With its unspoiled countryside and coastline, the Vendée is perfect for exploring by bike. There are safe cycleways for all levels: professional, amateurs, adults, kids, newbies and wannabies! There are more than 1,000 kms of dedicated trails from countryside to coast, through marshland, forests and dunes.

The Vélodyssée is a route running along the Atlantic coastline. It's over 1,200 kms of cycling where 80% of the tracks are car-free and the trail extends from Brittany to the Basque coast. The Vendée's coastal section links Bouin in the North to L'Aiguillon sur Mer in the south, passing through the picturesque Islands of Noirmoutier and île de Yeu.

Pedal power is an easy way to pop to the beach, shops and restaurants - an eco way to keep-fit and get a feel for the area.

Here are just a few of the many possibilities:

The coastal trail: from Noirmoutier to Aiguillon-sur-Mer, almost 200 km of marked cycle paths linking the region’s beach resorts. See a rich variety of landscapes: dunes, marshes, pine forests, meandering coastal paths

The Poitou Marshes circuit (140 km): from the bay at Aiguillon, take the Marais Poitevin circuit through the marshes through the Mervent-Vouvant Forest and see the Abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul-sur-l’Autise.

The Vendée farmland tour: over 470 km: a large loop through the countryside, passing places like Puy du Fou®, l’Historial, the Logis de la Chabotterie, the Château of Tiffauges...

For information: vendee-velo

Sam's Scoop 

Apéro Vélo is a great way to combine exercise and relaxation. After a 2.5 hour cycle ride through the landscapes of the Pays d'Olonne, you stop at the beach and enjoy a Vendéen aperitif. After all, cycling is thirsty work!
For information: velo-apero