Is La Vélidéale suitable for beginners or inexperienced cyclists?

So, you’ve made up your mind on one thing! You’re going to tackle La Vélidéale cycle route, but you’re not sure where to start your preparations…  

Organizing a cycling adventure, you can’t make it up as you go along. Some tips can help you set off with greater confidence. So, follow our guide!

Seek out the most reliable information

Above all, setting out on a cycling adventure means being realistic… and working out both your requirements and your limitations! 

Slopes and quiet little country roads are on the programme – La Vélidéale is a cycle route that will particularly appeal to the brave! While some stretches are relatively flat and accessible to families in the French counties (départements) of Deux-Sèvres and Loire-Atlantique, many of the stages are harder across the French counties of the Vendée, Haute-Vienne, Charente and Creuse.

🚲 Our tip: Don’t hesitate to deal with the steeper stages by hiring an electric bike (in French, a VAE, or vélo à assistance électrique).

Perhaps you’re the kind who won’t mind pedalling standing up to make the most of the significant hills you need to tackle on leaving Vassivière Lake? Then this cycle route should appeal to you! The great thing about La Vélidéale is that it really does provide cyclists with plenty of surprises. Moving from the marked slopes in the Creuse and Haute-Vienne to the much gentler tracks through Deux-Sèvres, the landscapes change very visibly too.

To view more closely the elevations or shifts in altitude involved, we recommend you go to the map page on our website and look at the elevations involved stage by stage under the detailed information about the route. Not just shifts in altitude are recorded here, but also the types of tracks you’ll follow, plus their surfaces. This all proves a gold mine for working out the terrain you’ll be crossing, and adapting your efforts according to your abilities. Plus, make time to take in all there is to see!

Defining your trip and adapting it according to difficulties

Depending on your priorities and your wishes, you can customize your cycling trip as you like. There’s nothing to stop you from simply opting to tackle one part of La Vélidéale and of course choosing the time of year that suits you best. Don’t hesitate to go out of season, at a time when temperatures can still be very pleasant.

If you’re a bit afraid of the intensity of the cycling involved, you can always opt for a shorter cycling trip. It’ll make organizing the holiday that much easier, if it’s just for a short break! And remember, you might look for ideas on this via our Cycle route page.

🚲 Our tip: To reduce difficulties, we suggest you shorten the length of your stages to make more of your trip. Calculate on the basis of cycling 30km a day on stages with greater shifts in altitude, and 50km a day for easier stages. There’s no need to race; ride along at your own pace. 

Choosing the right bike and equipment  

This is crucial. The success of your cycling trip isn’t just down to your preparations; you also have to choose the right bike and equipment. Your bike should of course be comfortable, and should assist you in tackling the distances involved, without tiring you out. For example, the weight of your bike should be a prime consideration. It won’t surprise you to hear that if you load your bike up like a mule, your body won’t thank you for it! Same for panniers; pack essentials, but not excessive amounts. Don’t think fashion parade, either, but make comfort a priority! A windcheater, good socks and sun glasses are indispensable. With clothing, choose comfort over style. And don’t ignore your backside whatever you do! Far from being minor considerations, a good, comfortable saddle and padded cycling shorts prove a god send! 

🚲 Our tip: Get your bicycle serviced before setting off. Make sure your bike is well looked after and you should encounter fewer hitches en route.

Choosing your activities and your accommodation 

A cycling trip isn’t just about the cycling! Breaks can even prove extremely motivating. There’s a wide array of activities to try out along the way, visiting quaint villages, castles, museums, outdoor leisure centres and much more. You’ll be spoilt for choice, finding relaxing or exhilarating things to do beside La Vélidéale. Activities can break up your cycling trip and make it much more enjoyable overall. 

Choosing suitable accommodation is also essential. From hotels to rental gîtes to comfortable campsites, there are options to satisfy everyone and every budget. It’s up to you to select the places that will enable you to get a good night’s sleep and to be able to head off the next day well rested and energized. La Vélidéale’s website will prove really useful in helping you select your accommodation.  

🚲 Our tip: Many accommodation providers are listed on our website, notably those awarded Accueil Vélo accreditation. The latter will take pleasure in welcoming you like cycling royalty!

Always listen to your feelings! 

It can’t be stated enough, but do remember that you’re the one in charge of your own cycling adventure. Embrace the unexpected and be prepared to be adaptable if you do encounter little hitches. You can never guarantee a cycling trip free of any niggling hassles… but that’s part of the fun. So, don’t ever go off the rails; enjoy the adventure!