenne is a tributary of the Mayenne River and flows along for 59.5km. You can appreciate this waterway and the delightful meadows beside it on the greenway linking Flers > Domfront. The Varenne is particularly appreciated for its fishing, boasting fine trout. At the level of Torchamp, you can try your hand at all manner of sporting activities.
Centre de Pleine Nature de Torchamp (outdoor recreation centre), +33 (0)2 33 38 70 41
http://www.pleinenature-normandie.com
Explore the route along the Varenne River
The Mayenne River
The Mayenne River is ideal for combining cycling and boating holidays. It’s an indirect tributary of the Loire itself, linked to it via the very short Maine River. The Mayenne flows for 202km. The river is navigable from the city of Mayenne down to Angers on the Maine, with 45 locks to pass through. Cyclists on La Vélo Francette ride along the towpath beside the river from Mayenne town to the port of Grez-Neuville. It’s easy to organize holidays along here mixing staying on a boat and heading out by bike to explore the rich local heritage, including that on river navigation, while informative panels explain the flora and fauna in the Mayenne Valley.
Mayenne Tourist Board, +33 (0)2 43 53 18 18
http://www.tourisme-mayenne.com/en/Activities/Cycling/Cycling-and-green-ways-voies-vertes3
http://paysdelaloire.co.uk/Activities/Outdoor/Rivers-lakes/River-tourism
Explore the route along the Mayenne River
The Maine River
This is a rather extraordinary though significant river, running just 11.5km from the city of Angers to Bouchemaine, where it joins the Loire. The Maine doesn’t have a source, as it’s formed directly by the merging of the waters of the Mayenne and Sarthe Rivers, as well as those from the Loir (without an ‘e’), whose own confluence with the Sarthe lies just above Angers. In summer, you can get out on the Maine by riverboat from Angers; on these outings, you can also enjoy stretches of the Mayenne, Sarthe and Loire Rivers, all closely linked with the Maine River. So the Maine offers cyclists along La Vélo Francette several possibilities for enjoying a boat trip or two.
Angers Loire Tourisme, +33 (0)2 41 23 50 00
http://www.angersloiretourisme.com/en/activity/water/angers-river-shuttles-0
http://paysdelaloire.co.uk/Activities/Outdoor/Rivers-lakes/River-tourism
Explore the route along the Maine River
The Loire
The Loire, the longest river in France at just over 1,000km in length, starts out in southeast France, its source on the Mont Jerbier de Jonc mountain, in the department of Ardèche. The stretch cyclists ride alongside when on La Vélo Francette goes from Bouchemaine south of Angers to the gorgeous town of Saumur, so the route is shared with the major Loire à Vélo cycle route for 58km. Consider making the most of the Loire while riding along La Vélo Francette by taking a cruise on the mighty river onboard Le Loire Princesse, a boat that offers you a unique opportunity to enjoy the Loire up close.
Saumurois Tourist Office, +33 (0)2 41 40 20 60
http://paysdelaloire.co.uk/Activities/Outdoor/Rivers-lakes/The-Loire-Valley
http://www.croisieurope.com/la-loire-en-croisiere
The Thouet River
The Thouet is a tributary of the Loire, joining the great river from its southern side. The Thouet runs along for 142km, sloping gently along its route. Its source lies close to that of the Sèvre Nantaise River, both near the village of Secondigny, beyond the town of Parthenay.
The Thouet is shadowed by La Vallée du Thouet à Vélo, a cycle route that now doubles as La Vélo Francette going south from Saumur, the great town at the confluence of the Thouet and the Loire. Explore the rich heritage of the Thouarsais and Gâtine areas and the verdant countryside round and about. There are many surprises to enjoy along this stretch, including the riverside sections laid out for gatherings of families and friends or for fishing.
Pays Thouarsais Tourist Office, +33 (0)5 49 66 17 65
Tourisme en Gâtine, +33 (0)5 49 64 24 24
http://www.valleeduthouet.fr/accueil/
Explore the route along the Thouet River
The Sèvre Niortaise & the Marais Poitevin
The Sèvre Niortaise is a 165 km long coastal river that originates near Sepvret in the Deux-Sèvres region. It crosses Niort, then irrigates the Poitevin Marsh, of which it is the main hydraulic artery. A paradise in "sweet France", the marsh is the ideal destination for green tourism and to recharge your batteries in contact with Mother Nature. A beautiful green setting to rest after the bike ride on the Vélo Francette.
Office de Tourisme de Niort Marais Poitevin, 0 820 2000 79
