La Vélobuissonnière, the cycling route from Alençon to Saumur!

Would you like to explore the Pays de la Loire region by bike? The cycle route from Alençon (in Normandy) to Saumur via Le Mans is sure to please! With its peaceful villages and greenways, you're in for an adventure on your city bike, mountain bike or electric bike.

Why use the Vélobuissonnière?

• 250 km of cycling on quiet roads and greenways,
• Villages with authentic charm,
• A rich architectural heritage and varied landscapes,
• Crossing Alençon, Le Mans, La Flèche and Saumur,
• Connections with 4 other cycle routes: La Véloscénie (Paris / Mont-Saint-Michel), to the north; La Vallée du Loir at La Flèche, La Loire à Vélo and La Vélo Francette, to the south.

Start your cycling trip in Alençon

Alençon is the capital of Alençon Point lace, a skill that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the starting point for your cycling trip on the Vélobuissonnière. The transition between Normandy and Pays de la Loire is a smooth one, passing through some beautiful villages. After 33 km of pedaling, you'll arrive in Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, offering splendid panoramic views over the Sarthe.

If a few hilly kilometers will require extra effort, you'll appreciate discovering Fresnay-sur-Sarthe on arrival. Take the time to visit this small town of character, built on a rocky outcrop around the castle. It has preserved its medieval character. A few kilometers further into the countryside, you'll reach Beaumont-sur-Sarthe for a stopover.

Stop off at Le Mans, Cité Plantagenêt

The 3rd stage of the Vélobuissonnière connects the North and South loops of the Sarthe. You'll enjoy following this fully signposted itinerary all the way to the entrance to Le Mans.
With its Roman walls, Saint-Julien cathedral, medieval streets and half-timbered houses, Le Mans' historic quarter is well worth a break from your cycling adventure.

Then it's on to the Sarthe valley, through countryside and forests! Animal lovers will want to stop off in Spay, to discover the family-friendly Paycific'Zoo. For a cultural stopover, visit MoulinSart Island in Fillé-sur-Sarthe. Here, you'll discover the secrets of milling know-how, before being charmed by its contemporary art center.
After cycling through green hills, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, a charming village on the banks of the Sarthe, famous for its earthenware, awaits you for a well-deserved rest.

Highlight of your cycling tour: La Flèche and the Loir Valley

Once you've arrived in La Flèche, there's plenty to see in and around the town: the Prytanée (a renowned military school), the famous La Flèche zoo, the Cré-sur-Loir/La Flèche marshes, the Baugé apothecary, and more. This is a greenway developed on the old railroad line linking the Sarthe and Anjou regions. The undergrowth passages offer a most soothing setting. Note: 20 km from La Flèche, castle enthusiasts can make an additional stop at Château du Lude (leave the Vélobuissonnière and follow the La Vallée du Loir à Vélo itinerary for this stage).

Final destination: Saumur, City of Art and History

From Baugé-en-Anjou to Saumur, you've only got 49 km to go! For several kilometers, the "voie verte" (greenway) along the old railroad line is still your common thread. It then gives way to a winding route through the Loire-Authion horticultural production valley. What a pleasure it is to complete your itinerary in Saumur, greeted by the Château de Saumur overlooking the town. Between visiting monuments and discovering the vineyards, you've still got some great days to spend in the Pays de la Loire.

Discover la Vélobuissonnière step by step!