The route follows the V41 cycle route – the St James’s Way cycle route via Chartres – which is currently being developed along this section. It passes through numerous tourist attractions : the Gallo-Roman theatre at Naintré, the site of Moussais-la-Bataille (the probable location of the Battle of Poitiers in 732), Lake Saint-Cyr, ideal for a relaxing break, and Futuroscope.

Poitiers, the “city of a hundred bell towers”, invites you to stroll through its medieval streets, its many parks or along the banks of the Boivre and Clain rivers.

This route, rural and on small shared roads after Poitiers, follows the V94 cycle route, which will eventually link La Rochelle to Le Blanc, in the Brenne region.

To really appreciate Chauvigny, park your bike and make your way up to the medieval town via the steep, narrow streets. The site is exceptional : the Château d’Harcourt (13th century), the ruins of the Château des Evêques, the superb view from the terrace of the Gouzon keep, and the Saint-Pierre collegiate church, a marvel of Romanesque art.

In Valvidienne, a trip to the charming village of Morthemer is highly recommended : the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, the castle, and the Dive pond.

In Civaux, the route passes by the nuclear power station, leads to the Planète Crocodile and then to the imposing Merovingian necropolis.

This slightly undulating stage follows quiet country lanes, winding its way through the beautifully wooded banks of the Vienne, past fields and hamlets.

To really appreciate Chauvigny, park your bike and make your way up to the medieval town via the steep, narrow streets. The site is exceptional: the Château d’Harcourt (13th century), the ruins of the Château des Evêques and its free-flight bird show, the superb panorama from the terrace of the Gouzon keep, and the Saint-Pierre collegiate church, a marvel of Romanesque art.

In Châtellerault, the viewing platform connecting the two chimneys of the former arms factory, known as ‘la Manu’, offers a fine view of the town.
A stroll through the historic centre allows you to explore its medieval streets and Saint-Jacques Church – an essential stop for pilgrims on the Way of St James.

Just a short drive from Cenon-sur-Vienne, the Gallo-Roman site of Vieux Poitiers features a tower, the last remaining structure of a 10,000-seat theatre built in the 1st century.

In Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, the Pinail nature reserve, comprising thousands of ponds, peat bogs, meadows and heathland, offers a fascinating break in the countryside.

The CycloTransEurope association offers a route that passes through Poitiers.

The route begins in Availles-Limouzine, an old fortified town built on a promontory, and then passes close to the architectural park at the Bois Buchet estate, north of Lessac, where a stroll amongst the experimental buildings is a fascinating experience.

Further south, the ancient fortress of the medieval village of Saint-Germain-de-Confolens, at the confluence of the Vienne and the Issoire, overlooks the valley. You can also cycle along the old railway line to Confolens, a pleasant, shaded greenway, though it is in rather poor condition.

This route follows a very shaded path along the old railway line. It is very grassy and passable in dry weather.

This route, which follows the old railway line, is easy to walk in dry weather and offers plenty of shade: highly recommended on hot days.