"Flow Vélo" : enjoy a smooth ride from Ile d’Aix to Thiviers in Dordogne
This bikeway which runs along the Charente River invites you to enjoy bucolic getaways!
From the Île d’Aix in Green Périgord, via Rochefort, Saintes, Cognac, Angoulême and Nontron, La Flow Vélo bikeway unveils exceptional historic and gastronomic heritage: Thiviers, capital of foie gras, Nontron renowned for its cutlery art, Angoulême, capital of comic books, Cognac known for its refined AOC, Saintes with its incredible Abbey, Rochefort and its superb Corderie Royale (royal rope making factory). A 290 km trip bubbling over with charm that definitely should not be missed!
La Flow Vélo bikeway links two European cycle routes: La Vélodyssée (EV1) which starts in the south of England and finishes off on the Basque Coast via the Atlantic coast and La Scandibérique (EV3) which links Trondheim in Norway with Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
"Vélo Francette" : cycling around "douce France" from Normandy to the Atlantic
La Vélo Francette (V 43) is a delightful 628 km bikeway which links Ouistreham in Normandy to La Rochelle. La Vélo Francette weaves its way through Normandy, Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Elected Bikeway of the Year 2017 by the Dutch Fiets en Wandelbeurs Fair (Cycling & Hiking Fair) in Utrecht, in the Netherlands.
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it invites you to discover a secretive, preserved Poitou in a highly-relaxing way as you weave your way on your bike through the bucolic Thouet Valley, gateway to Val de Loire. From Saumur, direction Thouars and its impressive castle, then on to Parthenay, remarkable medieval town, before heading for Niort and the south of Deux-Sèvres. From there, La Vélo Francette joins the Sèvre Niortaise, the river which nourishes the Marais Poitevin also known as “Green Venice”; and the Canal de Marans to the ocean, direct route to La Rochelle, the ultimate part of this bikeway showcasing the wonderful authenticity of France.
The charms of the Lot Valley by bike
160 km of trails signposted through the Lot-et-Garonne’s lush orchards and the Lot’s elegant vineyards, with a myriad of authentic villages awaits perched high or nestling along bends of the river. A chance to discover one of the most beautiful rivers of France. Fairly flat terrain, suitable for families. In Lot-et-Garonne, the 86 km bikeway starts in Aiguillon at the confluence of the Garonne and runs along the Lot, through incredible villages: the fortified town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the medieval village of Pujols, (listed as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France - Most Beautiful Villages of France), and Bonaguil fortified castle.
When it comes to flavours, you’re in for a treat, as there is a bounty of fruit and vegetables here. Stop off at one of the local markets to boost your energy and get a taste of wonderful flavours: after effort, it’s time for sweet & savoury delights!
Highly-inquisitive and nature-loving explorer, hiker and geographer, Sophia's thing is to discover new landscapes while breathing in the fresh country air. On her holiday programme: hiking, canoeing, river cruises, or simply sunbathing...Goodbye traffic jams, hello Mother Nature! This is what “sustainable” tourism looks like!
