A walled town above the Thouet, with narrow lanes and river views
Montreuil-Bellay sits on the Thouet, 17 km south of Saumur, on the Vélo Francette cycle route.
A castle on the river, vineyards on the lanes, canoes on the water
Montreuil-Bellay is a fortified town on the Thouet river, with a 15th-century château of 15 towers, intact ramparts, a medieval gateway, and Saumur wine country on all sides. The Vélo Francette long-distance cycle route passes directly through town, continuing south along the Thouet valley on quiet agricultural lanes and small communal roads. The Thouet itself is used for canoeing and kayaking, and the river banks give the best views back up to the castle.
Things you can do here
Activities nearby
Canoe rentalArtannes-sur-Thouetabout 8 km, to the activity
Quiet lanes along the Thouet valley
The Vélo Francette follows the Thouet south from Montreuil-Bellay on small communal roads and agricultural tracks — flat river-valley riding with very little traffic. On an ease-see e-bike, the modest hills away from the valley floor and the longer stretches between villages stop being a calculation and start being scenery.
Marion
★★★★★
Thanks again for the great service Tim! You made our dream happen!🚲🚲🚲🏰🥖🧀🍷
Visited in September 2026
