What about heading out for an adventure on the Way of Saint James by bike, rather than on foot? Experience this iconic pilgrimage route, also known as the Camino de Santiago, with the irresistible freedom offered by cycling! The world-famous cycle route crosses through part of the Loire Valley, notably the famous city of Tours!
SAINT-JACQUES À VÉLO VIA THE LOIRE VALLEY: THE STAGES
Are you dreaming of a bike tour with extra soul? No need to look any further! Saint-Jacques à Vélo is the perfect way to immerse yourself the exceptional Loire Valley landscape, by pedalling the trails walked by thousands of pilgrims and hikers. This cycle route includes the famous “Tours Way”(cycle route V41), which traverses the Loire Valley from north to south.
You’ll pass through Tours and Chartres in the first section of the itinerary, which have always been classic stops on the journey to Santiago de Compostela. It’s no wonder that the Tours Way is nicknamed the “Great Way of Saint-James”! This route has been used by countless European pilgrims since the 4th century. Nowadays, it is the path in the Camino most often used by cyclists in France! Along the way, stop in Chançay to visit the gardens at the Château of Valmer and its troglodytic chapel, in Vouvray to taste wine, or in Tours to admire the splendid Saint-Gatien Cathedral, a must-see!
Leaving from Tours, cycle route V41 connects with the Scandibérique and continues south of the Loire Valley. Make sure you stop off at Montbazon to visit the fortress, where you’ll find the oldest keep in France, and in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, famous for its delicious goat’s cheese!
PLAN YOUR ITINERARY ALONG SAINT-JACQUES À VÉLO
The Loire section of the Way of Saint James is easy to access thanks to the various TGV train stations. It can be travelled by bike in two to four days, depending on the itinerary chosen and the stops that you plan to make. It takes 94 km for the stage from Vendôme to Tours, and 84 km to continue to Châtellerault. Divide it up as you see fit!
Like all cycle routes that run through the Loire Valley, Saint-Jacques à Vélo is located in an environment that’s highly suitable for cycle touring. Here, two-wheeled getaways are practically a religion! The low level of elevation, the services close to the route (accommodation, restaurants, bike rentals, tourist offices, etc.) with many bearing the Accueil Vélo label, and of course, the easy-going pace of life in the Loire region… there’s plenty to enjoy! Don’t forget to take all the necessary supplies with you: rain gear (in case of showers), bike paniers (rather than a backpack), water bottles and a few snacks!
Like all cycle routes that run through the Loire Valley, Saint-Jacques à Vélo is located in an environment that’s highly suitable for cycle touring. Here, two-wheeled getaways are practically a religion! The low level of elevation, the services close to the route (accommodation, restaurants, bike rentals, tourist offices, etc.) with many bearing the Accueil Vélo label, and of course, the easy-going pace of life in the Loire region… there’s plenty to enjoy! Don’t forget to take all the necessary supplies with you: rain gear (in case of showers), bike paniers (rather than a backpack), water bottles and a few snacks!
Saint-Jacques à Vélo via Tours features paths that are easy for all ages, so it’s perfect for a family bike ride. It’s well sign-posted, so you don’t need to memorise your route by heart. All you need to do is follow the “Via Chartres” and “Via Tours” logos when you see an intersection! Indeed, the path crosses a number of other bike routes, like the Véloscénie, La Vallée du Loir à Vélo, La Loire à Vélo and L’Indre à Vélo. Why not choose one of them for your next trip?
DISCOVER OTHER BIKE ITINERARIES IN THE LOIRE VALLEY!
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