Melle / Niort

On this stage of the Vélidéale cycle route, you ride off from the Pays Mellois area making use of a greenway called the Ruban Vert (or Green Ribbon), taking you along a raised former railway line, up to Prahecq. This stretch proves both peaceful and accessible to most. Then, to shift from the Mellois area to the Niortais, it’s only a short stretch, through a tunnel of greenery in the warmer seasons. You reach the centre of the city of Niort via the Avenue de Limoges, cycling up to La Brèche, a major public park, and Le Port Boinot, the river port, both providing important green spaces for the town. Plus, you’re now on the edge of the splendid Marais Poitevin marshes.

The route

The Ruban Vert greenway leading you out of the Mellois area to the Niort area provides a wonderfully green, refreshing artery, taking you riding along a former railway line. You head for Celles-sur-Belle, a fine little town designated a Petite Cité de Caractère for its heritage. Continue along the same greenway up to Prahecq, where you’ll be welcomed by the Château de la Voûte and its grounds, offering a fine spot to take a break before tackling the final part of this stage. You soon arrive in the city of Niort, one of the gateways to the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin. 

Practical information

Office de tourisme du Pays Mellois
2 place Bujault 79500 Melle - 05 49 29 15 10
https://ot-paysmellois.org/ 

Office de Tourisme Niort - Marais poitevin Vallée de la Sèvre niortaise
Port Boinot, 1 Rue de la Chamoiserie - 79000 Niort - 05 49 24 18 79
https://www.niortmaraispoitevin.com/

SNCF

Niort train station

Don't miss 

• Celles-sur-Belle : he 17th-century Abbaye Royale, where exhibitions and concerts are held; the Hostellerie de l'Abbaye, a hotel-restaurant in an historic building.
• Prahecq : Château de la Voûte
• Aiffres: Espace Tartalin, a concert venue
• Niort: the medieval Donjon, or keep; Les Halles de Niort covered market; Port Boinot, the recently transformed industrial area by the river, turned from glove factory to cultural centre with gardens, plus trails and outings signalled at the Comptoir des Itinérances, for hikes provided by the tourist office, the Office de Tourisme Niort Marais Poitevin; water-based activities (in warmer months); the town museums; the Jardins de la Brèche and Jardin des Plantes, major public parks; Terra Aventura treasure-hunt trail. The tourist office is also putting in place a secure area for both bikes and baggage.