Plan your trip with care

Before starting out, download in advance the .GPX file covering La Flow Vélo® so that you can study it ahead of your trip. On our website Map page, you can see where various facilities are located on or close to the cycle route (such as campsites, hotels, restaurants, museums and tourist offices). Regarding the daily distance to cycle, don’t overestimate your physical capacities or those of your children. Remember, cycling along La Flow Vélo® should be a pleasure for your whole party! That said, don’t worry, this cycle route isn’t that physically demanding. While the most easterly section, between Angoulême and Sarlat-la-Canéda has more slopes, it still remains accessible to most. 

Plan ahead for the daily stages to tackle on your cycling adventure

An adult in normal physical form can expect to cycle an average of 40km per day going at a speed of 10kph. One tip is to start by tackling shorter stages. Stages between 15km and 25km in length are highly suitable to begin with. Plan on numerous stops along the way, both to rest and to visit interesting sites. La Flow Vélo® is dotted with cultural sites, so it would be a shame not to make the most of them. 

Start cycling early in the morning, and aim to cover the longest distance in the earlier part of the day. That will also leave you leeway to make sure you arrive in time at your destination at the end of the day. Also, remember to check on the weather forecast before heading out. As you can imagine, what you wear will depend a lot on conditions. It doesn’t make sense to carry around not just two tops, but also two jumpers, when it’s going to be 30°C every day! Extra weight will just wear you down. At the other end of the scale, it wouldn’t make sense to head out without a mac if frequent rain is on the cards.

Plan ahead for accommodation

In peak summer holiday season (July – August), booking your accommodation in advance is indispensable on your cycling trip. Do note also that it can be difficult to find accommodation for one night only in this period. So, don’t travel unprepared, especially with children in tow. If flexible, then cycling pre or post peak season makes for wonderful times to explore the cycle route. Finally, pack light, just taking essential items.

View accommodation along the cycle route

Identify Accueil Vélo accredited accommodation along the cycle route

When planning your cycling trip, consult the document listing all the Accueil Vélo accredited service providers along La Flow Vélo. This was produced in 2022; it allows you to view virtually all the relevant facility providers available along La Flow Vélo. Accueil Vélo accredited partners (notably accommodation providers, bike hire and repair companies, tourist offices and sites open to visitors) are qualified to look after cyclists with suitable services and facilities, ensuring a personalized welcome. Note that this document only covers the areas of the Charentes (the départements, or French counties, of Charente and Charente-Maritime). As to the relevant accredited facilities in the Dordogne Périgord area, you can view them here.