Camping Parc de Vaux, your base for exploring the area
There’s something special about arriving somewhere by bike or on foot. You’ve earned the view kilometer by kilometer. Your legs have worked hard. And the moment you set down your bag and finally sit down takes on a whole new meaning.
Camping Parc de Vaux is perfect for that. Ideally located along the Vélo Francette route in Ambrières-les-Vallées, in the heart of the Mayenne region, it welcomes cycle tourists on long-distance trips, families on bike vacations, and hikers—whether on loop trails or just passing through—every season. The atmosphere is laid-back, the setting is peaceful, and the accommodations cater to all preferences—from the most basic to the most comfortable.
La Vélo Francette: An Exceptional Route in Mayenne
The Vélo Francette is a cycling route that connects the Ardennes to La Rochelle, winding through several French valleys. In Mayenne, the route follows the Mayenne River and passes through Ambrières-les-Vallées, offering a particularly pleasant stretch between Domfront to the north and Mayenne to the south.
This section—Domfront–Ambrières-les-Vallées–Mayenne—is accessible, well-marked, and follows, in part, a former railroad line that has been converted into a greenway. The terrain is gentle, and the landscapes are varied: the Mayenne bocage, steep-sided valleys, shaded riverbanks, and charming villages.
This is a route that’s suitable for families with children, as well as for solo travelers or couples on a multi-day trip. The campground is located right along the route, making it a natural, convenient, and comfortable stopover.
Camping: The Perfect Stopover for Cyclists
Cyclists have specific needs. A place to dry off, store their gear, and recharge their batteries—both literally and figuratively. Camping Parc de Vaux is designed to welcome them in the best possible conditions.
For cycle tourists traveling light, bivouac cabins and canvas bungalows offer simple, affordable accommodations without having to carry all the amenities of a cabin. For those traveling with family or who prefer a little more comfort after a long day’s ride, cabins and mobile homes are available with all the necessary amenities.
The campground also offers spacious campsites (80 to 110 m²) for those traveling with their own tent or RV.
→ Discover accommodations suitable for cyclists
Hiking around Ambrières-les-Vallées
The campground is also an excellent starting point for hikers. Marked hiking trails begin just a few minutes’ walk from the campsites, along the Varenne and Mayenne rivers. The available routes range from family-friendly loops accessible to everyone to more challenging hikes through the gorges and up into the hills of the bocage.
The landscapes are typical of northern Mayenne: meadows and hedgerows, sunken paths, old bridges over small rivers, and villages with their washhouses and chapels. A gentle, unhurried landscape that invites you to walk at a leisurely pace.
Maps and trail guides are available at the campground’s front desk. The Mayenne Tourist Office also offers progressive hiking trails around the lake and through the valleys.
Walking and biking trails starting from the campground
Here are a few ideas for outings from the campground, depending on the weather and what you feel like doing:
Family walking tour (1 to 2 hours) — Starts at the campground, following the Varenne River to the first meadows. The path is flat and accessible with all-terrain strollers or for children ages 5–6 and up.
Bike Tour Around Lake Haute Mayenne (Half-Day) — The 123-hectare lake is perfect for a loop bike ride, offering panoramic views and designated rest areas. The Tourist Office provides the route map.
Francette to Domfront Cycling Stage (one day) — The medieval town of Domfront is about a 40-minute drive away and makes for a lovely cycling stop for those who want to explore the Normandy bocage while staying on the route. Castle ruins, half-timbered houses, and panoramic views of the countryside.
Trip to Mayenne (half-day to full day) — In the opposite direction, the town of Mayenne is 10 km away. The ride along the greenway is pleasant and takes you to the Carolingian castle-museum, the basilica, and the historic center.
Bicycle Rental
If you’re traveling without a bike, you can rent one from local partners. Ask at the campground reception desk to find out which providers are available during the season.
Practical Information
Route: La Vélo Francette, Domfront–Ambrières-les-Vallées–Mayenne section
Access: A few hundred meters from the campground
Difficulty: Suitable for all, gentle terrain, partially on a greenway
Hiking: Marked trails starting from the campground; maps available at the front desk
Accommodations for cyclists: Bivouac cabins, canvas bungalows, bare campsites Bike
rentals: To be confirmed at the front desk
Book your stop on the Vélo Francette
Whether you’re just stopping by for one night or want to stay for a few days to explore the region by bike or on foot, Camping Parc de Vaux welcomes you to a natural setting along the river.
See also: On-site swimming pool and sports facilities · Lake Haute Mayenne · Domfront, a medieval town · Accommodations
