La Marcel Jourde, Balade en vélo vintage en Limousin — ©La Marcel Jourde, Balade en vélo vintage|Vélo Rétro 87

The spring cycling eventThe Marcel JourdeVintage bike ride in Limousin

The Marcel Jourde bike ride

Situated just a stone’s throw from Saint-Léonard de Noblat, the adopted home of the late cycling champion Raymond Poulidor, the small village of Royères comes alive with cycling and vintage every spring. 🚲

In April, hundreds of cycling enthusiasts take to the back roads of the Haute-Vienne for the “Marcel Jourde”, a vintage bike ride organised by the “Vélo Rétro 87” association. 🤩

Antique Jourde, Alcyon, Mercier and Peugeot bicycles are being brought out of the attics, vintage outfits are being starched and calves are being warmed up to tackle the gradients of the Limousin! It’s a show not to be missed on Saturday 18 April 2026, unless you actually take part! 🚵🏻

©La Marcel Jourde Balade En Velo Vintage Et Tenue Depique En Limousinveloretro87|Vélo Rétro 87

What is the Marcel Jourde?

The Marcel Jourde is a unique event in Limousin. In spring, around a hundred cyclists from all over France come to the village of Royères for a friendly ride on vintage bikes and period outfits. 🚴

With the peaceful countryside of the Limousin as their backdrop, our nostalgic cyclists put on a retro show as they cruise the beautiful countryside and magnificent little hilly roads surrounded by greenery, meadows and streams around Royères and Saint-Léonard de Noblat… All in a friendly atmosphere and to the tunes of the musette! 🪗

DID YOU KNOW?

Do you know Jourde bikes? In Limoges from the 70s to the 90s, Marie and Marcel Jourde designed made-to-measure bikes for cycling enthusiasts and champions: Luc Leblanc, Michel Dupuytren, De Carvalho… With this race, a tribute is being paid to these true cycle craftsmen and to all lovers of vintage bikes! 🙏

Will you be joining us?

Come on, the good weather’s coming, it’s time to get your bike ready for the “Marcel Jourde”! Remember your old bike, the one that hangs in your garage or attic, that has kept your DNA, your suffering, your sweat, but also your memories? It doesn’t matter if the chamois on your cycling shorts has worn out, or if your woollen jersey has shrunk again… we look forward to seeing you on 18 April 2026 for this friendly ride in Royères, between Saint-Léonard de Noblat and Limoges. 💚

The routes will be signposted, and the pace free, with no speed restrictions. And if you walk up a few hills… shhh, we won’t say a word! 🤫

©The Marcel Jourde Vintage Bike Ride In Limousinveloretro87|Vélo Rétro 87

Marcel Jourde is also...

You’re not keen on cycling or your calves are on strike? No problem! Come along to enjoy the show and cheer on our one-day cycle racers perched on their ancient and mythical bicycles. 🤩

Every year, there are a number of events and exhibitions for visitors to enjoy: 🎉

an exhibition of Marcel Jourde bicycles
a tribute to Raymond Poulidor and the cycling champions of the Limousin era
the Tour de France staged by Patrick Bardet with his little bikes
the discovery of the Grand Bi
vintage cars…

Practical info

The spring cycling event

The Marcel Jourde takes place every year in spring, during the month ofApril, in the small village of Royères, a stone’s throw from Saint-Léonard de Noblat. ➔ Next edition on Saturday 18 April 2026

Come by bike... or on foot!

Registration required for cyclists and their bicycles from the 1920s to 1985

Free access to the Marcel Jourde for spectators

What we like...

The Marcel Jourde is all about festive atmosphere, the authentic world of cycling, friendly participants with a retro look, entertainment for young and old…

🚲 Relive the Marcel Jourde 2025 in video... rainy but happy!

Practical information

Address

Le Bourg, Royères

Opening times

On 18 April 2026