Flow Vélo cycle route
BicyBAGS works on the entire Flow Vélo, from Thiviers to Fouras.
La Flow Vélo, a start in the heart of “Périgord vert” (green Périgord)
This portion, which begins in Thiviers, is green and hilly. It allows you to pedal in the heart of the PNR Périgord-Limousin and pass through remarkable villages such as Nontron (capital of cutlery), Saint-Jean-de-Côle (medieval city) or Saint-Pardoux-la-rivière and its protected areas. Many magnificent castles and monuments line the route.
You leave Périgord at Javerlhac and its 16th century castle listed as historical heritage. Although you have left the PNR of Périgord-Limousin, the route remains wooded and the pretty villages of Marthon, Touvre and Ruelle-sur-Touvre before arriving in the capital of Charente, city of Art & History, capital of comics, Angoulême. The historic center, perched high, dominates the Charente with its domed cathedral and remarkably sculpted facade.
After Périgord, the Charente as a backdrop
The route continues along the bucolic Charente and its authentically charming villages. After Chateauneuf-sur-Charente, we feel that Cognac is approaching. The vineyards are more numerous, as are the wealthy Charente residences. Jarnac, birthplace of François Mitterrand, is worth a detour and a break to enjoy the Quai de l’Orangerie. Cognac is also a city steeped in history. You will find an important heritage in the old quarter, around the castle of Valois. Do not leave without having visited one of the great trading houses such as Hennessy, Camus, Baron Otard… Visit of the cellars and the distillery followed by a tasting are possible.
Take the course of the Charente to take the direction of Saintes. Life is good in this city steeped in history with its remains from the Gallo-Roman era. Stroll along the banks of the Charente, take a walk in the town center or visit the vestiges of another era: Arch of Germanicus, archaeological museum, Abbaye-aux-Dames, amphitheater…
Take the cycle path again and cross some of the most beautiful villages on the route: Port-d’Envaux, Crazanne, Saint-Savinien, Mung are not lacking in character!
You have already arrived in Rochefort, city of Art and History and former maritime arsenal of Louis XIV. Fouras, the ocean and the island of Aix are only a few pedal strokes away.
Departure/arrival cities with train station access:
- Thiviers (4-5h from Paris, via Bordeaux and Périgueux)
- Angouleme (2 hours from Paris)
- Rochefort (3-4h from Paris)
Our ideas for cycling holidays on the Flow Vélo:
1. The Flow Vélo in its entirety, from Thiviers to Fouras
Duration: 5 to 10 days of cycling
Difficulty level 2/5
Overall it is an accessible route. Between Thiviers and Angoulême, a little difference in height to be expected. Then some ribs, but nothing too bad.
Interests on the route:
- Green Perigord
- Cities of Art & History: Angoulême, Cognac, Saintes, Rochefort
- Charming villages: Nontron, Saint-Jean-de-Côle, Saint-Pardoux-la-rivière, Jarnac, Vibrac, Port-d’Envaux, Crazanne, Saint-Savinien, Mung
- Corderie Royale
- Island of Aix
Possible steps:
- stage 1: Thiviers – Nontron 32 km
- stage 2: Nontron – Angoulême 58 km
- stage 3: Angoulême – Cognac 61 km (intermediate stage possible in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente or Vibrac, 26 km)
- stage 4: Cognac – Saintes 38 km
- stage 5: Saintes – Rochefort 62 km (intermediate stage possible in Saint-Savinien, 24 km)
- stage 6: Rochefort – Fouras 27 km (possibility of visiting the island of Aix with the maritime shuttle)
Our services on the course:
- Bike rental in Thiviers
- Luggage transport
- Bike rental in Fouras
- Tailor-made quote
Possible connections with the Vélodyssée towards Royan in the south or La Rochelle in the north.
2. Short cycling trip, from Angoulême to Rochefort
Duration: 3 to 5 days of cycling
Difficulty level 2/5
No difficulties as long as you stay on the route. As soon as you move away a little, ribs are to be expected.
Interests on the route:
- Cities of Art and History: Angoulême, Cognac, Saintes, Rochefort
- Charming villages: Jarnac, Vibrac, Port-d’Envaux, Crazanne, Saint-Savinien, Mung
- Corderie Royale
- Island of Aix
Possible steps:
- stage 1: Angoulême – Cognac 61 km (intermediate stage possible in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente or Vibrac, 26 km)
- stage 2: Cognac – Saintes 38 km
- stage 3: Saintes – Rochefort 62 km (intermediate stage possible in Saint-Savinien, 24 km)
Possible additional stage in Fouras (27 km). Possible connections with the Vélodyssée towards Royan in the south or La Rochelle in the north.
Prepare your bike trip on the Flow Vélo with a bike guide:
Call on a cycling travel professional to organize your cycling holiday on the Flow Vélo?
► Flow Vélo with La Bicyclette Verte, french bike travel agency based next to La Rochelle