Les Graines de Baroudeurs on La Vélo Francette
Cédric, Caroline, Manon (4 years old) & Hugo (18 months) make up this unusual family from the Auvergne region, who love to explore the French countryside by bike, on foot, in a sledge, or in any other way they can find...
3 days - July 2015
Coulon > Marans - 80 km (20 to 35 km/day)
Why choose this cycling route?
Of course, the lovely Vélo Francette logo caught our eye but it was mainly the idea of being able to ride on a route with diverse, green landscapes, which is safe, that made us choose this destination.
The kilometres go by easily while admiring the willows, talking to fishermen and contemplating the typical village landscapes of the dried marshlands with their brightly coloured windows.
> Enjoy their adventure on the blog Graines de Baroudeurs (in French)
Custom route
Custom route
22 Coulon / Damvix / Bazoin
Coulon, located at the heart of the wet marshes of the Marais Poitevin and set so prettily beside the Sèvre Niortaise River, can offer cyclists on La Vélo Francette all the amenities they need. After crossing through the marshes, you rejoin the Sèvre Niortaise after Irleau. Approaching Damvix, the canalised river takes a straighter line, as though in a rush to join the ocean.
23 Damvix / Bazoin / Marans
The Sèvre Niortaise remains your guide on this stage, except on two stretches, one where you follow the Canal du Nouveau Béjou, the other the Canal du Pomère. Enjoy the ballet of little boats exploring the wetlands around these parts. You arrive at Marans via its quaysides, allowing you to appreciate how this little town lives via its waterways. Marans traditionally stood guard over the canal, marshes and river estuary; today it stands out because of its futuristic bell tower.
24 Marans / La Rochelle
This final stage of La Vélo Francette shares the way with the longer La Vélodyssée cycle route. You follow the Canal de Marans towards the sea before branching off for the great city of La Rochelle via the Canal de Rompsay. Although this stage is easy, it allows you to end La Vélo Francette with a flourish – plus there’s the possibility of a dip in the Atlantic! Islands beckon just off the coast, if you wish to prolong your experience of douce France!