Freelance photographerDo you want to get the best of France and slow tourism* by the river this summer ?
The Vélo Francette bike path from Angers is made for you. Strap on your helmet, grab your backpack and wind your way through rolling France as you unearth its hidden gems.
Here are our top 10 on the route from west to east !
The signposted, secure and surprising Vélo Francette bike path has everything going for it. Find out more :
Code name : V43
Distance : 630 km
Route : Between Cabourg and La Rochelle, from the English channel to the Atlantic
Coverage : 3 regions (Normandy, Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes) and 7 départements
Anjou stages : Mayenne riverbancks, along the Maine in Angers, then the Loire from Bouchemaine to Loire-Authion
Attractions : runs through 3 regional nature parks and 25 towns and villages with character to explore
Awards : Voted best véloroute in Europe in 2017
Going through the locks is a must on any boat trip and ideal for cooling off on your way. This is the place to be if you want to learn about their history, how they work and what being a lock keeper involves :
This floodable land north of Angers puts on quite a show for visitors where the Maine, Mayenne, Loire and Sarthe meet.
There’s always something to explore be it water mirrors, wetlands or woods.
Nature lovers can enjoy the wildlife and outstanding ecosystem whilst fitness fans are spoilt for choice with hikes and gravel bike rides.
Top tip :
The Anjou Lower Valleys have been part of the Natura 2000 network since 2004 alongside Camargue and Mont-Saint-Michel Bay. They are also part of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance treaty.
Bac de l'île Saint-Aubin Île Saint-Aubin? That’s the sprawling nature area (1/10th of the land) outside Angers. You don’t need to venture over a bridge to get to the countryside in the city: just hop on the chain ferry from April to October for a safe ride to the other side to continue your walk or bike ride.
If you’re feeling peckish or thirsty, make a beeline for Le Port de l’île bar. Grab a lemonade and homemade burger before a round of exciting Molkky.
A totally cool and casual little detour off the Vélo Francette.
The Loir valley is a little-known area, but clearly worth a visit, especially if you’re on a bike!
You’re just a short ride away from Europe’s biggest botanical theme park: Terra Botanica.
The French haven is open from April to October and treats everyone to a unique experience up close with nature.
Butterfly house, nutshell ride, botanical odyssey or green dinosaur: nature is still the most exciting adventure! Plus there are lots of new features scheduled for 2022.
Family at Terra Botanica
Family in a boat at Terra Botanica
Beaurepaire Street, La Doutre quarterThe left bank is just as lovely but let’s head to the right bank of the Maine to visit La Doutre and its unique heritage.
Ride by a procession of half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, churches and abbeys. Order a coffee on Place du Tertre Saint-Laurent before a trip to the Jean-Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum.
Plan B : Cross Pont de la Basse Chaîne bridge and drop off your bike at the storeroom at Tourist Information. That way you’re free to explore the Château and grounds on foot!
Feast your eyes on some of the best views in the area at this belvedere looking out over Bouchemaine.
It’s an easy bike ride up and your reward is a fantastic 180° view of the Maine that may well flood the meadows around winter.
If you love a good photo, this is the place for you.
City Pass 48hDiscover other treasures of Anjou’s heritage with the Angers CityPass
Whatever the duration: 24h, 48h or 72h, you’ll save on entrance fees to all the major tourist sites!
Mediterranean gardens
Mediterranean garden
Mediterranean GardenYou know you’re in for a treat when Southern plantlife meets Anjou weather.
Step into Provence when you walk into this Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire park.
Palm trees, oleanders and lilies of the Nile start the show off with a bang before making way for Italian cypress trees.
Your senses come alive as you wander around Clos des Vignes with the light bouncing off the Loire and the heady scent of herbs in the air.
Loire Odyssée is a bit of everything: museum, science centre, cinema, shop and box office!
It has one goal: to make diving into the royal river and its history even more fun for everyone. Something to keep your little sailors out of trouble for an afternoon.
Top tip : Loire Odyssée also provides river cruises. Information and booking here.
Guinguettes La Gabare - Les Ponts de CéOne of the best things about the Vélo Francette bike path is soaking up the local lifestyle. What better way to make like a local than spending time at a local riverside guinguette?
Whether it be fish and whitebait at the one in Pruillé or the idyllic setting at La Cabane du chat qui pêche, here are ten spots for any self-respecting foodie to visit this summer.
Sate your appetite with our favourite local specialities to sample or pick up for a picnic :
Crémet d’Anjou (creamy dessert)
Quernons d’Ardoises (blue chocolates)
Caramandes (chocolate covered slivered almonds)
Tuffline (white chocolates)
Fouace (bread)
And many more.…
