Distance: 25 km
Vitreous
Cycle route
Greenway
Built on the old commercial railway line, linking Fougères to Vitré, the greenway is a pleasant and refreshing route to practice while roaming or for the day, with family or friends.
It marks a link between two medieval cities of Brittany, Vitré and Fougères, and crosses the heart of the countryside where it meets several lakes and bodies of water. The route is also punctuated by elements of the railway past such as the old stations of Châtillon-en-Vendelais and Selle-en-Luitré.
This greenway is one of the links of the V409, cycle route which will link Mont-Saint-Michel to Nantes, and which will be fully operational in the spring of 2024.
Your itinerary
Vitreous
Built on the old commercial railway line, linking Fougères to Vitré, the greenway is a pleasant and refreshing route to practice while roaming or for the day, with family or friends.
It marks a link between two medieval cities of Brittany, Vitré and Fougères, and crosses the heart of the countryside where it meets several lakes and bodies of water. The route is also punctuated by elements of the railway past such as the old stations of Châtillon-en-Vendelais and Selle-en-Luitré.
This greenway is one of the links of the V409, cycle route which will link Mont-Saint-Michel to Nantes, and which will be fully operational in the spring of 2024.
It marks a link between two medieval cities of Brittany, Vitré and Fougères, and crosses the heart of the countryside where it meets several lakes and bodies of water. The route is also punctuated by elements of the railway past such as the old stations of Châtillon-en-Vendelais and Selle-en-Luitré.
This greenway is one of the links of the V409, cycle route which will link Mont-Saint-Michel to Nantes, and which will be fully operational in the spring of 2024.
1
Step 1
Perched on a rocky promontory, the Château de Vitré dominates the surrounding countryside. Its crenellated towers and massive walls catch the eye and transport you to the heart of the Middle Ages at a time when this fortress defended the entrance to Brittany. The old town has kept the reflection of its wealth of yesteryear due to the trade in hemp and linen fabrics. Its cobbled and narrow streets invite you to stroll and explore. Beautiful half-timbered houses in bright colors, worked porches, beautiful old-fashioned signs.
2
Step 2
Arriving in Vitré, the Cantache lake offers an appreciable natural stopover suitable for rest and picnics but also for beautiful walks to observe the richness of the flora and fauna.
3
Step 3
The station has not had a train since 1991. It has been renovated and is now a stopover that continues to recall the railway past of this route.
4
Step 4
Located on an important migratory axis, the pond of Châtillon is a rich ornithological reserve which welcomes thousands of migratory birds, sometimes rare like the osprey. The pond is also a nature recreation area surrounded by reedbeds and tree-lined meadows. A landscaped path and an observatory will allow you to appreciate all its particularities. You will also find a campsite with several services: bar, pedal boat rental.
5
Step 5
The natural site of Saut Roland is an essential place in Ille-et-Vilaine for its singular landscapes of forest, steep cliffs and wet meadows and the diversity of its flora and fauna. At the bottom of the valley, the Saint-Blaise stream flows among the chaos of stones smoothed by the current. Known to climbing enthusiasts, it is known above all for its legend. It is said here that Roland, nephew of Charlemagne and prefect of the Marches of Brittany, claimed to cross the valley with a horse jump, from the top of the cliff to the top of the opposite slope. Discover the rest of his adventures by strolling on the site.
6
Step 6
Flagship city of the Marches of Brittany, Fougères is a city with multiple atmospheres. The medieval quarter with narrow streets dominated by the silhouette of the fabulous Château de Fougères, the largest medieval fortress in Europe. The upper town, a romantic city with 19th century mansions and lively shopping streets and terraces. Finally, on the other side of the hill, the old industrial district linked to the crystal factory and above all to shoes is being reinvented. To discover absolutely!