Mauléon / Mortagne-sur-Sèvre La Vélidéale

The route

From Mauléon, cycle off towards the nearby border with the département (French county) of Vendée by following signposting for La Vélidéale (V93) across the commune, or municipality, of Mauléon. Once you’ve left the wider Mauléon, for a time, you join a cycle path closed to motorized vehicles before rejoining a stretch on road, shared with motorized traffic. 
This part of the stage offers very little shade, and some slopes, so it might be regarded as difficult for families with children. 
Leaving Mallièvre, at the round-about, continue straight on along the D72 road, heading for the Poupet Valley. You’ll then turn right towards Poupet, riding beside the Sèvre Nantaise River, and continue towards La Grande Yvoie. Next, it’s on to Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre as you ride beside the Bois de la Barbinière. After the château, turn right, crossing the railway line, then turn left to pass under the motorway. After the Chaussée du Moulin du Guy, you accompany the Sèvre Nantaise along its southern bank. At Rochard, climb the slope to the ride up to Saint-Hilaire. Then carry on along the Vélidéale cycle route up to Mortagne-sur-Sèvre.

⚠️ Stage not recommended for bike trailers: a few hilly sections, in particular a track on the outskirts of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre.

Practical information

• Office de Tourisme du Bocage Bressuirais - Mauléon
  Place de l'Hôtel de Ville 79700 Mauléon - 05 49 65 10 27
  https://www.tourisme-bocage.com/toute-l-offre/office-de-tourisme-du-bocage-bressuirais-mauleon-1260886
   
• Office de tourisme du Pays de Mortagne
  2 Avenue de la Gare 85290 Mortagne-sur-Sèvre - 02 51 65 11 32
  https://www.paysdemortagne.fr/tourisme-loisirs-culture/tourisme/office-tourisme-pays-mortagne/

SNCF

Gare de Mortagne-sur-Sèvre: Since 1 June 1985, this station serves as the start and end point for tourist trains run by the Association du Chemin de Fer de la Vendée. To enjoy a unique trip through the local area, board the steam train run by the Chemin de Fer de la Vendée, enjoying a commented trip, or even a lunch onboard, in the adapted restaurant coaches, the Voitures des Grands Express.
https://www.vendeetrain.fr/accueil.html

Don't miss

• Mauléon : designated a Petite Cité de Caractère for its heritage, this small town dominates the Ouin Valley, its hilltop castle offering exceptional views over the settlement’s roofs and over the bocage (the typical patchwork of hedge-divided fields) beyond.  At the foot of the ramparts, the Quartier de Saint-Jouin has a quiet charm, with a belfry in Romanesque style and a 17th-century manor. Climb to the hilltop of Mont Gaillard to enjoy a view over much of town, with the castle in front of you, as well as the impressive abbey, and the two soaring spires of La Trinité Church.
• Mallièvre: a former weavers’ village, also designated a Petite Cité de Caractère, with paved lanes, riverside walks, the Chemin de la Poterne, and the Cave des Tisserands a museum space in a central, 18th-century quarter.
• Poupet Valley: a Base de Loisir, or outdoor leisure centre, for picnics, or even enjoying a glass of wine at the Auberge de Poupet. In summer, canoeing and pony trekking are also possible.
• Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre: a little town nicknamed the Ville Sainte de la Vendée (Vendée’s Holy Town), with an impressive seven belfries and religious towers, the Saint Louis-Marie Grignon de Montfort Basilica the most important church; the Parc de La Barbinière public gardens; and the Barbin Viaduct.
• Mortagne-sur-Sèvre: another historic small town awarded Petite Cité de Caractère status for its heritage, with the old streets and lanes to explore, as well as the remnants of a medieval castle, while the public gardens, Les Jardins de la Cure, offer views over the Sèvre Nantaise Valley. Do stop to visit Vendée Vitrail, an interactive, entertaining and educational presentation on the art of stained-glass making, set within Saint-Hilaire Church.