Saint-Etienne-du-Bois / La Garnache

As you head out on this Vendée Vélo Tour stage, you leave behind the fine, sometimes grand, homes of Saint-Etienne-du-Bois. Ride towards Grand'Landes, whose landes, or moors, were replaced by woods planted back in the 17th century. Continuing to Froidfond, lovely hedge-divided fields typical of traditional bocage landscapes beautify the way. Froidfond stands out for its distinctive belltower. La Garnache calls for a halt, in its excellent location between the Bocage Vendéen area and the coast, offering a fine mix of culture and nature; with its rich heritage, admire the vestiges of bygone days here.

The route

From Saint Etienne du Bois, take the direction of Grand'Landes, following signposting for Vendée Vélo. This stage is principally along quiet little country roads. Apart from the slope to climb on leaving Saint-Étienne-du-Bois, the route here presents few shifts in altitude up to Falleron. After that, it becomes hillier, crossing farmland via bucolic tracks. At the level of woods, you join the greenway to your right, offering you shade up to the entrance to Froidfond. Turn left at the level of the cemetery, then, at the intersection, take the second exit to your right from the round-about and cross the D753 road. You arrive in a commercial zone from where you need to follow the cycling signs up to La Garnache.

Don't miss

• Saint-Etienne-du-Bois: the Domaine de la Grande Villeneuve, close to the start of this stage, in the village of La Grande Villeneuve, is a wine estate whose vineyards face due south, as you’ll see, riding past them.
• La Garnache: the heritage circuit, or trail, involving six stops, allows you to explore this parish’s historical vestiges.