An easy-to-follow cycle route in north-western France.
Afraid of getting lost? Relax! Just hop on your bike, follow the signs and enjoy the Vélobuissonnière® cycle route. The seven stages will guide you from Normandy to the Loire Valley, and there’s so much to learn from nature and the sites you pass: snippets of history, forays into crafts and real-life landscape art.
Unplug and relax with family or friends. What memories will you take home? There are so many to choose from: UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Alençon and its intricate lace or the “living cultural landscape” of the Loire Valley; spectacular panoramas, such as the valleys of the Alpes Mancelles or sunset over the Loire; craft skills lovingly passed down through the generations at the Malicorne earthenware workshops or the fascinating apothecary’s shop at Baugé; and the Cité Plantagenêt of old Le Mans.
From north to south, from Alençon to Saumur, follow the route through the lands of former kings and queens of England. Build memories on café terraces outside half-timbered or tuffeau stone houses in the squares of enchanting towns and villages. Treat the children to a canoe trip on the Sarthe, Loir or Loire rivers, or an animal encounter, perhaps at the famous La Flèche zoo.
In the saddle, go at your own pace; take several days and join up with the Véloscénie® and Loire à Vélo® routes, or just spend a few hours cycling along a green lane. With heritage for the culture buffs, thrills for the adventurous, fields for a quiet nap, and delicious local specialities to taste, the Vélobuissonnière® really does have something for everyone !
Elevation of the route
Waytypes of the cycle route
Surface of the cycle route
Signposting and state of the itinerary
Itinerary mostly signposted and rideable on shared lanes with few traffic.
Services and accomodations Accueil Vélo ("Cyclists Welcome") for cycling in Sarthe
Nearly 30 accomodations (campings, hotels, lodges, guest houses) "Accueil Vélo" ("Cyclists Welcome") are located at less than 5km away from the itinerary and they guarantee quality services for cyclists such as a closed garage for example. We strongly advise to book your accomodations in advance (including campings), especially in touristic areas.
Trains and public transports alongside Sarthe by bicycle
- Train line "TER" Le Mans - Alençon - Caen (see schedule)
Long-time parkings on the itinerary
Alençon / St-Léonard-des-Bois
This stage begins in Alençon. The town is known for its exquisite Point d’Alençon lace. Find out more about the [...]
St-Léonard-des-Bois / Beaumont-sur-Sarthe
At Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, take the time to drink in the beautiful landscapes. If you’re running out of steam, fuel [...]
Beaumont-sur-Sarthe / Le Mans
The next stage of the route takes you off the beaten track, along quiet roads that criss-cross the countryside. At [...]
Le Mans / La Suze-sur-Sarthe
This stage begins with a gentle ride along the pretty Boulevard Nature, starting from the quay at Le Mans port and [...]
La Suze-sur-Sarthe / La Flèche
At La Suze-sur-Sarthe, there’s no forgetting the close connection between the Vélobuissonnière® and our local [...]
La Flèche / Baugé
Don’t leave La Flèche without a visit to the famous zoo. Children can even try their hands at being a keeper for a [...]
Baugé / Saumur
The last stage of the Vélobuissonnière®, heading to Saumur, is something special. Start with a ride through the [...]
Travellers’ reviews