La Régalante is a French cycle route that begins on the northern quay of the Loire in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), at the junction with La Loire à Vélo route, and ends at the entrance to the island of Mont-Saint-Michel (Manche (department)). This cycling route running is 275 km long, it crosses the historic region of the Marches de Bretagne, Duchy of Brittany protection border zone, between the Loire and the Channel.
The V409 identifier is visible on all traffic signs along La Régalante, cycling route running.
History
In 2021, recreational cycling is booming following the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, local authorities are keen to develop tourism "in the interior" of Brittany, which is less attractive than coastal tourism, and therefore to benefit from economic spinoffs. Cooperation is thus fostered through the creation of a route committee. It is made up of three departments (Manche, Loire-Atlantique, Ille-et-Vilaine) and the 10 local government area crossed by the route.
La Régalante was inaugurated on March 23, 2024.
The route is also known in UK since the British daily newspaper "The Guardian" produced a report on the Régalante.
Route
La Régalante cycling route is renowned for its ease of access. The stages are short, ranging from 19 to 40 km in distance, with moderate elevation gain, and half of the route is on dedicated lanes. The cycle route is considered easy and is accessible to all types of cyclists, whether in groups or with families. The route crosses a region rich in heritage, including major monuments and fortified castles (Fougères, Vitré, Châteaubriant), picturesque and preserved towns and villages, numerous lakes with their biodiversity, and rolling natural landscapes.
The main stopover towns are: Nantes Nort-sur-Erdre La Meilleraye-de-Bretagne Châteaubriant Martigné-Ferchaud La Guerche-de-Bretagne Vitré Fougères Maen Roch Le Mont-Saint-Michel
3 regions crossed: Normandy Brittany Pays de la Loire
Photos
References
External links
The Guardian 2024, 5th september