Since its inauguration in 2015, La Vélo Francette® has established itself as an essential route for cycling tourism in France. Extending over 644 km from Ouistreham to La Rochelle, it crosses seven departments and three regions, passing through Suisse Normande, the Mayenne towpath, the Loire levee, Gâtine and the Marais Poitevin. Listed in the national Véloroutes plan, this route connects numerous natural and heritage sites while supporting local economic development. In 2025, the Vélo Francette® will celebrate its 10th anniversary, an opportunity to take stock of attendance and economic benefits. A study, commissioned by the Route Committee, bringing together 21 partners, was carried out and provides an in-depth analysis of the profile of users, their practices, as well as the economic benefits for the territories crossed. A study presented by Anjou tourisme, commissioned since 2021 to coordinate Vélo Francette®.
An attractive route accessible to all cyclist profiles
The Vélo Francette® continues to attract a wide variety of cyclists, confirming its attractiveness for all user profiles. Mainly frequented by French day trippers (60%), it is crossed mainly by residents of the departments. It also attracts an international clientele with 15% foreign tourists, notably British, Dutch, Germans and Belgians. If leisure activities dominate (54%), a quarter of cyclists use the route for sporting purposes. Among excursionists, two thirds only cycle for short periods (less than a day), while tourists stay on average 9.8 days on the route. Foreign cyclists even extend their stay up to 17.1 days, confirming the international attractiveness of the route. The Vélo Francette® particularly appeals to senior customers, with 59% of users being over 50 years old. In addition, 75% of cyclists practice in groups, often in couples (a third) or in families (a quarter), reinforcing the appeal of the route for families. The electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) is also favored by 39% of tourists, although bicycle rental remains relatively low (4% in total, 12% among tourists). With its route suitable for all ages and various types of practices, La Vélo Francette® has established itself as a flagship route for cycle tourism in France, offering a unique discovery experience along the rivers and varied landscapes of western France .
Satisfied users looking for activities
When asked about their satisfaction, the cyclists who use Vélo Francette® are quite unanimous: 86% positive opinions on average, including 54% excellent opinions. Users appreciate the route, and give good marks to the quality of the development, the tourism development and the tourist services. On average, each tourist spends €63 per day, contributing to an annual economic impact of €21.3 million.
La Vélo Francette in figures:
– 916,000 cycling outings
– 60% excursionists (profile who does not stay away from home)
– 40% tourists, including 15% foreigners (British, Dutch, Germans and Belgians)
– 1 in 2 cyclists is a resident of the areas crossed
– 59% of cyclists are 50 and over
– 2/3 of cyclists cycle for less than a day
– 77% of users follow the route in a group
– 62% practice activities other than cycling: city visits, restaurants, natural sites, etc.
– User satisfaction of 17/20
– 63€ expenses/day/tourist
– 21.3 million euros in economic benefits per year, 95% of which are generated by tourists.
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