Gentle cycling escape routes in Mayenne | Tourism portal of the department

Freewheeling along Mayenne’s trails

Mayenne is one of the most pleasant destinations to explore by bike. Its rolling countryside, forests, rivers, towpath and well‑maintained trails are perfect for cycle touring. From châteaux to towns and arts‑and‑crafts villages, and past its locks and riverside cafés, the region reveals its treasures all along the way. From north to south, it is one of the few French departments you can cross almost entirely without encountering a car.

So without further ado, hop on your bicycle — it’s time to go for a ride!

Mayenne by Bike

Mayenne offers a multitude of marked, well‑maintained and safe cycling routes. These itineraries are just as suitable for seasoned athletes as for one‑day yellow‑jersey riders and leisurely Sunday cyclists. Whether on a road bike or mountain bike, in tandem or pedal car, with or without electric assistance, a new face of Mayenne reveals itself. Everyone can enjoy their own kind of escape.

Here you’ll find a list of cycle touring and mountain‑biking routes in Mayenne.

The Towpath & Former Railway Lines

Specially redeveloped, the former mariners’ road follows the course of the Mayenne River for 85 km, from Mayenne to Château‑Gontier. It’s a true natural park, with its treasures revealed on numerous information panels along the way. Locks, mills, pasturelands, riverside cafés, villages and towns of art — Mayenne unveils itself step by step along this beautiful route.

As for the 128 km of converted former railway lines, they offer the promise of a peaceful, uninterrupted ride. Four routes await you: Mayenne – Javron‑les‑Chapelles, Saint‑Berthevin – Renazé, Ambrières‑les‑Vallées – La Chapelle‑Anthenaise, or Château‑Gontier – Segré‑en‑Anjou Bleu. Which one will you choose?

These safe, flat multi‑use trails are perfectly suited for family bike rides or outings with friends — an invitation to relax, between land and river.

Ride Along the Mayenne Section of the Vélo Francette

A 630‑km cycling route linking the D‑Day landing beaches to La Rochelle, the Vélo Francette crosses Mayenne from north to south, following the flat and scenic towpath. This section takes you through Mayenne, Laval and Château‑Gontier — the perfect opportunity to discover the architectural treasures of these historic towns and plan a few gastronomic stops along the way.

The Vélo Francette is also the ideal chance to pause and spend the night in one of the lock houses along the river, or enjoy lunch at a riverside guinguette, where local produce and good food are always on the menu.

©Mayenne Origne Instapadesstudio 0832|©InstapadesStudio - Vélo Francette

Vélo Francette

See the sights and tone up those muscles! Saddle up and enjoy the region on two wheels! Cycling tours are a great way to get the best out of the Mayenne, its countryside and...

rando-velo-au-belvedere-du-mont-des-avaloirs-a-pre-en-pail-pascal-beltrami-20.jpg — ©Pascal Beltrami

La Véloscénie

Linking Notre-Dame de Paris to Mont Saint-Michel by bike over 450 km, the Véloscénie cycle route is the perfect way to discover the history of France, illustrated by its most...

Cross Western France via the Véloscénie

Very popular among cycle tourists, the Véloscénie connects Paris to Mont‑Saint‑Michel via cycle paths, greenways and marked country roads. In Mayenne, just a stone’s throw from the Mont des Avaloirs, one section of the route follows the former Alençon – Pré‑en‑Pail‑Saint‑Samsom – Rives d’Andaine railway line..

Try an Unusual Adventure: Rail Biking

In Saint‑Loup‑du‑Gast, an unexpected outing awaits you, delighting both children and adults. Along the former railway line, you’ll take charge of a pedal‑powered rail cart for a 6‑km round‑trip journey. It’s a fun, active, and charming ride through the heart of the Mayenne bocage.

Vélo-rail

Vélo rail: the village in bloom invites you on an unusual ride along the old railway line. You'll be able to take the draisine for a 6km ride in the heart of nature. Enjoy the...

Bike rental

Don’t have a bike? Many service providers offer rental options — you’ll find them listed below.
Have you set off along the cycling routes but don’t have anyone to bring you back to your starting point?
The Andégave agency offers a shuttle service for cyclists: they can pick you up at your arrival point or transport your luggage to your evening accommodation.
Contact: +33 6 82 84 54 88 • vincent-sv@orange.fr

Experience Mayenne

walking or riding

bac-a-chaine-le-passeur-du-montaigu-a-saint-pierre-des-nids-lezbroz-teddy-verneuil-14.jpg — ©Teddy Verneuil - Lezbroz

Explore Mayenne’s Escape Trails on foot

balade-a-cheval-au-montaigu-hambers-cp-foehn-photographie---mayenne-tourisme-1920px-1.jpg — ©Foehn Photographie

Escape into Mayenne on horseback

La Mayenne

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Cette semaine, on pose l’objectif sur les communes déléguées ! 📸 Direction Châtres-la-Forêt et Saint-Christophe-du-Luat, baignées par une douce lumière matinale qui sublime les paysages 🌅 Et comme souvent tôt le matin… la vie sauvage s’invite au rendez-vous ! 🌿 👉🏻 Rencontre surprise avec quelques biches 🦌 Ce qu’on y est bien à Évron ! #paysage #nature #evron #mayenne #coevrons

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#cani_tout_tout #mayenne #neige #balade #chien

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Le lac de notre village a gelé ❄️ L'hiver peut apporter de belles surprises ✨ #frozenlake #snowydays #neige #mayenne #coëvrons lescoevrons

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🇫🇷 Lever de soleil hivernal sur la Mayenne ❄️ Quand la rivière se fige dans le silence et que les premiers rayons du soleil viennent caresser les arbres encore marqués par la neige des jours précédents. Un instant suspendu, entre brume, reflets et lumière douce, capturé au tout début du jour, le long de la Mayenne. 🇬🇧 Winter sunrise along the Mayenne River ❄️ A frozen calm, soft mist and gentle light slowly awakening a landscape still shaped by recent snowfall. A quiet, timeless moment captured at dawn, where reflections and winter light meet. 🖼️ Tirages photo disponibles Tirages d’art, tous formats, disponibles sur 👉 www.julienpasquet.com 🚁 Prestations drone & photo Photographe et télépilote de drone professionnel. Valorisation de paysages, territoires et projets visuels. #mayenne #paysagemayennais #leverdesoleilhiver

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Un cadre paisible, même en hiver, pour le bien-être de vos chiens et chats. ❄️ #neige #pensioncanine #mayenne #paysage #hiver

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Hier, c'était magique à la maison ! Quelle joie de voir ce lit blanc recouvrir la ferme. Courir avec les moutons dans la neige, regarder les chèvres se cacher des flocons (🤣) et découvrir le potager complètement enveloppé de blanc ❄️... C'était magnifique ! #neige #mayenne #viealaferme #mayenne53 #farmlife

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