Two days of cycling between Loire châteaux
The Loire à Vélo itinerary winds its way through the Loire Valley across a distance of 900 kilometres. If you enjoy the combination of travel, nature and visiting châteaux, these two 2-day cycle routes will enable you to experience a different facet of the Loire Valley.
Two days of cycling, from Sully-sur-Loire to Blois
Two possible transport options are available to reach the route’s starting point at the Château of Sully-sur-Loire. The first is by car (with or without your own bike), which you can leave at the château. The second option is by train, travelling from Paris-Bercy station to Gien, from where you would need to arrange a taxi to get to Sully-sur-Loire.
If you’re not planning on bringing your own bike, you will need to hire one before starting the trip.
During the season (from April to late-September) it is possible to travel by bus with your bike between Gien and Orléans (Rémi bus network - line 3). For further information on days and timetables.
Day 1
Morning: Château of Sully-sur-Loire and the Abbey of St-Benoît-sur-Loire
Appearing as if it has come straight out of the Middle Ages, the Château of Sully-sur-Loire seems to float on the surface of the water, with its impressive water-filled moats and colossal keep. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its majestic great hall (covering 300m² with ceilings 7m high), the reconstruction of the king’s bedroom and the impressive Gothic woodwork in the upper room of the keep.
Following the Loire à Vélo route, cycle for an hour to Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (9km). Built around 630AD, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, also known as the “Abbey of Fleury”, is well worth a visit.
Lunch in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire
At lunchtime, enjoy a delicious lunch at the “Grand Saint-Benoît” restaurant, offering a mix of traditional and more inventive cuisine.
Afternoon: Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire to Jargeau
After lunch, enjoy a 2hr cycle ride (22km) to Jargeau, continuing along the Loire à Vélo route.
Make sure you stop at the Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, which is proud of its status as the oldest church in France.
As you cycle towards Jargeau, make a stop at Sigloy where the river takes over from the road as you take to the water on a 90min trip on a traditional Loire river boat, operated by the Passeurs de Loire company. Once back on dry land, continue to Jargeau, where you will end your day’s exertions.
Dinner and night in Jargeau
Have dinner and spend the night in the “Le Cheval Blanc” hotel-restaurant.
Day 2
Morning: Orléans via La Loire à Vélo
Continue your journey along La Loire à Vélo this morning, cycling for two hours to Orléans (20km). At Orléans train station, board a train with your bike for the 1hr journey to Blois.
Lunch in Blois
At lunchtime, choose from three restaurants for some fine dining along the banks of the Loire: the “Côté Loire”, a charming small 16th-century house which once played host to Madame de Sévigné; the “Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs”, run by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Cosme; or “L’embarcadère”, with its terrace overlooking the river.
Afternoon: Royal Château of Blois
From its lofty position on top of a rocky promontory, the Royal Château of Blois keeps watch over the Loire and the town, which has had royal connections since way back in the 16th century. Boasting the majestic facade of the Francis I wing and its attractive courtyard, home to the monumental Francis I staircase, the château’s exterior cuts a fascinating appearance. Inside, its rooms are no less impressive, epitomised by the sumptuous royal apartments.
Continue your journey of discovery along the banks of the Loire and through the historic centre of Blois, a town with myriad architectural treasures such as the Saint-Nicolas church (with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture) and the Gothic-style Saint-Louis cathedral, with its Renaissance-style tower.
If you’re not planning on bringing your own bike, you will need to hire one before starting the trip.
During the season (from April to late-September) it is possible to travel by bus with your bike between Gien and Orléans (Rémi bus network - line 3). For further information on days and timetables.
Day 1
Morning: Château of Sully-sur-Loire and the Abbey of St-Benoît-sur-Loire
Appearing as if it has come straight out of the Middle Ages, the Château of Sully-sur-Loire seems to float on the surface of the water, with its impressive water-filled moats and colossal keep. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its majestic great hall (covering 300m² with ceilings 7m high), the reconstruction of the king’s bedroom and the impressive Gothic woodwork in the upper room of the keep.
Following the Loire à Vélo route, cycle for an hour to Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire (9km). Built around 630AD, the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, also known as the “Abbey of Fleury”, is well worth a visit.
Lunch in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire
At lunchtime, enjoy a delicious lunch at the “Grand Saint-Benoît” restaurant, offering a mix of traditional and more inventive cuisine.
Afternoon: Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire to Jargeau
After lunch, enjoy a 2hr cycle ride (22km) to Jargeau, continuing along the Loire à Vélo route.
Make sure you stop at the Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, which is proud of its status as the oldest church in France.
As you cycle towards Jargeau, make a stop at Sigloy where the river takes over from the road as you take to the water on a 90min trip on a traditional Loire river boat, operated by the Passeurs de Loire company. Once back on dry land, continue to Jargeau, where you will end your day’s exertions.
Dinner and night in Jargeau
Have dinner and spend the night in the “Le Cheval Blanc” hotel-restaurant.
Day 2
Morning: Orléans via La Loire à Vélo
Continue your journey along La Loire à Vélo this morning, cycling for two hours to Orléans (20km). At Orléans train station, board a train with your bike for the 1hr journey to Blois.
Lunch in Blois
At lunchtime, choose from three restaurants for some fine dining along the banks of the Loire: the “Côté Loire”, a charming small 16th-century house which once played host to Madame de Sévigné; the “Rendez-vous des Pêcheurs”, run by Michelin-starred chef Christophe Cosme; or “L’embarcadère”, with its terrace overlooking the river.
Afternoon: Royal Château of Blois
From its lofty position on top of a rocky promontory, the Royal Château of Blois keeps watch over the Loire and the town, which has had royal connections since way back in the 16th century. Boasting the majestic facade of the Francis I wing and its attractive courtyard, home to the monumental Francis I staircase, the château’s exterior cuts a fascinating appearance. Inside, its rooms are no less impressive, epitomised by the sumptuous royal apartments.
Continue your journey of discovery along the banks of the Loire and through the historic centre of Blois, a town with myriad architectural treasures such as the Saint-Nicolas church (with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture) and the Gothic-style Saint-Louis cathedral, with its Renaissance-style tower.