Freewheeling in Mayenne

Cycling on the greenways

Mayenne is a great place to discover by bike! By slowing down the pace, the adventurers who cross our valleys experience an irrepressible feeling of freedom. Here, all the signposted rides are safe for cyclists of all ages, as there’s no motorised traffic at all on the 128 km of old redeveloped railway lines and the 85 km of the Mayenne river towpath.

You can even cycle right across the whole département!

The river towpath and old railway lines

Specially redeveloped, the towpath, which follows the river Mayenne for 85 km, has become a hiking and riding trail, perfectly suited to bike rides for the whole family.

The 128 km of old railway lines are open to hikers, cyclists and equestrian. There is no motorised traffic at all, and the ride is very safe.

The roads in Mayenne are much less busy than elsewhere in France, is a great advantage for cyclists, allowing peaceful and safe rides through the countryside enjoying perfectly pure air. Between châteaux and charming villages, idyllic swimming spots and picnic areas, just take it easy and go at your own pace.

In the evening, our large selection of accommodation offers a warm welcome, and most places have a secure bike shed as well as repair equipment if you need it.

Vélo Francette

La Vélo Francette®, from Normandy to the Atlantic – 630 km of cycle paths.

The 106 km of the Mayenne towpath forms a section of the Vélo Francette® cycle path. While riding, you’ll come across joggers, hikers, horse riders, anglers and people sailing boats peacefully up the river.

You’ll meet them all again in the evening on the restaurant terraces, at campsites and guest houses in and in hotels on the waterfront.

The route passes through the main towns of Mayenne, Laval and Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne before arriving at Angers, where the route shares a section with the Loire à Vélo cycle path.

©Logo velo francette

Véloscénie

Cycle from Notre-Dame de Paris to Mont Saint-Michel on the 450 km Véloscénie route, a perfect way to explore French history through its most stunning monuments. The journey takes you along dedicated bike paths, greenways, quiet marked roads, and forest trails.

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or racing like the wind along the Véloscénie routes in Mayenne, there’s something for everyone… Between Alençon and Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, the Véloscénie itinerary is divided into two variants. The most family-friendly option follows the former Alençon – Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson – Rives d’Andaine railway line, now converted into a safe and easy greenway.

A link exists between the Vélo Francette and the Véloscénie via the Mayenne and Javron-les-Chapelles greenways to extend the cycling itinerary.

Useful information