Cycling in Vendée

The Vendee, country of cycling tourism

In order to share the diversity and rich heritage, the Vendée has put into place an impressive cycle network of close to 1000km in 2012. The numerous circuits criss-cross the county, the coast of the Poitevin marshes and pass by the fields. In 2013, it will be possible to do a tour of the Vendée without being bothered.

By definition, the islands can‟t support the big road network and the hoards of vehicles that borrow them. Because of this, the Isle of Yeu and Noirmoutier are truly joys for cyclists. The tracks progress in open nature and there circuits often end up on the quays of a picturesque port.

A track of about 160km along the coast from north to south. The track alternates between the little coasts where you must work your calves, whereas the lighter slopes allow the time for well deserved recovery. The shade of the maritime pines and the green oaks keep a certain freshness which is not too much when it is necessary to give the last push on the pedals.

On the south coast, you can come back to the Poitevin marsh; in open nature, in the middle of a vast countryside where the flora and fauna are incomparable, first you will discover the water, botanical and ornithological riches of an ocean which has today become marsh... Then, in passing by the little villages, the track makes its way calmly around canals and other channels before arriving in front of the majestic and imposing abbey of Maillezais.

In the fields, those passionate about history will borrow the track at the start of Saint Sulpice le Verdon where the General Charette, famous for his part in the Vendéen resistance during the Revolution led his men. The track crosses a fascinating site, the national forest of Grasla aux Brouzils.

>> CYCLING ITINERARIES IN NUMBER (2012 numbers)

• île d’Yeu: 4,5 km of tracks + supplementary tracks for doing a tour of the island
• Ile de Noirmoutier: 19.9 km
• La Barre de Monts - Saint Jean de Monts: 38,3 km
• Saint Jean de Monts – Brétignolles sur Mer (via Saint Gilles Croix de Vie): 31.1 km
• Brétignolles sur Mer – Jard sur Mer (via Les Sables d‟Olonne): 55.4 km
• Jard sur Mer – l’Aiguillon sur Mer: 30 km
• L’Aiguillon sur Mer – Chaillé les Marais: 39.6 km
• De Chaillé les Marais – Maillezais: 41 km
• Le canal de Luçon: 10.6 km
• De Maillezais à Faymoreau: 66.9 km
• De Faymoreau – Réaumur: 42.1 km
• Réaumur - Les Epesses : 62.9 km
• Le Epesses - Tiffauges : 38.8 km
• Tiffauges - Montaigu: 44.8 km
• Des Montaigu à Mesnard la Barotière: 33.1 km
• De Mesnard la Barotière aux Epesses: 24.6 km
• Montaigu - Les Lucs sur Boulogne : 53.5 km
• Les Lucs sur Boulogne - Froidfond or Aizenay : 44.5 km
• Froidfond - Saint Jean de Monts : 63 Km
• La Roche sur Yon - Saint Gilles Croix de Vie : 41.8 km
• La Roche sur Yon - Mesnard La Barotière : 55.2 km
• Les Essarts - Cheffois : 66.3 km.