Tree-lined routes, fantastic road surfaces, stunning views, and the obligatory cafés for coffee and cake stops. If ‘Le Vélo’ is your passion, then the southern Vienne area of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is certainly a base that you should consider for a cycling holiday.
Cycling in France
The French are keen cyclists, one of the attractions of the sport is that age is no barrier, the infrastructure for cycling in France is extremely supportive, and other road users courteous and respectful. A network of routes has been created across the country and people of all ages can be seen on the roads on any given day.
Why choose the Vienne
Whether mountain biking (VTT) or road cycling, the Vienne region caters for every need. The EuroVelo 3, the ‘Pilgrims Route‘ passes through Availles-Limouzine on its way from Scandinavia to Spain, and there is no better place to choose for your cycling base. Key considerations for any cyclist include terrain, road surface and interesting views. This lively village offers these in abundance within a 30km radius.
Routes around the southern Vienne
Heading out towards the west towards Civray and you will find amazing road surfaces with many flat sections. South, heading to Confolens you can take in the historic village of Saint Radegonde with its 15th Century chateau sat proudly on the hill.
To the east, with the historic village of Mortemart firmly in your sights, the views are uninterrupted across the rolling countryside. A Northern route can take you across the viaduct in L’Isle Jourdain – not for anyone afraid of heights mind you!
If you prefer mountain biking, then look no further. ‘Le sentier d’oc et oil‘ offers 18 different circuits around Availles-Limouzine. Ranging in length from 3kms to 10kms in a series of inter-connecting ‘boucles’, there is enough to test even the most experienced off-road cycling enthusiasts.
Isle Jourdain viaduct – photo by Hannah Henderson 
View from the viaduct in Isle Jourdain – photo by Graham Glass
Leisure rides around the Vienne
For those who enjoy meandering through the countryside rather than racking up many kilometres, the attractions are no less. In July and August, the sunflower fields are bursting with colour and the river side routes are beyond beautiful; a perfect escape from the 9 to 5 of working life.
Navigation while cycling
Navigation is important! Many of the roads in the southern Vienne are ‘D’ roads, but these can vary from 90kmh dual carriageways to single track roads. It is worth speaking to someone with local knowledge before setting off. A GPS head unit such as Garmin is extremely useful for guiding you whilst you are out and about. Strava, the well-known cycling app, is also recommended; routes can be created here and loaded up to your Garmin. You can select roads that are popular with cyclists in the region and in doing this, avoid those major roads.
Professional Cyclists
The region doesn’t just cater for keen amateurs, it attracts professionals to the region for training and racing. Every year the ‘Tour de Poitou-Charente‘, a five day stage race is routed through the region. In 2020, the Tour de France thundered past with the likes of Peter Sagan, Egan Bernal and the ultimate winner, Tadej Pogačar, taking the race in the thrilling penultimate stage.
Cycling in the southern Vienne
Of course, the region is perfect for cycling groups, but if you want to take a family holiday then local attractions are essential to keep all happy. The southern Vienne region has plenty to offer from cultural visits to adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping or ziplines. For animal lovers, the region has this covered as well; extremely popular are the local Planète des Crocodiles and Vallée des Singes.
So why not consider a cycling holiday in the Vienne? The cycling enthusiasts can be out early to catch the glorious morning sun and be back with the obligatory croissants before the family wakes up!
PIN IT FOR LATER…
All content © Hannah Henderson or listed guest author, and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!).
