Original Velo Tour - depart Maillezais

General information
* 45 minutes from La Rochelle,
* 30 minutes from Niort,
* 1h20 from Nantes.

Opening period: from 5 April to 30 September 2025
Days: every Tuesday and Friday
Opening times: 10am to 5.30pm
Meeting point: Abbey car park - 85420 Maillezais
Number of kilometres: 15km
Level of ability (easy, intermediate, experienced): easy.
Language of the outing: French
Number of participants: 4 to 19 people.
Accessible to children aged 6/8 and over or using Babyvan.

An unforgettable day out in Maillezais and the surrounding area: visit the abbey, take a boat trip, go cycling and taste some craft beer.
Embark on a timeless journey to the heart of the Marais Poitevin and let yourself be charmed by the beauty of Maillezais and the surrounding area. This guided excursion promises a day rich in discovery and emotion.

Morning: immersion in history and nature
9.45am: Welcome at the Maillezais Abbey car park.
10.00am: Board a traditional boat for a peaceful, guided trip along the canals of the Marais Poitevin, departing from the Abbey Embarcadère.
11h00: Guided tour of the Abbey of Saint Pierre de Maillezais, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and discovery of its fascinating history.
Afternoon: bike ride and discovery of local culture
12.15pm: Hire bikes and set off on a guided cycle ride along a dyke towards the traditional village of Maillé.
13:15: Lunch on the quays of the port of Maillé, savouring fresh, tasty local produce. The typical Marais Poitevin picnic is prepared by Stéphane, the Damvix caterer (aperitif and wine extra). Be sure to check the number of participants at the bottom of your booking form).
3.15pm: Visit to the La Cibulle craft brewery, meet the brewer Maxime and discover the secrets of beer making.
4.30pm: Tasting of a La Cibulle abbey beer.
5.30pm: End of the tour in the car park at Maillezais Abbey.

Highlights of the day:
* Discover the historical and cultural heritage of Maillezais and the surrounding area.
* Guided boat trip on the canals of the Marais Poitevin
* Guided cycle ride on a cycle dyke
* Visit a traditional brewery and meet the brewer
* Craft beer tasting

Don't hesitate to contact me to book your excursion or for more information.

This unforgettable day will allow you to discover the charms of the Marais Poitevin, its history, culture and local produce with just one contact, myself.

Practical information
By signing up for a bike ride, you agree to abide by the Highway Code and to have no medical contraindications to taking part in the activity.

What's included in the package:
* Included: boat hire, Original Vélo Tour bike hire, entrance to Maillezais Abbey, visit to La Cibulle brewery, beer tasting, picnic (excluding aperitifs and wine) and my accompaniment throughout the day.
* Not included: Personal insurance, aperitif and wine during lunch, purchase from the producer.

Equipment available
The bikes and Babyvan carts are made by Arcade Cycles, the Vendée-based bike manufacturer.
Adults have comfortable Beachcruiser bikes.
Children have 20' and 24' mountain bikes.
Very young children can use Babyvan trailers.
Helmets are compulsory for children up to and including the age of 12 (law of 22 March 2017). If you would like an adult helmet, I also have some in the van.

You can bring your own bike (see practical information).

Equipment to bring:
* Comfortable, hard-wearing clothing suited to the day's weather and its changes (avoid loose-fitting clothing for the legs, no flip-flops, flip-flops or bare chests).
* Closed shoes
* Glasses holder
* Sun protection
* Hat or cap or helmet
* 1 litre bottle of water per person

Each participant has sole control of the bike and its movement and takes full responsibility for it during the tour.