An environmentally engaged cycle route

This cycle route was officially inaugurated in 2024 and nailed its colours clearly to the mast then – to be a positive route, fully committed to the environment.

La Vélidéale wants cycling tourists to turn their full attention to environmental matters. It emphasizes three principal aims: to encourage discovery; to encourage appreciation; and to encourage the savouring of the varied areas you cross… done gently, with respect as well as passion, all the while raising awareness of the importance of preserving our marvellous but fragile natural zones.

La Vélidéale 

So yes, we want it to be ideal because we have an ideal, motivated by curiosity to learn, a passion for sustainable mobility, people and nature.

665 km fully signposted in both directions	5 regional nature parks crossed	A large number of sensitive natural areas

A Progressive Cycle Route 

This meandering route, over 600km in length, guides you through a timeless France beloved by so many. Called La Vélidéale, it leads you via an amazing series of varied ecosystems, each one as important as the next. All told, this makes for quite a symphony of landscapes and biodiverse areas on a route where liberty reigns. 
And this being a cycle route promoting freedom, note that you can join it or leave it at virtually any point! La Vélidéale could certainly be described as well connected, with 10 cycle routes that branch off from it, as well as numerous train stations allowing you to get to and leave La Vélidéale with ease. All told, it offers all manner of possibilities.
Imagine crossing mysterious marshes, plunging into dense forests, testing your strength on gravel tracks, picnicking beside sparkling rivers, wandering through the lanes of enchanting historic villages, enjoying refreshing breaks beside peaceful lakes, even scenting the Atlantic Ocean on the air…

This cycling adventure guides cyclists from the majestic Vassivière Lake all the way to the dynamic port of Saint-Nazaire. On each stage, there are new natural facets to explore, and there is further rich cultural and ecological heritage to appreciate. Whether you’re a fan of unspoilt landscapes or architectural treasures, La Vélidéale offers an unforgettable experience, all in the midst of so much biodiversity.

Prepare to experience an amazing cycling adventure on which each stage connects you with nature and makes you feel the true essence of liberty.

An eco-sustainable cycle route committed to the diversity of life!

This eco-sustainable, low-carbon cycle route creates a precious link between the various Regional Natural Parks it crosses: the Marais Poitevin; the Périgord-Limousin; Millevaches en Limousin; the Brière; and the Gâtine Poitevine. As La Vélidéale leads cyclists across this handful of Parcs Naturels Régionaux, as well as many protected fragile natural zones and biotope reserves, it offers riders an exceptional immersion in France’s natural diversity.

The cycle route wends its way through picturesque bocages (traditional hedge-divided fields), lush vineyards, verdant meadows, enchanting villages, mysterious forests and beside sparkling lakes, tranquil marshlands and rivers, going right up to the Atlantic… also passing through towns rich in history and culture.
Biodiversity is exceptional in these parts, and a guiding thread of this cycle route. Our cycle route highlights an amazing variety of flora and fauna, to be observed from wetlands to dry areas, with many remarkable ecosystems, distinctive biotopes and unique natural habitats along the way. La Vélidéale will appeal greatly to cyclists who appreciate its environmentally committed side, in tune with contemporary societal concerns.

The cycle route is dotted with spots and installations that enable the observation of species in the midst of protected fragile natural zones, enabling nature lovers to enjoy special moments. Our eco-sustainable, low-carbon cycle route isn’t simply a trail that offers discoveries aplenty, but also a symbol of a collective commitment towards a greener future, a future more respectful of the environment.

Every cyclist who opts for La Vélidéale is choosing to become a partner acting for the preservation of our natural heritage, contributing to the creation of harmonious links between the human and natural worlds. 

A cycle route speeding up ecological transition!  

La Vélidéale, then, is much more than simply a cycle route! It’s a cycle route speeding up ecological transition, bringing us closer to the essential, and encouraging an authentic closeness with local people. Designed to respond to the key aspirations of our times, it incarnates five fundamental values: 

The delights of slow movement: Take the time to savour each moment, far from the hustle and bustle of modern daily life. La Vélidéale incites you to slow down, to appreciate varied landscapes and moments of calm, a rare privilege that cycling trips can offer.

Giving meaning to holidays: Embarking on this cycle route, your holidays take on a whole new dimension. You’re actively participating in protecting the environment, supporting local initiatives, adding significant meaning and value to your journey.

Putting sociability and sharing to the fore: Our cycle route is a force for encouraging meetings and exchanges, whether with local people or other cyclists. On each stage through the regions the cycle route crosses, there’s the opportunity to create links and share memorable experiences.  

Satisfying the search for new experiences: Our cycle route has been designed to appeal to cycling travellers in search of unique experiences. Whether it be crossing the Marais Poitevin wetlands or exploring vineyards and picturesque villages along the way, every moment spent on La Vélidéale promises new adventures.

Encouraging responsible tourism: La Vélidéale is committed to promoting sustainable tourism. It encourages non-motorized forms of transport and fosters practices that respect the environment, thus participating in the preservation of the planet.

A progressive cycle route, La Vélidéale is really fuelling enthusiasm for non-motorized forms of transport! It’s pushing forwards the agenda on this front. It might be said to be quite a pioneer in eco-sensitization going forwards, pointing the way towards a future where travelling in an environmentally friendly way isn’t just possible, but deeply gratifying too. So, choose La Vélidéale and become a participant in a positive change for the planet, all the while enjoying an unforgettable experience.

The theme of water at its heart 

Our cycle route follows a watery trail, passing marshlands and lakes, and beside rivers such as the Sèvre Nantaise and the Erdre, as well, of course, as the major river of the Loire, leading to Atlantic. From the springs in the Limousin’s elevated hills to the Loire’s estuary on the ocean, the ubiquitousness of water makes a strong link between the various regions and areas that our cycle route crosses. Water, its freshness and the lushness it creates, the tranquillity of the unpopulated areas through which it flows, the proximity of so many mysterious wetland ecosystems at so many turns… all this aqueous influence creates a certain harmony along the route. With the vast Vassivière Lake at its eastern end and the great port of Saint-Nazaire and the sea at its western end, water provides so many rewarding elements along La Vélidéale cycle route.

Water appears in all its forms along this cycle route, sometimes secretive, sometimes invigorating. It has sculpted the landscapes you ride through, the more discreet ones as well as the more open ones. 

Switching off from it all

La Vélidéale offers a way to switch off completely from the contemporary world, allowing cyclists to try out so much without feeling they’re missing out on anything on their trip. This unique trail promises experiences and joys immersing you deep in nature, making each moment memorable.

Our cycle route offers a perfect combination of countryside and towns, mysterious wetlands and shaded forests, extensive plains and steep valleys. It provides a harmonious balance between light and shade, sports and tranquillity, easy parts and challenging parts, intense action and calm contemplation, comfort and a feat that might deserve a medal at the end!

La Vélidéale’s charm comes from its diversity. Choose from the varied stages according to your wishes: a serene cycling outing through wetlands; a journey deep into the forest; a sporting trek through changing terrain; or a relaxing break beside the waters.

One of La Vélidéale’s great strength is the freedom it offers cyclists to choose. It incites you to create your very own adventure, following your own wishes, at your own pace. Whether in search of tranquillity or action, whether drawn more to the hills or the sea, whether a seasoned cyclists or after calm outings, La Vélidéale can provide you with such a rounded, personalized experience.

Launch yourself on this unique cycling trip, each turn of the pedals bringing you closer to nature, and to yourself! La Vélidéale is much more than a simple cycle route; it’s a route to freedom, well-being and discovery, as well as allowing you to switch off from it all!