moulin cycling routes

●     Hundreds of miles of undulating country lanes are directly accessible from le Moulin.

●     Very little traffic. Of the few vehicles you will meet, drivers are usually considerate.

●     The countryside is varied and interesting and the terrain is invigorating!

●     Road surfacing, even on very minor lanes is generally excellent.

MOULIN CYCLING

Le Moulin du Chemin has cycling routes to suit all abilities, provided that you are generally fit. The minimum requirement to be able to cope with even the introductory routes is that you take regular exercise. If you wish, Peter and Carolynn will help you chose the rides best suited to you. The cycling routes are categorised as introductory, moderate and challenging. More arduous cycling is also available at le Moulin, see:

● Route-notes and high-lighted maps for circuits starting from le Moulin are provided as well as some routes from two nearby places of interest (we transport you and the bike to these).

● Routes can be shortened or lengthened to suit you, based on our experience of the region.

● If you are more independent, you can find your own way - it's all excellent cycling country and lovely countryside. There is plenty of choice as well as a wide variety of terrains and numerous interesting features.

● Fully equipped touring cycles, bike-bags, helmets, maps, directions and friendly advice provided.

**PROPOSED ROUTES**
Day-1 Sunday pm	introductory/moderate	la Faziliére – a short ride after your journey to stretch your legs and get to know the area. Gently undulating on winding country lanes with nice views of the bocage. *6km/10miles*
Day-2 Monday	introductory/moderate	l’Absie – winding lanes through pastures and woods, past hamlets and high places, lead to the attractive village of l’Absie with cafes, banks, pharmacies, etc. 16km/10miles
or	introductory/moderate	la Rocher Branlant – visiting the attractive village of l’Absie, the magical valley of la Rocher Branlant, the mysterious geographical feature known as Rochers du Boussignoux and the quaint hamlet of les Jinchères. 25km/15miles
or	moderate/challenging	Roof of the World – local tour taking-in several interesting villages and also the magical Rocher Branlant. In the first few km the elevation increases by 100m. 43km/26miles
Day-3 Tuesday	introductory/moderate	Butcher’s Wood – pretty winding lanes past ancient hamlets, ponds, streams and orchards and through woods and the historic deciduous forest. 25km/15miles
or	moderate/challenging	Coulonges-sur-l’Autize – a traditional country-produce market accessed via pastoral and arable lands and ancient villages. Bocage to plain and back to bocage. *42km/25miles*
Day-4 Wednesday	introductory/moderate	le Beugnon Lakes Picnic – we meet you at the lakes with a civilised picnic with delicious chilled Rosé d'Anjou and dappled sun light under the poplars. Winding lanes, wooded paths and a lovely view from the ruined windmill. shorter route *19km/11miles*
or	moderate/challenging	an alternative picnic route passing the village of l’Absie. longer route *35km/21miles*
Day-5 Thursday	suitable for all levels on account of there being no hills in this region.	Marais Poitevin (Green Venice)* – transfer to the peaceful waterside village of Coulon. Visit Ride alongside languid waterways and through woodlands and picturesque "port" villages. Pick-up point is the ruined Gothic abbey at Maillezais. *33km/20miles* (with no hills)
Day-6 Friday	introductory/moderate	Mervent Forest & Vouvant* – transfer to Puy de Serre. Majestic deciduous forests, cool rivers and lakes. Pick-up point is the medieval fortified village of Vouvant. 21km/13miles

* we transport you and your bike to and from these locations

MAPS AND ROUTE NOTES

Le Moulin provides IGN maps (IGN is the French equivalent to the British Ordinance Survey) www.ign.fr. Le Moulin uses maps of 1:25,000 (1cm = 240m) scale. The suggested routes are high-lighted and the maps have been printed in A4 sections and coated in plastic, convenient for use with the handlebar mounted map holders supplied with le Moulin's bikes.

Applicable route notes are printed on separate sheets which are also plasticised. Click the 'maps & route notes' button below to see an example of the notes for the first afternoon's recommended ride - route notes for the other rides are similarly informative.

If you prefer to explore independently, we lend you the necessary (whole) maps and friendly advice (if you wish), based on Carolynn's and Peter's years of living in the region.

If you are not a regular cyclist be prepared to walk up some of the hills.

There’s no shame in walking up hills and you still get fresh air and exercise.