About cycling & running in NiortNiort Training Notes
Running: Locals run the Sèvre Niortaise edge when they want easy rhythm and a clean head. Run In Niort keeps the scene organized at Stade des Gardoux, with running sessions on Wednesdays at 18:00 and Fridays at 18:00. AS RUN IN NIORT welcomes runners, Nordic walkers, and fast walkers of all levels, with work on tracks, roads, and trails. Les fous des Gardoux, Les Pierre et Pierrette, Les Rameurs, and Les Finishers give the club its local flavor. The club runs a 37 km route with 822m of gain. Les gazelles de niort, Ekiden 79, and Semi-marathon coulée verte make good anchor targets.
Cycling: Locals ride toward the Marais Poitevin when Z2 is the job. La Vélo Francette keeps you close to the water’s edge, following the meanders of the Sèvre Niortaise River between Niort and Coulon. The Niort to Coulon stage runs 17 km and uses 71% cycle path and 29% road. Vélo Club Niortais gives riders a sporty and friendly bunch, whether you want training or simple group miles. BREVET VCN 2026 gives the club a real anchor event with 77 km or 100 km routes in Gatîne. The climbing hides in longer days, with “white paths,” winding valleys, and sometimes steep valleys doing the work.
Season: Niort keeps training simple when the weather plays nice, and locals just stack base miles on the river, the towpaths, and the marked village links. The brief does not pin down best months, so the safest rule is to follow the club calendar and build around the March BREVET VCN and the local running races. Runners can keep intervals near Stade des Gardoux. Winter changes the feel more than the map, and locals lean on club sessions, road loops, trails, Nordic walking, and steadier Z2.
