4.4
(86)
739
riders
94
rides
Touring cycling around Saint-Généroux offers routes through the picturesque Thouet River valley, characterized by a mix of bosquets and open plains. The region features varied topography, including dry valleys and views of hills, providing diverse scenery for cyclists. Historical landmarks such as the Roman bridge over the Thouet river are integrated into many routes, adding cultural interest to the natural landscapes.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(4)
4
riders
31.1km
01:54
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(13)
130
riders
51.6km
03:19
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
12
riders
58.6km
03:33
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(3)
15
riders
20.5km
01:18
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
19
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Church of Saint-Généroux is a site well worth a visit during a hike. It dates back to the 10th century and is considered one of the oldest churches in France, as it features pre-Romanesque architecture found nowhere else. The church is located on the banks of the Thouet River. You can also admire the Romanesque bridge (13th century).
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Things to See & Do Ramparts: With approximately 30 semicircular towers, the granite walls symbolize medieval urban robustness. Ruined Castle: All that remains of the castle is a round tower (perhaps the keep) and sections of walls restored since the 1980s. Panoramic Walk: The rampart path offers splendid views of the Thouet Valley and the Saint-Paul district.
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History & Architecture Medieval Construction: Built in the early 13th century under the aegis of John Lackland, the citadel rests on a natural promontory reinforced by three defensive walls, towers, and ramparts. Castle and Bastion: Its original, isolated castle included towers such as the Powder Tower and the Harcourt Tower. In the 15th century, Arthur de Richemont added the bastille and an artillery boulevard. Citadel Gate (or Clock Gate): The gatehouse is flanked by two almond-shaped towers and topped with a clock tower. A granite staircase provides access to the guardroom and the patrol path.
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The citadel of Parthenay, nicknamed the "little Carcassonne of the West", is one of the city's heritage jewels, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the bend of the Thouet River.
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Quite a nice little church in a tiny village in the depths of Thouars.
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Dating from the 13th century, at the foot of the city ramparts, this bridge ultimately offers the best view of the Château de Thouars.
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Without the characteristic wings - which used to capture the power of the wind to set the heavy millstones in motion - the once proud windmill, which was certainly impressive at the time, is missing an essential architectural element. From a distance, the observer can see its modern successors: within sight of the former windmill, the slender towers and turbine blades of a modern wind farm, which is used to generate electricity, rise into the sky.
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In the proverbial "good old days" of centuries past, this (former) windmill, standing in a very prominent position in the vast landscape, must have made a deep impression on the viewer. However, this changed a long time ago: the no longer intact tower stump is missing the wings, precisely those elements that were once so fundamental to the appearance of those four-armed giants (at least that is what the character "Don Quixote" invented by Miguel Cervantes thinks in one of the famous Spanish author's bizarre stories).
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There are over 80 touring cycling routes around Saint-Généroux, offering a wide range of options for exploring the picturesque Thouet River valley and its surroundings.
The routes in Saint-Généroux cater to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix, with 19 easy routes, 58 moderate routes, and 11 more difficult options, ensuring there's something for everyone from casual riders to experienced touring cyclists. The terrain often features gentle hills and the tranquil Thouet River valley.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Saint-Généroux are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Airvault and Saint-Généroux – loop in the Thouet valley, which is a moderate 19.3-mile (31.1 km) route.
The routes often pass by significant landmarks. You can explore the ancient Roman bridge of Saint-Généroux over the Thouet river, visit the 10th-century Small Church of Saint-Généroux, or see the historic Montguimier Mill. The Thouet River valley itself offers beautiful natural scenery with a mix of groves and open plains.
Yes, the region offers several easy routes suitable for families. The gentle terrain of the Thouet River valley and well-marked paths make it enjoyable for all ages. Look for routes designated as 'easy' on komoot, which typically have less elevation gain and shorter distances.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Touring cyclists often praise the tranquil Thouet River valley, the mix of bosquets and open plains, and the integration of historical landmarks like the Roman bridge into the routes, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural interest.
While Saint-Généroux itself is a small village, the wider Thouarsais region is accessible. You might consider public transport options to nearby towns like Thouars, which has a train station, and then cycle or use local bus services to reach Saint-Généroux. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to Saint-Généroux.
You can typically find parking in the village of Saint-Généroux, often near the church square, which is a common starting point for local cycling routes. This allows for convenient access to the trails.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Saint-Généroux, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, but it's wise to start earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat.
Yes, Saint-Généroux is notably crossed by the famous Vélo Francette, a long-distance cycling route that connects Ouistreham to La Rochelle. This makes it a strategic point for touring cyclists looking to join or explore sections of this major route.
Absolutely. Many routes extend beyond the immediate vicinity of Saint-Généroux into the Thouarsais region, allowing you to discover its diverse landscapes, from vineyards to plains, and even Neolithic megaliths. An example is the Saint-Médard Church of Thouars – Airvault loop from Luzay, which connects historical sites across the region.
Yes, the region around Saint-Généroux includes routes that offer views of castles and other interesting structures. For instance, the Pont des Chouans on the Thouet – Château de La Coindrie loop from Luzay passes by the Château de La Coindrie and the Pont des Chouans on the Thouet.


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