vélo rail

We had ridden on the Confolens velorail earlier in the year, enjoyed it immensely, and were back in the Vienne looking for something active to do for an afternoon. You can get details from any local Bureau de Tourisme, or hotel leaflets or of course the interweb (search velorail chauvigny).Ring to book a cart (five-seater - two seats are adjustable and have pedals to drive the cart). Take a picnic and plenty of water because it's hard work.The young gentleman operating the start point speaks excellent English in case your French isn't too good; it's important to understand the safety instructions.The Chauvigny route is a climb most of the way, with a half-route option after 4 km (tell the chap before you start if you want to do a half-route) and a DIY turntable at the far end (about 8.8 km / 5.5 miles). There are tables and benches at the far end, but only really time enough for a half hour picnic, unless you manage to 'bag' the last cart to leave (that's the first to arrive), in which case you can dawdle a little bit. The return trip is much easier, needing just enough pedalling to keep the cart going on the more level sections. Top speed is a scary (not really) 8 to 10 mph, so unless you're a total prune, there's no danger. There are kiddie seats for small children who might not understand the need to stay sitting down.Stopping or overtaking (changing places with the cart in front of you) is not allowed, as it was in Confolens, so if you get stuck behind Johnny five-dinners, it's a slower journey. No harm in that though, as the scenery as you come out of Chauvigny is beautiful - Mediaeval Castle!The round trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and is a really fun way to burn off calories from last night's pizza extravagances.

The Velo rail in Chauvigny is a super attraction, well organised and lots of fun. As a party of 4, you cycle through lovely countryside and past historic architecture and medieval ruins - and opting for the return journey is recommended as it's downhill! Lots of fun and highly recommended!

5 seater bike-powered rail travel. A family of triathletes, what's not to like? 8.7km out, turn the Velorail cars around and return. But you are hampered by the other cars, and are supposed to keep 100m apart, so its well worth nabbing the front car on the way home and seeing how quick you can go!!Good fun and not too expensive. NB No loos at turnaround point!!

Excellent fun to be had and although outward journey is mainly up hill children managed to pedal and it is easy to swap around and all have ago if feeling tired. The return journey is much faster as you can more or less free wheel all the way ! We really enjoyed it and thought that it was good value for money and something a bit different.

This was the most fantastic fun. Get on this most unusual form of travel, exciting but not dangerous, and have a great laugh

Visited today for the second time at this velo rail. Daughters are now 8 and 10, and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can't go wrong with a trip on a velo rail. However grumpy your family is before you start you are guaranteed to be laughing and getting on by the end of it! Pedalling is hard work in places, especially on the outbound trip, but if your children are strong you can all take turns so no one gets worn out. Ours pedalled all the way back and about 65 percent of the way there. And one is usually allergic to exercise! Distance is 8ish km there and the same back.The staff are friendly and can speak English, which is a bonus if your French is rough as there are safety instructions to follow.Each velorail fits 5 people. Two cyclists and three seats, and they have attachment toddler seats for smaller children. At this time of the year there are 2 trips a day, at 10am and at 3 pm, which usually takes about two hours, maybe 3 depending on how many people are on the line and the speed they all travel at. There are more during the summer months.Lots of fun and will go back again.

First time here in June 2013. Was a little unsure at first whether our daughters would enjoy it, aged 7 and 9, however they loved it and the one who 'just hates to walk anywhere' ended up doing most of the peddling, even up hill, with no complaints! The views of the town are also great for the grownups. We're back this week and they have both asked to go again, now aged 8 and 10. Will write up again if it's as good as last time!

Just spent a really enjoyable afternoon on the velorail in Chauvigny. We've been on a velorail before but this was a real treat - excellent views over the historic town, a bit of work completing the first 8.7Ks as it's more uphill than down but coming back you can get up some real speed. Great for a family afternoon.

Sometimes when in France it feels that the eating and drinking is non-stop and the chance to shake some of those calories off whilst seeing Chauvigny was a great idea.So in the early afternoon, when the heat of the sun was dropping a little, but not enough for the shade provided by the trees to be welcoming. The 8km track was tackled by four of us.The boys took the out journey (which seemed to contain many of the uphill sections!) and us girls thrashed 20 minutes off their time on the way back - partly due to the downhills and the fact we went before the other bikes on the return journey.As well as the architecture and the river it was lovely to see the farmers at work and the fields of drying sunflowers. We were not attacked by any wild boar or jumped on by deers or squirrels.There was a lot of whooping and general over-excitement (and not a child amongst us!!!)The thought of coffee and gelato in Chauvigny square keeping us all going on the return journey.

Just returned from three weeks in France and this was a great vie family activity. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the views were great. A little climbing on the way out is rewarded with a fantastic free wheel return. Great couple of hours.

No other word for it this was great. This ride takes you over an old train track through nature. Some nice sights left and right and some good exercise on the way, it very easy going on the way back. The track has shadow on a big part but it is good to bring sunscreen for the sunny bits. The half way trip that some reviewers are talking about didn't seem available anymore. We paid 23 euro for 2 persons.

This was an enjoyable experience. Cycling on a railway car through the French countryside. We saw a vast array of butterflies and a spectacular view of Chauvigny from the bridge. I suspect the noise of the car scared of any other wildlife off though. Beware that there are set departures and although there are no steep hills at 8 kilometres each way you need to be a little bit fit. Been there and done it but don't think I will do it again.

Four of us did the half trip in April 2013. A great couple of hours. It's uphill for the first half to the turning station and then downhill back to Chauvigny. We loved it - as the title says, it was a great afternoon out. Suggestion - take your own water. Instructions i English were excellent. Onevery minor complaint - You pay full price for the half trip ... but we will do it again with some other friends in the summer.

This town is a 'must see', the ruined mediaeval castle is stunning as is the ancient area around it. There are lots of varied shops and plenty of places to eat. Don't miss a look in the church, it is beautiful.

Hele leuke ervaring. Je fiets doorheen rustige, groene landschappen. Af en toe moet je zelf een slagboom openen, wat de beleving alleen maar leuker maakt. De karretjes kunnen een kleine opfrisbeurt gebruiken maar werken nog zoals het hoort.