On the Vélo Francette, 3 days of cycling from Laval to Angers
On the Vélo Francette, time slows down and the scenery flies by like animated postcards. From Laval to Angers, let yourself be guided by the Mayenne River as it winds its way through lush green valleys. Here, each pedal stroke brings you closer to a new discovery: a flower-filled lock, a picturesque village, a welcoming waterside guinguette. The perfect three-day getaway for the whole family, where nature is your partner in adventure.
You'll love
Pedal along the old towpath, in the shade of ancient trees
Cross the river in a ferry, like the travellers of yesteryear
Count the flowering locks along the way
Picnic on the banks, lulled by the lapping of the water
Day 1 : From Laval to Château-Gontier, to the rhythm of the locks
In Laval, before you leave, let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the cobbled streets. Children will marvel at the château and its 13th-century keep, stone sentinels keeping watch over the city. In the medieval center, look up at the half-timbered houses with their colorful facades.
The first pedal strokes set the tone: you're riding green, on car-free paths, between the shade of trees and the mirror of the Mayenne. TheAbbaye Notre-Dame du Port du Salut soon emerges on the other bank, a peaceful picture that invites contemplation. Further along, the river takes on a wild air, with grasses dancing on the banks and a few cliffs approaching the water as if to mirror themselves.
Take a refreshing break at the Entrammes river stop. Enjoy the spectacle of boats passing through the lock in a controlled ballet. Along the way, the lock houses punctuate your journey like enchanted interludes. In Origné, theBenâtre lock houses L'Écluserie, a country-style guinguette where time gently stretches out between sips and forks, while the river continues its leisurely waltz.
This is how, between contemplative pauses and gourmet discoveries, you reach Château-Gontier, where a first restorative night awaits you.
Day 2 : From Château-Gontier to Lion d'Angers, the river is your companion
In the morning, climb from the quays to the historic center of Château-Gontier. Look out for elegant half-timbered houses and mansions opening onto secret courtyards.
Hop back in the saddle and glide between the hills of the Mayenne. With each meander, the landscape changes, offering new perspectives. Here, a mill catches the eye, while there, the Ménil ferry surprises and amazes.
This chain-driven ferry is a veritable time machine. Climb aboard to cross the river, just as schoolchildren did in days gone by. This unusual means of transport invites you to put your hand to the chain to help with the crossing.
After this break, you return to the towpath, crossing the Chambellay bridge to reach Chenillé-Changé. This charming village is well worth a visit, with its stone houses and 11th-century church. The Moulin Bouin, a water mill still in operation, tirelessly turns its large paddle wheel, a testament to ancestral know-how.
At the end of the day, you reach the bucolic setting ofIsle-Briand, a vast 180-hectare green setting where nature reigns supreme. The meadows, where horses graze peacefully, herald the arrival of Le Lion d'Angers and its famous stud farm.
Day 3 : From Le Lion d'Angers to Angers, towards the city of King René
For this final leg, the adventure continues through the lush green meadows of Anjou. The ever-faithful towpath guides you to the bridge at Grez-Neuville. This picturesque village, with its river port and large mill standing like a fortress above the dam, invites you to take a contemplative break.
You're back on the road, with fishermen, hikers and budding boatmen as your travelling companions. The hillsides of Montreuil-Juigné loom on the horizon, but there's no hurry. There's plenty of time to stop and watch a heron rest on a branch, or share a picnic by the water.
As you approach Angers, a surprise awaits you: the ferry to theIle de Saint-Aubin. This crossing, short as it is, offers a new perspective on the landscape. Passengers often have fun helping the ferryman pull the chain, creating a fleeting complicity.
On the island, leave your bikes behind and explore this Natura 2000-listed haven of peace on foot. Woods and meadows form an unspoilt natural setting where biodiversity thrives. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the corncrake, a protected bird that has found refuge on the island.
To complete this natural immersion, stop off at Terra Botanica. This unique park dedicated to the plant world marvels at its diversity and originality. The flying walnut shells and butterfly greenhouse offer an immersive experience in the world of plants.
Then, with helmets and bikes stowed away, it's time to set off to discover the Château d'Angers. Behind its imposing ramparts of black schist and white tufa, lies the famous Apocalypse hanging, with its medieval cartoon look.
The day comes to an end on one of the terraces in downtown Angers, where you can savor the Angevine sweetness, your eyes still filled with the landscapes you've seen and your head full of shared memories.
Want to extend your adventure?
The region offers a thousand ways to continue your journey:
- By bike: La Loire à Vélo offers you new cycling adventures, through vineyards and charming villages.
- On the water: at the Daon leisure center, try your hand at paddling or kayaking to discover the Mayenne from a different angle.
- In the trees: again in Daon, a tree-top adventure course promises thrills and spills.
- On the back of a donkey: at the Bois Gamats donkey farm, meet these long-eared companions, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
