Pays de la Loire has a well-earned reputation as a flat, relaxed region, true along the coast and the Loire valley — but it hides a few surprises, like the unexpected hills of the Vendée hedgerow country. A region particularly well suited to a family cycling trip, with a few more physical options to vary the days.
1. Gravel in the Vendée hedgerow country, from Pouzauges
The catalogue’s surprise entry: the Vendée, known for its flat coastline, hides genuinely hilly terrain around Pouzauges — the so-called “Vendée Alps” barely reach 250 m, but the hedgerow country and its sunken lanes add up to a demanding 50 km ride through the accumulation of short climbs.
2. Mountain biking in the Bercé forest, from Jupilles
One of the finest oak forests in France, with centuries-old trees historically preserved for naval timber and later the staves of Bordeaux’s finest wine barrels. Approachable mountain biking terrain over 25 km, without much technical difficulty, well suited to a first outing.
3. The Layon vineyards for families
A vineyard less known than the nearby Loire, known for its sweet dessert wines, on gentle hillsides lining the Layon river. Expect 35 km between white tuffeau-stone villages and windmills, with a possible connection to La Loire à Vélo at Chalonnes-sur-Loire.
4. The Côte de Jade for families, from Pornic
A 25 km coastal loop between the Loire estuary and the Bay of Bourgneuf, on cycle paths separated from traffic. One of the gentlest routes in the catalogue, with several beaches along the way.
Planning the trip
The Vendée (hedgerow country) and Loire-Atlantique (Côte de Jade) pair well for a trip combining coast and countryside. The Sarthe (Bercé) and Maine-et-Loire (Layon), further northeast, form a second hub centred on Angers and the Loire valley.
