Linéaire Vendée Vélo de L'Île d'Elle à Maillezais

First pedal strokes... and already the scenery is changing. You cycle along the Sèvre Niortaise, between tranquil meanders and open landscapes. Along the way, the hills of Vix add relief, before giving way to wilder countryside as you enter the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park. Keep your eyes peeled here. The more discreet may catch a glimpse of the European otter, particularly around the Ile de Charrouin. A rare, almost suspended moment. Then comes the time for simple pleasures. A break at Maillé, and why not a hot prefou to regain your strength? Clearly, it helps to keep going. The route then takes you to a structure as discreet as it is astonishing: the Aqueduct. A testament to the hydraulic engineering that has shaped these landscapes for centuries. And in the distance, a silhouette takes shape. The ruins of Maillezais Abbey emerge. Majestic, almost unreal. And there you are. Take your time. Climb up, observe, breathe. Then change pace: swap your bike for a boat and glide through the heart of Green Venice. A gentle, accessible stopover... but far from trivial. Green route: 6.70 km - Shared route: 19.94 km