The Loire Cycle Route
Short & Sweet: The Loire Cycle Route
- Length
approx 700 km - Topography
Altitude profile ●●○○○
Overall, only a few climbs, sometimes slightly hilly, rarely strong climbs. - Signage
Mostly uniform with green bordered signs, which are provided with the logo La Loire à vélo. Since the Loire Cycle Route is still partly under development, there are sections that are marked with temporary signs. - Quality
Mostly on quiet asphalt country roads. Rarely graveled bike paths or unpaved shoreline trails. About a third of the way leads a bit off the Loire through fields, meadows and forests.
Please note!
At dusk, at night and in poor visibility, a reflective high-visibility vest must be worn in France!
A bicycle helmet obligation exists for children under 12 years. For safety reasons, we generally recommend that all cyclists wear a helmet.
Signpost Loire Cycle Route
On the road from Nevers to the Atlantic
The Loire Cycle Route begins near Nevers, famous for its porcelain manufactory. Before reaching Orléans, you will pass the canal bridge of Briare and approach the Loire Valley, which begins near Sully-sur-Loire. Orléans, located at the northernmost point of the Loire, is world famous for the French national heroine Joan of Arc and its picturesque medieval old town. Now you're right in the middle of the Valley of the Loire – the Garden of France. Numerous chateaux and castles await you. Pay a visit to the outstanding castles of Chambord, Chenonceau and d'Azay-le-Rideau. Explore the old town of Tours and get to know the pearl of Anjou – medieval Saumur. Before you leave the Loire Valley behind, visit Angers. The mix of rich architectural heritage and lived French lifestyle make this city particularly interesting. You will already feel the maritime influence of the Atlantic Ocean in Nantes. The former capital of Brittany welcomes you with its liveliness and cultural diversity. In the port city of Saint-Nazaire you have made it – you are at the Atlantic Ocean! The city's 20 beaches invite you to do nothing. Alternatively, cycle a few kilometers further to the Guérande Peninsula. The small seaside resort of Mesquer-Quimiac exudes just as much charm as the picturesque coast of the Côte Sauvage.
Our tip: From Tours on the Loire Cycle Path to the Atlantic, in eight days.
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Travel season
Between April and October is the best time to cycle on the Loire Cycle Route. In April and May, fewer tourists find their way to the Loire – quite in contrast to the months of July and August. During this period, the river and the region are a very popular tourist destination. The Loire Valley can get hot during the summer months. However, the Atlantic wind flowing inland provides more pleasant temperatures. From September onwards it becomes calmer. With an average of 20 degrees and consistent weather, you can enjoy your cycling trip along the Loire in early autumn. An ideal time to try one of the new Loire wines from Anjou or Touraine.
Getting there
If you are going on a bike tour with your own bicycle, traveling by car or train is optimal. The tour start points of Tours, Orléans, Saumur and Paris are accessible via the well-developed rail and road network. Please note that the French highways are subject to tolls! And: In the Paris metropolitan region, foreign vehicles are subject to an environmental vignette! If you are traveling by train, please inquire in advance whether your chosen connection allows you to take your bicycle with you. If you want to travel by plane and rent a bike on site, use the airports in or around Paris. From there, you can easily reach all major towns on the Loire by train. Paris is also accessible by long-distance bus.
Cyclist in Paris
Shortcuts
Should the weather not play along once or you want to skip a day on the bike, between Orléans and Saint-Nazaire there is the possibility to shorten the respective stage by train. Bicycle transport is possible to a limited extent. From about mid-June to the end of August, a separate train service is available from Orléans to La Croisic on the Atlantic Ocean. The Train Vélo Loire will take your bike for free. Please inquire in advance about departure times and modalities. The rail connection between Nevers and Orléans turns out to be a bit more difficult. The rail line only runs from Nevers to Gien. To get from Gien to Orléans, you have to expect several changes.
The closer you get to the Atlantic coast, you have to expect an increasing headwind. If the headwind becomes too strong for you, the train is just as useful a shortcut.
Saumur castle
For whom is the Loire Cycle Route suitable?
The Loire Cycle Route is well suited for the experienced but also inexperienced cyclist, for families with older children and teenagers. Intermittent climbs and long stages are not advisable for young children who are to cycle themselves. A child trailer is recommended here. Organize your trip yourself, dividing up the stage lengths in advance. You can best estimate how fit you, your fellow travelers and children are. Along the way, many rest areas and picnic benches invite you to take a break.
The Loire Cycle Route is ideal for culture lovers who are interested in the history and stories of the Loire castles far from the big cities. Countless wineries along the Loire make the heart of every wine lover beat faster. Nature lovers have plenty of opportunity to get to know the flora and fauna off the Loire Cycle Route in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine nature park or in the Val de Loire nature reserve. For racing cyclists the Loire Cycle Route is suitable only conditionally. The bike path is not asphalted throughout. Likewise, expect restrictions due to a high number of cyclists.
