The best cycling routes in Mayenne

Mayenne is known for its gentle terrain, especially along the Mayenne River valley and its extensive network of greenways and towpaths. These routes are largely traffic-free and feature minimal elevation changes, making them ideal for relaxed touring. While many paths are flat, some areas, particularly around the Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint, offer rolling hills and more varied landscapes.

Yes, Mayenne offers a significant number of easy touring cycling routes, with over 260 options available. The greenways and towpaths along the Mayenne River are particularly well-suited for families and beginners, as they are traffic-free and have gentle gradients. An example of an easy route is the Charming House by the Water – Port Lake loop from Laval, which is 28.3 km long.

Cycling in Mayenne offers diverse scenery. Along the Mayenne River, you'll pass historic lock houses, water mills, and charming châteaux. Greenways traverse unspoiled landscapes, picturesque bridges, and villages, often alongside sparkling rivers and lush forests. Highlights include the tranquil Mayenne River valley, the heathland around Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint, and the protected Erve valley near the Caves of Saulges.

Yes, Mayenne is an important part of major national cycling routes. A 106-kilometer section of the Mayenne towpath forms part of La Vélo Francette®, which connects Normandy to the Atlantic. Mayenne also provides connections to the Véloscénie, a route linking Notre-Dame de Paris to Mont Saint-Michel.

Mayenne's routes lead through many charming towns and villages rich in heritage. You can visit Lassay-les-Châteaux, known for its historic castles, or Evron with its Abbey of Notre Dame. Jublains features Roman ruins, and Sainte-Suzanne is recognized as one of France's 'most beautiful villages.' The Mayenne Castle, with its Carolingian origins, is another prominent historical attraction. You can explore the area around Lassay Castles Loop to see some of these.

The best time to cycle in Mayenne is generally from spring to autumn. The weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are vibrant. From August to October, the heathland around Mont des Avaloirs blooms with heather, offering particularly stunning views. The region's gentle terrain makes it enjoyable throughout these seasons.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Mayenne are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Belvédère Loop Gravel Trail is a moderate 16 km circular path, and the Port-Rhingeard Lock – Mirwault Lock loop from L'Huisserie offers a longer 64 km option.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free greenways and towpaths, the gentle terrain suitable for all abilities, and the charming towns and historical sites encountered along the routes. The preserved ecosystem of the Mayenne River valley is also frequently highlighted.

Routes along the Mayenne River towpath are excellent for this, as they pass by historic lock houses, water mills, and towns like Laval and Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne. For a longer journey, consider the Locks – La guinguette de Montflours loop from Martigné-sur-Mayenne, which covers 63.9 km and offers a blend of natural river scenery and historical points of interest.

Many towns and villages along the major cycling routes, such as Mayenne, Laval, and Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, offer parking facilities. These towns are also generally well-connected by public transport, providing convenient access points to the greenways and towpaths. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and parking availability for your specific starting point.

While Mayenne is known for its gentle routes, there are also more challenging options for experienced touring cyclists, with over 180 difficult routes available. These routes may feature longer distances or more varied terrain, including some rolling hills. An example is the Mirwault Lock – Roussière Lock loop from Château-Gontier, a demanding 148.9 km route.

Yes, the Mayenne towpath section of La Vélo Francette® is particularly well-equipped with amenities, including restaurants, bike-friendly accommodation, and toilets. Charming towns like Mayenne, Laval, and Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, situated along the river, offer numerous opportunities for culinary breaks and overnight stays. Many local establishments embrace a 'Slowlydays' approach, inviting visitors to enjoy regional specialties.