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Vélo-Rail: Pedal-Powered Adventure in the Vendée Countryside

Experience the Vendée countryside on a unique pedal-powered railway adventure. Family-friendly fun on the Vélo-Rail in Commequiers!

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Experience the Vendée region in a unique way with Vélo-Rail, a family-friendly activity that lets you pedal along a former railway line. Enjoy the scenic views and fresh air as you explore the countryside between Commequiers and Coëx on a draisine, a type of rail bike.

A brief summary to Vélo-Rail

  • Monday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book your Vélo-Rail ride in advance, especially during peak season, as reservations are required.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for pedaling, and bring hats, sunscreen, and water, especially on sunny days.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in and instructions.
  • Consider combining your Vélo-Rail adventure with a visit to the Château de Commequiers or the Moulin des Gourmands for a full day of exploration.
  • Note that the Vélo-Rail is closed on September 1, 2025, for maintenance.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to Rue de Saint-Gilles, 85220 Commequiers. Free parking is available across from the Vélo-Rail entrance. Be aware that parking is prohibited on Rue des Volettes.

  • Public Transport

    From La Roche-sur-Yon, take the Aléop en Vendée bus line 572 towards Golf des Fontenelles. The bus ride takes approximately 38 minutes. From the Golf des Fontenelles stop, you will need to take a taxi to Commequiers. Taxi fares typically range from €75-€95. Bus tickets cost approximately €5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in nearby towns such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. A taxi ride from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to Vélo-Rail will cost approximately €20-€30.

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Discover more about Vélo-Rail

Vélo-Rail offers a distinctive and enjoyable way to discover the Vendée region of France. Located in Commequiers, this attraction repurposes a section of a former railway line, inviting visitors to pedal along the tracks on specially designed rail bikes called draisines. The Vélo-Rail experience involves a 14-kilometer round trip between Commequiers and Coëx, taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. As you pedal, you'll traverse a semi-shaded route, passing through varied landscapes that showcase the charm of the green coastline and the inland areas of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. The route includes a viaduct over the Vie River, constructed with Eiffel-style ramparts and rivets. Draisines can accommodate 2 to 4 people, with the possibility of a fifth passenger if there is a child under 12. Two pedaling stations are available, making it a collaborative and fun activity for families and friends. It's worth noting that the activity is not suitable for infants under one year old, pregnant women, or dogs. Beyond the Vélo-Rail itself, Commequiers offers other attractions such as the Château de Commequiers, a historic castle with medieval celebrations, and the Dolbeau site with its water mill.

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