Published on 30 April 2021
Travel 32km effortlessly, while enjoying sumptuous landscapes, it is possible thanks to the electric bike!
What could be nicer than a bike ride to discover the banks of the Yon? This river which crosses La Roche-sur-Yon and its Agglomeration from the North to the South. And of course, it's even better with electric assistance which promises you a trip without too much effort in the heart of the greenery!
The starting point of this journey is none other than the Tourist Office, where Jean, our guide awaits us with our sublime mounts for the day. A few practical explanations later, here we go on an adventure! We get on our electric bike and cross the city center. Urbanization quickly gives way to the Alluchon-Rivoli Valley, the green lung that is located in the town of La Roche-sur-Yon itself. Our journey along the banks of the Yon really begins here since we are already along the river.
The paths and other cycle paths lead us through the Yonnaise countryside and its green landscapes as far as the eye can see.
During the walk, we discover the artificial lake of Moulin Papon, created by the dam which overhangs it. Our guide then explains its creation and provides us with some anecdotes. Built in 1970 by the city of La Roche-sur-Yon to supply the town with drinking water, it can retain up to 4.5 million m3 of water.
It owes its name to the mills that once stood there. In the Yon valley, all have disappeared… except one!
Then comes the time to get back on the road.
As the kilometers go by (which we do without hurting our legs, by the way!), we leave La Roche-sur-Yon to reach Nesmy. The ford was the favorite moment of the whole team. Splashing around while riding in the middle of the water takes us back to childhood, when we jumped in puddles!
A few minutes later, we are already in Rambourg.
After these kilometres, a break is in order…
Le Rambourg mill is the last visitable water mill in the Yon Valley, the famous exception that I mentioned earlier. At this time of day, a little break is not refused! We get off our 2-wheeled companion and follow our local expert into the heart of the story of the wheat grain that becomes flour. Because yes, our break is also an opportunity to discover the inside of the mill and all its secrets...
Our guide explains to us the operation of the mill from its beginnings in the 80th century until the XNUMXs when it had to stop its activity.
Then it is already time to return to our starting point… Once again, we pass through narrow and mysterious paths, between woods and rivers. We follow the Yon again, cross over its course thanks to the bridges that are on our way, and reach the town center of La Roche-sur-Yon.
Four hours later, our journey ends where it began: in front of the Tourist Office! Thanks to the electric assistance, the trip went smoothly (no aches!). If the electric bike remains a bike, its battery and its small motor allow us to swallow the climbs without too much effort, which delighted the whole team, convincing the less athletic! Going through the 32km ride was a real pleasure and a good discovery in the heart of the Vendée.
