Cycling Collection by Florence CT
Between Fontenay-le-Comte, Parthenay and Niort – Poitou on the water
3 days
4-6 h/day
211km
1,440m
1,440m
You start in Niort, which is the gateway to the Marais Poitevin in the west. The maze of canals shapes a green landscape with a bucolic atmosphere and level riding. It forms the link between the Deux-Sèvres and the Vendée. The marshes have been exploited for centuries by the region's inhabitants, whether as a natural barrier against invaders or as a resource for agriculture. You finish the first Tour in Fontenay-le-Comte.
North of Fontenay-le-Comte, you enter the Mervent-Vouvant forest, the largest in the department of Vendée. The fields give way to a vast wooded area crossed by two of the department's major rivers. As you leave the forest, you come to Vouvant, a legendary town linked to the fairy Mélusine. Vouvant’s old defensive fortifications are still standing, giving the town a very special character. You then travel through the Gâtine Poitevine as far as Parthenay. At this point, the landscape takes on a more rugged appearance, revealing the local agricultural tradition of hedged farmland inherited from one generation of farmers to the next.
You finish by returning to the south of the Niort Plain, where you join the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise. The developments along the banks make you forget the city. But don't miss out on a trip to the town centre, which is full of interest: the keep, the pedestrianised streets and the water mirror where children play in the summer.
After passing the imposing keep, the route takes you back to Niort station, the start/finish point of the loop. The station is served by numerous regional and national trains, which run all year round. Regional services take you to Saintes, Royan, Poitiers, La Rochelle and Fontenay-le-Comte. National trains link Niort to Paris.
Most of the route follows cycle paths and signposted roads and tracks. A mountain bike or a gravel bike are the best options. Whether you're travelling with friends or family, an experienced cyclist or a weekend warrior, this Collection is for you. What's more, you'll easily find shops and restaurants in the main towns along the route. There's also accommodation at the end of every Tour. Enjoy the ride!
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Poitou on the water
209km
1,520m
1,520m
Last updated: November 12, 2024
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Activities
77.0km
05:50
170m
180m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
79.7km
06:23
860m
710m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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54.1km
04:01
410m
550m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
3
Distance
211 km
Duration
16:14 h
Elevation
1,440 m
1,440 m
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