Accueil Discover By bike Cycle itineraries: routes and outings in the Loire Valley
Explore the Loire châteaux, observe the flora and fauna, immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the forests or discover the various national regional parks… There is no shortage of treasures to be enjoyed, scattered along the royal river, with the many bike paths designed in the Loire Valley. Here are a few cycle tourism routes and outings that you shouldn’t miss!
LES CHÂTEAUX À VÉLO: EXCEPTIONAL ITINERARIES
Les Châteaux à Vélo is not one but multiple itineraries connected to La Loire à Vélo, the quintessential French cycle path. There’s plenty to satisfy both avid bike lovers and those who are simply curious! Across a total of 500 km of cycle paths, you can pick from 15 routes of approximately 10 to 45 km. Some of the finest Loire châteaux await you, such as Chambord, Cheverny, Blois and Chaumont-sur-Loire, as well as more intimate estates like Beauregard, Troussay and Villesavin. Along the way, you can enjoy the sight of captivating landscapes in Sologne, Loire vineyards and the most beautiful villages in the Loire Valley.
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
FOREST OF ORLÉANS AND LA SOLOGNE À VÉLO
Jump on your bike and discover the landscapes surrounding Orléans, between the biggest national forest in France and the fabulous lakes of Sologne! To explore Sologne, you can choose between nine routes leaving from Orléans, ranging from 11 to 40 km. Along the 205 kilometres of cycle paths, you can admire many incredible sights, including the Notre-Dame Basilica in Cléry-Saint-André, the vineyards of Orléans featuring vines and orchards, the archaeological sites of Vienne-en-Val, as well as remarkable gardens.
C. Mouton – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Lezbroz Teddy Verneuil
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
LA TOURAINE À VÉLO
Whether you choose a ride of a couple of hours or a route of several days, Touraine is also full of delightful bike paths, taking you through woods, prairies, picturesque villages and more…
Jb Rabouan
These bike routes are safe and signposted, making them ideal and generally suitable for families who wish to avoid too many hills (and understandably so). There are around fifty options available. Highlights include the Château of Langeais (bike path no. 30, “D’Art et d’Argile”), the Manoir de la Possonnière (birthplace of Pierre de Ronsard) and the appellations of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil (bike path no. 23, “Ronsard au bord du Loir”), as well as the Troglodyte Valley of the Goupillières and the Balzac Museum (bike path no. 18, “De l’osier au panier”).Balzac Museum (bike path no. 18, “De l’osier au panier”).
Le Perche à vélo
Explore Perche by bike or mountain bike along winding, wooded paths! Here, there are a few more hills than in Touraine, but most of the 14 bike paths are suitable for families. Some are also easily accessible from the Véloscénie.
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Experience a land of beautiful residences, including manor houses and typical Perche hamlets, where you can stop to thrift if you have a taste for vintage, second-hand items. Cross through splendid landscapes, featuring fields and green prairies followed by wooded hills and orchards. If you are passing nearby, visit the impressive Château of Nogent-le-Rotrou and take a stroll in the lovely garden.
La Brenne à vélo
The Regional Nature Park of Brenne is like a little paradise on Earth. By exploring the various bike itineraries on offer, cycle tourists can discover its biodiversity — the site is home to approximately 2,300 animal species — and also experience the area’s cultural heritage in its villages and churches.
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
LA BRENNE À VÉLO
Depending on the route you choose, you can discover the Suin Valley along a hilly, rural path, or the wooded countryside in Abloux Valley, through the Regional Nature Park of Brenne, full of verdant scenery. If you’re not afraid of a bit of climbing, don’t miss the hillocks of Brenne, famous domes of red sandstone that are said to have been created when the giant Gargantua came through the area!
OTHER BIKE ITINERARIES IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
If you have already done all the routes and rides offered above, hats off to you! These itineraries are only a snapshot of cycle tourism in the Loire Valley. There are many other routes, through which you can discover the Loir Valley, Gien or the Loire river in Berry, for example. Time for you to create your own adventures… by bike of course!
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
