The Vélofrancette: Green route Lion d'Angers - Angers (V43)

The Vélo Francette: from Lion-d'Angers to Angers, a gentle escape between nature and heritage

Between Angers countryside et city ​​of art and historythe cycle route connecting The Lion-d'Angers in Angers on nearly 29 km offers a bucolic getaway along the Oudon and Mayenne rivers. Accessible year-round and well-suited to lovers of bicycle tourismthis gentle route, generally considered as moderate, combines exceptional natural landscapes, river heritage and top-tier cultural destinations.

The journey begins from the Quai d'Anjou in Lion-d'Angers, in the heart of the departmental park of Isle BriandThis vast agricultural and equestrian estate offers a majestic entrance with its castle, Racetrack and its national stud farm, a prestigious location renowned for breeding and equestrian competitions. The confluence of the Oudon and the Mayenne rivers provides a first respite here, typical of the region's water landscapes.

The route first follows the towpath of the Oudon, where you pedal along with the water in a peaceful country atmosphere, before joining that of Mayenne until Grez NeuvilleThis charming riverside village is an ideal stop for a break, with its port, restored mill, Saint-Martin-de-Vertou church, and its waterfront, perfect for relaxation. It's also here that you can temporarily leave the riverbanks to take a temporary route marked in yellow on quiet country roads, which lead to Montreuil-Juigne via a bridge over the D768.

From there, we find the right bank of the Mayenne towpath, in an increasingly open landscape, punctuated by wet meadows among the most remarkable in Europe. The portion between Cantenay-Épinard and the Mayenne-Sarthe confluence is naturally coated, reinforcing the feeling of communion with the environment. A The link also allows you to reach Terra Botanica, the plant-themed park, located in the immediate vicinity, is perfect for an educational and fun stop.

As you approach Angers, nature gradually gives way to urban life. You now travel alongside the quays of the Maine, with a view that gradually opens up to reveal the majestic silhouette of the Angers CastleCapital of Anjou, Angers invites you to extend your cycling experience with a visit to its many treasures: the Apocalypse Tapestry, the Collegiate church of Saint-Martin, the Jean-Lurçat and Fine Arts Museums, or the historic Doutre district, right bank, discreet and full of charm.

In short, this stage of the Francette bike combines perfectly nature, heritage and the gentle way of life in AnjouWhether you are a lover of wide open spaces, passionate about history or simply curious in search of tranquility, this route will seduce you with its variety, its accessibility and the richness of its stops.