LA LOIRE A VELO: AN EXCEPTIONAL CYCLE TOURISM ROUTE
La Loire à Vélo is France’s unmissable bike route! It’s the perfect way to discover the treasures of the Loire Valley, including picturesque towns and villages, exceptional natural sites, beautiful gardens and remarkable historic monuments. Create your own circuit from the 900 km of routes in total and enjoy all the Loire’s wonderful sites in total liberty!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LA LOIRE À VÉLO
AN UNMISSABLE BIKE ITINERARY IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
One of the main strengths of La Loire à Vélo is that it features 900 km of bike paths, criss-crossing all over the Loire Valley! Enjoy the opportunity to pass through and visit a whole range of iconic cities, including Gien, Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, and Chinon. Following the direction of the river, the route begins in Cuffy (near Nevers) in Cher and arrives in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins in Loire-Atlantique.
WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE STAGES OF LA LOIRE À VÉLO IN THE LOIRE VALLEY?
Riding along La Loire à Vélo means diving into the heart of incredible, UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscapes. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the views, a perfect blend of nature in its purest state and architectural treasures…
In the Loire Valley, this itinerary will of course take you to discover the most beautiful Loire châteaux. Highlights include the Domain of Chambord, which contains an architectural treasure, unique natural spaces where you might hear the roar of a stag in the right season, and the Royal Château of Amboise, where you can follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci to the Château of Le Clos Lucé. During your trip, make sure you pause to admire other iconic sites, like the Château of Sully-sur-Loire, the Château of Blois, the Château of Cheverny and the Château of Chenonceau. Lastly, stop off at the Château of Villandry to stroll through its incredible gardens!
WHO IS LA LOIRE À VÉLO FOR?
La Loire à Vélo is suitable for everyone, with only 190 metres of elevation along its 900 km (including variants and branches). The itinerary was designed to allow cyclists to safely go at their own pace with no difficulties, no matter their age or level.
If you are planning family holidays, don’t worry, all you need to do is adapt the number of kilometres in each stage in line with the age of your children. Opt for short stages, between 5 and 20 km, to give yourself time to visit the must-see spots and enjoy fun activities. So let’s go, everyone!
ORGANISING YOUR TRIP ALONG LA LOIRE À VÉLO
WHAT PERIOD IS BEST FOR RIDING ON LA LOIRE À VÉLO?
Spring is undoubtedly the best season for bike rides. The temperature is mild and there are fewer cyclists than in summer. But you can enjoy La Loire à Vélo at any time of year, and each season reveals its own joys as you ride along. In summer, for example, revel in the smell of flowers, sap, wild herbs and fields of wheat on the air. In autumn, you can admire the changing landscapes with fiery, golden tones, and hear the call of stags in certain woods and forests. Winter uncovers another side of the Loire, more authentic and peaceful, and you can also enjoy seasonal local products after a day of effort, like Sologne truffles!
HOW TO BEST PLAN YOUR TRIP ON LA LOIRE À VÉLO?
If you are planning this type of trip for the first time, opt for relatively short stages, 30 to 40 kilometres maximum. Before you leave, plan each day by creating a personalised itinerary or following a themed route.
Thanks to the La Loire à Vélo cycle paths, you can easily avoid busy roads and opt for secure bike paths. It’s also a good idea to book your accommodation in advance if you can. Many establishments offer specific services for bikes, with parking under shelter, repair kits, etc. Everything you need to fully recharge your batteries!
STAYING NEAR LA LOIRE À VÉLO
There are many quality accommodation options along La Loire à Vélo. Less than 5 km from the cycle tourism route, you can easily find hotels, campsites, guest rooms, furnished accommodation, holiday parks and villages. It’s up to you to choose whether to disconnect surrounded by nature or treat yourself to the château experience, for a well-deserved night’s rest!
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR TRIP ON LA LOIRE À VÉLO?
Even if your legs will be your most precious tools as you advance along your itinerary, you will still need a few pieces of equipment to be ready for the unexpected! Take a repair kit in case of a puncture, with a few tools (chain whip, tire levers, chain pin removal tool, patch kit, spare inner tube, multitool, etc.). Don’t forget to bring suitable shoes and clothes for the weather, which can vary throughout the day!
Always keep a little first aid kit, water and high-energy snacks in case you get tired.
And here’s a tip: don’t forget to download GPX maps on your smartphone in case you don’t have any service – you can thank us later!
Lastly, remember that it is mandatory for children under 12 to wear a helmet, and we strongly advise that everyone does so!
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR LA LOIRE À VÉLO
All throughout your journey along La Loire à Vélo, you can access accommodation and services specifically designed for cycle tourists. There are many facilities offering bike rental and repair services, as well as luggage transfer, for example.
Lastly, there is the Loire à Vélo train, specially designed for bikes, to help you get around when accessing the itinerary or between stages! During the high season, there is a specific service with boarding assistance and more places available. This service is free upon reservation. Otherwise, you can also take a regional TER train or bus!
