Mortagne-sur-Sèvre / Clisson La Vélidéale

The route

Riding along the road to Evrunes, you pass a number of mills on the Sèvre Nantaise River. At Bertré, climb towards La Chaillouère and then descend to Grenon via the cycle path provided. Carry on by following closely the D53 road (both on the road and on stretches of cycle lane) up to La Petite Bouffardière. Next, join the D111 road for a time, then continue towards Les Pageries. Carry on along the track to La Roche, to eventually reach Tiffauges by road. The way is steep as you approach the village of Tiffauges on its hill. Note also that there’s a dangerous crossing of the D753 road, after which you ride along minor roads perched above the Sèvre Nantaise Valley. In spite of having to cross both the D62 and D755 roads, virtually the whole way up to Cugand doesn’t present any major difficulties, as you alternate between stretches on quiet minor roads and on farm tracks. Before reaching the town of Clisson, you need to cross the Sèvre Nantaise via a little bridge along the road named L’Arsenal.

⚠️ Stage not recommended for bike trailers: some hilly sections, in particular a track on the outskirts of Tiffauges.

Practical information

• 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/
   
• Office de tourisme Terres de Montaigu
  02 51 06 39 17
  https://www.terresdemontaigu.fr/annuaire/office-de-tourisme/

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. Board its steam train to enjoy a unique outing, with commentary, or even with lunch served in the Voitures des Grands Express on the Train Restaurant.
https://www.vendeetrain.fr/accueil.html

Don't miss

• 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.     
• Tiffauges: the largest medieval castle in Western France, now known as the Château de Gilles de Rais, explains the history behind the name, displays period war machines and puts knightly life to the fore. 
• Cugand: the Moulin à Foulon de Gaumieris a fulling mill long dedicated to transforming wool, making use of the hydraulic power of the Sèvre Nantaise River.
• Clisson: the ruined medieval castle dominating one river bank, with the historic town below including fine timberframe covered market and shops; on the other river bank, the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot, an Italianate neo-classical manor turned art and history museum, with follies dotted around the grounds descending to the river; the riverbanks themselves, with an historic stone bridge connecting both sides.