Exploring Normandy on La Vélo Francette

Cyclists passing by the ruins of the Château de Domfront

What is it?

La Vélo Francette cycle route runs from Ouistreham (Caen) to La Rochelle , taking you from Normandy to the Atlantic coast via a well signposted series of quiet country roads, greenways and towpaths.

There are 23 stages in total, each averaging 27.5 km. How far you go each day is entirely your choice. By using the official Vélo Francette website you can see what each stage involves including ascents and descents, road types such as country lanes or cycle paths and what the road surface is like which can help you plan how many stages you feel you can cover each day.

How to get there?

Getting to Ouistreham is easy using the Portsmouth to Caen ferry crossing which takes around 6 hours. You can take the 11pm ferry and after a good sleep can awaken fresh and ready to take on your first days ride.

The route is signposted as soon as you leave the ferry port so it’s super easy to get on your way!

Stage 7 - Domfront to Mayenne

Le Tertre is situated South-East of the little town of Ceaucé so sits just off the Stage 7 route between Domfront and Mayenne.

This part of the route leaves the splendid medieval hilltop town of Domfront, taking you on a long stage going via roads and greenways beside the Varenne River up to the Mayenne River and on to Mayenne-town. Three remarkable sights on the Varenne are the mills of Moulin de Varenne, Moulin d’Ambloux and Pont des Planches. The village of Ambrières-les-Vallées offers a last view of the Varenne before you then join the banks of the Mayenne.

It’s well worth a dismount at Domfront and a walk up into the old town where you’ll find cobbled streets and half timbered buildings. It’s a steep climb but the views from the château ruins and the history of the town centre make it a very worthwhile detour or a stop for lunch. (Try a ‘galette’ at Le Bistrot St Julien!)

This stage of the Vélo Francette is the longest at around 50km. It’s almost a 50/50 split between roads and cycle paths but any traffic you encounter will be minimal.

Our Favourite Part…

During our stays at Le Tertre, we love nothing more than getting on the bikes and heading off along the quiet winding lanes! The entrance to Le Vélo Francette is so close by, it makes it super easy for us to head to Ambrières-les-Vallées (or Domfront if we’re feeling a little more energetic!), and we’re discovering more and more hidden gems every time. I have it a little easier than Phil as i have an E-bike, but i will say i only use the battery power when absolutely necessary!

A stop at the Eglise Saint-Loup in pretty Saint-Loup-du-Gast

For our latest outing we did a loop of around 8km that took us to the beautiful little village of Saint-Loup-du Gast where we then picked up the Vélo Francette to head back through Ambrières. This is a lovely part of the route along an old railway track, over the Mayenne river and into Cigné.

We’ve also been known to take the tandom for a spin and the quiet lanes and flat towpaths make this not too much of a challenge (for me on the back anyway!). With Lassay-les-Chateaux being so close to the route we love to park up the tandom and drop into Le Brazza for a well earned 1664 before heading back.

A Tandom stop at Château Lassay!

Take a Well Earned Rest…

After a few days cycling you will have more than earned a little respite and a chance to not miss some of the regions most loved spots.

After leaving Domfront and before you head straight to Mayenne, take a mid-stage break and relax at Le Tertre for a couple of days where you’ll find the most peaceful location, comfortable beds and plenty of outdoor space to sit and chat through the days riding or plan the next!

Our spacious 3-Bedroom Farmhouse sleeps 6 for if you’re travelling in a group, or we have 3, 1-Bedroom Cottages that sleep 2-3. If you’re a bigger group then overall we can accommodate 14.

Take a day off the route to discover some of our favourite local places including Lassay-les-Châteax, Saint-Fraimbault, and Bagnoles-de-l’Orne. Local markets, Poiré and Camembert tasting and countless pretty cafés can be enjoyed all around this region too.

For more details email us at contact@leterte-gites.com or use the Contact Us form at the top of the page.

We’d love to help you make the most of your French cycling adventure 🌿

Plan Your Ride

Whether you’re planning a leisurely afternoon cycle or tacking a longer section of the Vélo Francette, Le Tertre makes a wonderful peaceful base.

Just 6 minutes from the route at Ceaucé, you can enjoy the freedom of the trail whilst returning each evening to the charm and comfort of our spot in the Normandy countryside.

Find detailed route maps, stage information, GPX downloads and cycling inspiration on the official Vélo Francette website.