Coastal Breezes and Countryside Roads: Exploring the Vendée by Bike

With its gentle terrain, sun-drenched coastlines, and winding countryside lanes, the Vendée is made for exploring by bike.

There’s nothing quite like the watching the world wake up as you wind your way along the Atlantic coast, bathed in the morning sun, the only sound the crunch of your bicycle wheel on a cycling path.  

From Atlantic breezes to medieval villages, the Vendée, this western French gem, offers cyclists a perfect blend of nature, heritage, and local flavour—best discovered at the leisurely pace of two wheels. 

Dedicated paths and family-friendly itineraries 

The Vendée is criss-crossed with over 1,800km of dedicated cycle routes (pistes cyclables) making it one of the largest in France and allowing for a care-free cycle in safe and ideal conditions. The gentle elevation and easy routes make cycling here suitable for all levels and particularly for families wishing to have a day out on the bike. 

Cyclists taking on a multi-day cycling adventure can look out for the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label on places to stay. These accommodations are not only located close to cycling itineraries like the Vélodyssey, they also provide dedicated services to cyclists such as safe storage for bikes or self-repair kits. 

A new, 20-stage itinerary has been developed – the Vendée Vélo Tour – which allows visitors to explore the entire département in easy stages. 

A varied choice of routes

With such a diverse landscape, the Vendée offers equally varied cycling adventures. 

• Coastal Adventures 

La Vélodyssée: the Atlantic coast route from Bouin to L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, is perhaps the most famous route crossing the Vendée from north to south. With its excellent sign posting, the route is ideal for multi-day adventures on two wheels. 

Cycling along the coast, expect beautiful beaches of course, but also marshlands rich in fauna and flora. You could also watch the farmers at work on oyster farms. 

Make sure to stop in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a fishing village made famous for its sardines and Les Sables-d’Olonne, home to the epic Vendée Globe sailing race. 

• Inland Charm 

Head inland and through bocage countryside, a wooded landscape which is particular to the Vendée, especially around Aizenay whose forests are the green lung of the area. Cycle routes also take you through vineyards, or even marshlands in the Marais Poitevin with picturesque villages such as the medieval town of Fontenay-le-Comte, or Vouvant (a “Plus Beau Village de France”). 

In the south of the département, the Vélo Francette long-distance route makes an appearance, following the Sèvre Niortaise river and taking cyclists to charming villages along the way. 

• History by Bike 

Historic sites and châteaux are easily accessible from the cycle paths. You could, for example, trace back history along the Route des Abbayes in the Marais Poitevin. 

A trip to Vendée would not be complete without a day at the Puy du Fou living history theme park and there are routes that allow you to cycle nearby.  

• Practical Tips for Cyclists

Spring and early autumn are ideal periods for cycling adventures in the Vendée: avoid the summer holiday crowds and enjoy the milder weather which is perfect for cycling. 

There is a wide choice of bike rentals and e-bike options in the area. Find the professional that suits your needs most with this handy map. 

Cycle right up to local culture and flavours

Travelling by bike is a fantastic way to encounter local culture. Taking it slow and enjoying the time it takes to travel between two points gives you a better appreciation for a destination’s landscape but also its deep-rooted culture and history. One can enjoy a village fête immediately without having to worry about parking while interactions with people are more authentic. 

Vendée is a true gourmet’s destination and cyclists can make a variety of food stops along the way: fill your sadle bags up at the weekly markets that dot the region and make sure to pack a delicious brioche vendéenne for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up. With moderation, you can also cycle up to the wine estates and sample local wines.

For more information, visit www.in-vendee.com