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

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

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Vélo-Rail

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

Rue de Saint-Gilles, Commequiers, 85220, FR
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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.

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.