The Haute-Vienne departmental tourism committee has just participated in the creation of a cycle route between Vassivière and Saint-Nazaire, at the mouth of the Loire, 124 km of which cross the region. Cycling holiday tourism is doing well, and the department has a card to play.
Spending your vacation by bike is an ideal way to unwind and take a different look at the landscapes around you.
The formula has more and more fans, and Haute-Vienne intends to attract these pedal tourists to its territory.
Seven stages in Haute-Vienne
A route, called La Vélidale, has just been set up between Vassivière and Saint-Nazaire in Loire-Atlantique, i.e. 675 km of ride on small roads.
The route, which can be consulted in detail on lavelideale.fr, is divided into several stages of 20 to 40 km, seven of which cross Creuse and Haute-Vienne.
“Cycling tourists are increasing in France where there are 58 cycle routes. A cycle tourist spends on average €65 per day, between their visits and accommodation. This route from Vassivière to Saint-Nazaire already existed, but it is now better guided, referenced and all the points of interest on the route are indicated” explains Stéphane Roux, from SPL Terres de Limousin.
“Bicycle welcome” label
Already seven specialized “bike reception” accommodations are open in Haute-Vienne.
Gîtes, guest houses or campsites, located less than 5 km from the route, which offer cycle tourists secure shelters, the possibility of repairs, laundry and drying in the event of rain.
An interactive map
In order to better identify and locate accommodation, places to visit, restaurants, events and even hiking routes, the Haute-Vienne departmental tourism committee has just created an interactive map to consult on carte.visitlimousin.com.
In a few months, the location of ATMs, bicycle parking lots, electrical terminals and bus lines will be added.
Bad weather, elections… A complicated start to the season.
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The rain and bad weather in June dampened tourists in Haute-Vienne.
After the first 6 months which saw the number of overnight stays increase by 3.4%, it’s a cold shower. Between the gloomy climate and the uncertain political situation, tourists have abandoned Haute-Vienne.
“Our occupancy rate is down compared to 2023, and it’s a collapse for the first three weeks of July,” recognizes Marie Dumaître, of Gîtes de France. “We are doubtful about the future,” admits the president of the tourism committee Annick Morizo.
“We remain positive”
“The weather has had a big impact on the campsite and the weeks are disparate. We even had heating costs” admits Sébastien Mathiot, owner of the Ambazac campsite.
“It was going well and then it calmed down. We have few reservations, but we remain positive,” assures Katia, owner of a gîte in Limoges.
Franck Jacquet
