4.7
(33)
2,047
riders
103
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Maixent-l'École traverse the varied terrain of the Haut Val de Sèvre, characterized by its hilly landscape. The region offers a mix of serene green spaces, including wooded areas like Le Puits d'Enfer, and routes near the Touche Poupard Dam and Lake. Cyclists can also explore roads providing access to the unique wetland environment of the Marais Poitevin, known for its network of canals and lush greenery. These cycling routes primarily utilize paved surfaces, offering…
Last updated: November 3, 2026
4.5
(4)
24
riders
74.7km
03:12
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
15
riders
40.7km
01:44
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

7
riders
44.3km
01:51
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
77.9km
03:11
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Saint-Maixent
Church of Plan Massé with a flat chevet. Nave composed of three aisles. Originality of the composition, with four different parts built at distinct times: the bell tower topped with a pavilion roof, two sections of the nave (two bays then five bays), and the choir. The entrance porch of the church is built against the north wall; it is adorned with a balustrade with an openwork network and its slopes are decorated with fleur-de-lis. The tympanum of the portal is polychrome. The eastern gable of the building is pierced by an oculus with four quatrefoils. The slopes are adorned with fleur-de-lis and crowned with a stone cross. Construction stages: Although the construction of the primitive church dates back to the 11th century, it underwent numerous modifications: - the choir dates from the 13th century (it is the priory chapel, opened onto the nave in 1808). - in the 15th century the nave was enlarged (which corresponds to the second section). - in the 16th century, the first section of the nave was partially rebuilt. Addition of side chapels at an unknown date. History: The church was ceded around 1090 by Gauthier Chesnel, lord of Ceton, to the Cluniac monks of Saint-Denis de Nogent-le-Rotrou. They established a priory there which was suppressed during the Revolution. This church replaced the village parish church which was destroyed during the Revolution.
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Mentioned as early as the 13th century as a dependency of the abbey of Saint-Père, near Chartres, the Notre-Dame des Étilleux church comprises three disparate parts, the most surprising of which is the four-level bell tower, topped by a belfry covered in slate and a lanternon. Protestants are said to have held a sermon there in 1577. Since its foundation, the church has undergone many transformations, notably the rather recent decoration of the choir, an intertwining of fair-weather cumulus clouds in stucco that allows one to guess the original stone wall and a pointed arch opening. A beautiful flamboyant door opens to the west onto a parvis renovated in 1995, and the eastern part, on the sacristy side, has retained its row of gargoyles adorning the choir's slopes. This church is renowned for the very beautiful statue it houses: a Virgin and Child whose pronounced hip sway, facial expression, and the drapery of the mantle are characteristic of a 14th-century representation.
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Detailed information is available on Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porte_Saint-Julien_(La_Fert%C3%A9-Bernard)
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Placed in a self-service distributor 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, if you have a craving for rillettes! Butcher, bakery and Spar right next door
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Very pleasant for a moment of relaxation
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In this architecture we find different styles and periods, from the 12th, 15th, 16th to the 19th century, including Gothic and Neo-Romanesque. Romanesque bays and foothills. Stained glass window and 16th century font as well as the current apse and the two side chapels. The south door with its lintel and its straight feet decorated with rosettes and diamonds. The church had stained glass windows from the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century. Fragments exist in the speckles and spandrels of the bay of the Rosary Chapel, listed in 1983. The stained glass windows are almost all dated and signed by the same glass painter between 1885-1889 "af Paris" probably Anselme Fialex, son of François Fialex who was a glass painter in Mayet Creation of an entrance to the square as well as the opening of new 19th century bays. the vault, paneled and undoubtedly painted from the beginning, was redone in 1602 with restoration in the 19th century, when a new decoration was painted. The main altar dates from 1867.
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The first mentions of the Saint-Germain church in Sceaux-sur-Huisne appear in the cartulary of the Saint-Vincent abbey in Le Mans: around 1050, Bouchard de Théligny gave the Sceaux church land and a meadow located at proximity. At this time, the building, then "in bad woods", was rebuilt in stone. The nave is considered to be the oldest part of the church and dates back to the 11th century, but it is in reality difficult to date due to multiple alterations and even reconstructions. The masonry shows several repetitions and a confused assembly of elements which could come from older buildings, such as the remains of the Gallo-Roman villa which was exhumed at the end of the 19th century in the valley (small regularly cut rubble stones, debris of roof tiles). There are also traces of old openings, such as a door opening onto the priory. Although it is probable, there is no element to formally identify the Romanesque construction. The current openings are later, such as the small Gothic bay in the western wall and perhaps the south door (15th century?) and the other openings probably made around the first half of the 18th century. Significant masonry and structural work is actually mentioned in the nave in 1709. The choir and the bell tower were probably built in the first half of the 16th century, in a late Gothic style. The factory accounts mention various works in the 1530s and 1540s: roofing, construction of a ballet, stained glass window of the "grant window"... The tower was perhaps built in several stages if we rely on the changes masonry nets in the elevation. It was visibly remodeled at the end of the 16th century or the beginning of the 17th century, as indicated by the semi-circular openings, one of which was walled up. From 1570, the du Bouchets were lords of Sceaux and had their coat of arms, "azure with three rings of sand", affixed to the keystone of the chapel under the bell tower (since replaced by a flower) and on the vault paneled nave and choir. As for the windows on the north wall of the choir, they were undoubtedly open in the 18th century like those in the nave. During the Revolution, the church was seized as national property and sold to a certain René Neveu in September 1796, excluding the furniture. The two bells installed in 1719 and the fittings were handed over to the administration to be melted down. The church was returned to the town after the death of Mr. Neveu in the 1810s. The church underwent some occasional maintenance work (mainly on the roof) in the 19th and 20th centuries, but not an overall restoration. In 1831, an estimate was drawn up to enlarge the church with a chapel, in order to better accommodate all parishioners: this project was not carried out. The same year, the flag which still covers the bell tower was put up. The current sacristy (Gambert architect) was added in 1862 to replace another very dilapidated one, blocking a window now only visible from the inside. The second half of the 19th century also saw the clearing of the surroundings of the church, cluttered with lean-tos and hidden by an imposing washhouse finally moved in 1870. The last work, concerning the roofing, was carried out in 1989. The church of Sceaux-sur-Huisne has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1926.
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There are over 100 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Maixent-l'École, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, short rides to more challenging, longer distances.
Yes, Saint-Maixent-l'École offers several easy no-traffic road cycling routes. For instance, the Porte Saint Julien – Lake loop from Sceaux - Boëssé is an easy 28 km ride, perfect for those looking for a relaxed experience on paved surfaces.
The routes around Saint-Maixent-l'École traverse diverse landscapes, from the hilly terrain of the Haut Val de Sèvre to the serene waterways near the Marais Poitevin. You'll encounter wooded areas like Le Puits d'Enfer, scenic views around the Touche Poupard Dam and Lake, and the green expanses of the Forêt Domaniale de l'Hermitain, all on mostly paved roads.
Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Maixent-l'École are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Gargantua's Palet – Champagné Mill loop from Sceaux - Boëssé, a moderate 80 km ride that brings you back to your starting location.
You can combine your ride with sightseeing. Routes often pass by historical sites such as the Saint-Maixent Abbey Church or the charming Porte Saint Julien. You might also encounter natural points of interest like the Ricou Quarry or the picturesque Quai des Tanneries with its tranquil canal-side paths.
The region is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer, making early morning or late afternoon rides ideal. The paved surfaces generally ensure good conditions, even after light rain.
Yes, for more experienced cyclists, there are several moderate to difficult routes. The Gargantua's Palet – Champagné Mill loop from Sceaux - Boëssé, at nearly 80 km with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offers a good challenge on quiet roads.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, low-traffic roads, the varied and scenic landscapes, and the well-maintained paved surfaces that make for an enjoyable road cycling experience.
Absolutely. Many routes incorporate the region's beautiful water features. You can find rides that pass by the Touche Poupard Dam and Lake, offering scenic views. The nearby Marais Poitevin, with its extensive network of canals and lush greenery, also influences the character of some routes, providing unique watery vistas.
Saint-Maixent-l'École has a train station, making it accessible by public transport. From there, you can often reach the start points of various routes within a short cycling distance. It's advisable to check local bus services for connections to more remote starting points if needed.
While the core of the Marais Poitevin is better suited for unpaved paths, the surrounding roads provide excellent access to this unique environment. You can find routes that skirt the edges of this extensive wetland, allowing you to experience its distinctive landscape of canals, lush greenery, and pollarded trees from your road bike.
Yes, the no-traffic road cycling routes around Saint-Maixent-l'École cater to all preferences. You can choose shorter rides like the Porte Saint Julien – Lake loop from Les Matras (23 km) or opt for longer excursions such as the Roadbike loop from Sceaux - Boëssé (44 km), ensuring there's a suitable distance for every cyclist.


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