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The Loire Valley by bike
style :
Level :
Duration :
15 days
Comfort :
period:
Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Code:
FRSB480
The Loire Valley by bike
The Loire Valley by bike
From Nevers to Atlantic Coast in 15 days
- Challenge yourself cycling the whole of the `Loire a Veló´ Route
- Enjoy the varied lanscapes form the wild riverbanks, great engineering works and the final Atlantic coast destination
- Visit castles, fortified towns and an ancient abbeys
- Try different regional dishes accompanied by delicious local wines
- Discover the essence of the Loire Valley and its people
View map
ROUTE
Start: Nevers Finish: St -Nazaire
Day 1: Arrival in Nevers
Day 2: Nevers - La-Charité-sur-Loire (45 km / 28 mi)
Day 3: La-Charité-sur-Loire - Sancerre (27 km / 17 mi)
Day 4: Sancerre - Briare (54 km / 33,5 mi)
Day 5: Briare - Sully-sur-Loire (38 km / 23,5 mi)
Day 6: Sully-sur-Loire - Orléans (51 km / 31,5 mi)
Day 7: Orléans - Blois (64 km / 40mi)
Day 8: Blois to Amboise (43 km / 26,5 mi)
Day 9: Amboise - Villandry (50 km / 31 mi)
Day 10: Villandry - Saumur (64 km / 40 mi)
Day 11: Saumur - Angers (59 km / 37 mi)
Day 12: Angers - St-Florent-le-Vieil (51 km / 32 mi)
Day 13: St-Florent-le-Vieil - Nantes (56 km / 35 mi)
Day 14: Nantes - St-Brévin-les-Pins (58 km / 36 mi)
Day 15: Departure from St-Brevin-les-Pins/St -Nazaire
Day 1: Arrival in Nevers
You individually travel to Nevers. Check in at your hotel and take a walk through the charming town centre. Visit the potters, known for their faience pottery, a skill introduced by Italian craftsmen in the 16th century. Palais Ducal with its renaissance façade is also worth a visit. It’s one of the first castles that was built along the Loire. Nevers is a stop on the well known pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostella.
Day 2: Nevers - La-Charité-sur-Loire (45 km / 28 mi)
You leave the Burgundian town Nevers and you go on your way to the village Cuffy, the place where the Loire and the Allier unite. This is the official start of the long ‘Loire a Vélo’ route, 800 km / 497 mi in total, ending after 13 stages at the Atlantic Ocean. You go to the monastery town Charité-sur-Loire where you reach the magnificent Roman church ‘Notre Dame’ via the oldest bridge (16th cent) across the Loire. This monastery church, included in Unesco’s heritage, is certainly worth a visit.
Challenge: 45km / 28 mi, 26m ascent, 57m descent
Day 3: La-Charité-sur-Loire - Sancerre (27 km / 17 mi)
Cycle through the beautiful natural reserve ‘Loire Valley’ along vast, undulating vineyards. Admire the lovely bell tower/belfry of the church in Pouilly-sur-Loire. You go on through the woods and fields to the famous Sancerre wine region. Take a break on the way to taste a local wine grower’s (white) ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, of course this should be accompanied by a Chavignol goat’s cheese. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Loire Valley from Sancerre situated somewhat higher and dominated by its 15th cent donjon.
Challenge: 27 km / 17 mi, 171m ascent, 27m descent
Day 4: Sancerre - Briare (54 km / 33,5 mi)
Leave Sancerre via the tow path along the ‘Canal Latéral’ and go via Bannay to the flower town Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, beautifully situated on the right bank. Then go to Belleville-sur-Loire, Beaulieu-sur-Loire and finally the small town Briare. Admire the metal canal bridge, a monumental piece of hydraulic engineering, realized at the end of 19th cent. It bridges the Loire by a giant step and connects the 2 adjacent canals. With its 72 lampposts and decorated pilasters a beauty of former technique.
Challenge: 54km / 33,5 mi, 56m ascent, 213m descent
Day 5: Briare - Sully-sur-Loire (38 km / 23,5 mi)
Cross the Loire river via the canal bridge, the ‘Pont Canal de Briare’, and cycle to Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire with its medieval castle, specialized in catapults and cannons. This is followed by the lively town of Gien with its panoramic view. Here too is situated the castle of Anne de Beaujeu, built about 1500, and the beautiful 18th cent bridge with 12 pillars. Your destination is Sully-sur-Loire with again a remarkable medieval castle, completely surrounded by canals/moats and with a gorgeous view of the river.
Challenge: 38km / 23,5 mi, 99m ascent, 114m descent
Day 6: Sully-sur-Loire - Orléans (51 km / 31,5 mi)
Today on your way to Orléans. Enjoy the grand views on the way to Saint-Benoit.Once there visit the 11th-13th cent abbey that belongs to the most remarkable Roman churches in France. Then go to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, one of the important ports of the Loire in the 18th cent. You get the first sight of your destination: Orléans, the town of ‘art and history’, liberated from the English (rule) by Jeanne d’Arc. Be sure to take a walk through the beautiful, historic centre.
Challenge: 51km / 31,5 mi, 99m ascent, 112m descent
Day 7: Orléans - Blois (64 km / 40mi)
Once in the country you soon reach the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire. A great part of the day you follow the high banks with beautiful views of the surrounding undulating countryside. Don’t miss the historic towns Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency. These old towns and the modern power station of St. Laurent-des-Eaux very clearly show how important the Loire has always been. A wonderful, flat track takes you, in a very relaxed way, to the special and unique landscape of the world famous ‘Pays des Châteaux’.
Challenge: 64km / 40 mi, flat
Day 8: Blois to Amboise (43 km / 26,5 mi)
From Blois you follow the southern bank of the Loire. Between rolling hills with vineyards you cycle to Cande-sur-Beuvron. Cycle back along the Beuvron to the majestic Loire. High on the bank is the elegant castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire surrounded by beautiful gardens. You are in the historic region Touraine. Visit a wine grower and taste a local ‘sauvignon blanc´. Enjoy the grandeur of the Château Amboise and Clos-Lucé where Leonardo da Vinci once stayed. There are some short climbs on the way.
Challenge: 43km / 23,5 mi, flat
Day 9: Amboise - Villandry (50 km / 31 mi)
Today you go to the wine region of the prestigious ´Montlouis’ wines. The ideal microclimate, close to where the Loire and Cher unite, produces grapes of a unique quality. Discover this yourself during a visit to a wine cellar or a lunchbreak. A fine track leads to Tours, the friendly capital of what is called ´the garden of France´. Continue along the beautiful southern bank of the Cher to the castle of Villandry, with its gorgeous gardens. Here, close by the modest Cher flows out in the broad Loire.
Challenge: 50km / 31 mi, flat
Day 10: Villandry - Saumur (64 km / 40 mi)
Via the ‘Bec du Cher’ along the Loire to the Château of Ussé. On the high bank you have beautiful views of the river and its islands full of water birds. The landscape is unspoiled where the Indre flows out in the Loire. Enjoying the magnificent panoramas you go on to the lovely Candes-St-Martin where the Vienne and Loire confluent. This is Anjou, known for its wines and troglodytes. Choose the track close to the Loire or follow the higher, more exciting but also more strenuous track across the vineyards. Both end at the castle of Saumur.
Challenge: 64km / 40 mi, flat
Day 11: Saumur - Angers (59 km / 37 mi)
Go right along the southern bank of the river. Admire the monuments of local white tuff stone, such as the church in Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. Once in St-Mathurin-sur-Loire you follow the northern bank of the Loire through a former swamp that was drained in the Middle Ages. Some time later you see tracks of the old slate quarries of Trélazé. Then, taking a small ferry, you cross the Authion river. Faraway your destination Angers, situated on both sides of the river Maine, attracts your attention.
Challenge: 59km / 37 mi, 192m ascent, 190m descent
Day 12: Angers - St-Florent-le-Vieil (51 km / 32 mi)
You leave the busy town in a surprisingly calm way through a park like setting. Cycling along the river Maine you reach Bouchemaine, with pleasant restaurants and nice picnic places. Here the Maine flows out in the Loire. Somewhat more to the west the vineyards of Savennières and Coteaux du Layon begin. You cycle close to the river and cross the island of Chalonnes. Via calm tracks you reach the high Montjean-sur-Loire with beautiful views. In the charming St-Florent-le-Vieil you finally finish.
Challenge: 51km / 32 mi, 79m ascent, 98m descent
Day 13: St-Florent-le-Vieil - Nantes (56 km / 35 mi)
Start the day on the Mont Glonne with a great view of the Loire. Set off to the fortified Champtoceaux via calm roads and tracks, and have a go at a climb for a magnificent panorama. Here, in the department Loire-Atlantique you already begin to experience the influence of the Atlantic. The Muscadet vineyards on the islands and the fields with vegetables provide a variation in landscape. After Mauves-sur-Loire you notice the outlines of Nantes, the biggest and maybe the most attractive town on the Loire.
Challenge: 56km / 35 mi, 40m ascent, 52m descent
Day 14: Nantes - St-Brévin-les-Pins (58 km / 36 mi)
Surprising works of art at unusual places enliven the start of this trip along the mouth of the Loire. After Le Pellerin the Martinière canal is your guide. You cycle via small, quiet roads through landscapes belonging to the mouth of a big river: broad swampy areas and vast forelands. From Paimboeuf you follow a part of the coastal route ‘Velodyssey’ and you more and more notice the strong influence of tides and currents on the Loire. The end is in sight: St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic.
Challenge: 58km / 36 mi, flat
Day 15: Departure from St-Brevin-les-Pins/St -Nazaire
Breakfast marks the end of the trip.
STANDARD HOTELS
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
For more comfort, when it's possible we can upgrade the hotels with 3/4 * category (supplement applied).
B&B Côté parc / Côté jardin (Nevers)
This b&b has been created in a 1936 mansion, entirely renovated. It is ideally located in the city center of Nevers opposite Roger Salengro park. The house is located 100m from the Sainte-Bernadette shrine, and the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral are on the other side of the Park.
Hôtel Mille et une Feuilles** (La Charité-sur-Loire)
Located in the city of Charité-sur-Loire which is well known for its priory built in the 11th century and for being The city of books, this hotel have dedicated each room to a French writer. Inmers yourself in the heart of books and workd throgh a unique decoration.
Hôtel Le Panoramic*** (Sancerre)
Hotel Le Panoramic, with its breathtaking views over the Sancerre vineyards, it is like a real-life tableau that you will want to come and discover time and time again. A stone's throw from the old town of Sancerre and famous wine villages, such as Chavignol, the hotel is an integral part of its region and a proud representative of the local heritage.
Hotel Le Cerf ** (Briare)
On the banks of the Loire, on the borders of Berry and Puisaye, between the Valley of the Kings and the Sancerre vineyards, the lovely little village of Briare will be an ideal stopover for you. In the heart of the city, next to the marina, the hotel Le Cerf, affiliated with the "Logis de France", will welcome you in a friendly setting.
Hotel Closeraie *** (Sully-sur-Loire)
The three-star hotel, La Closeraie, is the result of the complete renovation of a 19th century house, a stone's throw from the moats of the Château de Sully sur Loire. Its owners welcome you in a cozy and warm atmosphere.
Hôtel Oceania Orléans *** (Orléans)
With its family history and strong Breton roots, Oceania Hotels is both a characterful and highly individual brand. Avoiding the standards of hotel chains, designing tailor-made spaces, transforming comfort into conviviality and offering truly unforgettable stays form nothing short of our daily commitments,
Hôtel Anne de Bretagne*** (Blois)
A charming hotel located a few steps from The Royal Château of Blois. In the heart of the historic center, the Hotel Anne de Bretagne (with its ivy clad walls) is located a few steps from The Royal Château of Blois. The ideal location for your stay with elegantly decorated rooms.
Hotel Le Chaptal** (Amboise)
Located in a quiet street in the centre of Amboise, Hotel Chaptal, with its architecture typical of the region, is an invitation to wander through the royal city, often referred to as the city of a thousand wonders. The Loire river is just 3 minutes away, Chateau d’Amboise and its wonderful gardens just 5 minutes away, Le Clos Lucé 10 minutes, and Chateau Gaillard a 15-minute walk.
Hotel Le Cheval Rouge*** (Villandry)
Hotel *** Restaurant 10 minutes from Tours. Located at the foot of the sumptuous gardens of Château de Villandry, Le Cheval Rouge welcomes you in a pleasant and friendly setting.
Hotel Ibis Styles Saumur Gare Centre*** (Saumur)
The hotel is ideally located opposite the train station, on the right bank of the Loire, and a 10-minute walk from the city center. Welcoming, modern and warm, with a comfortable bed and a functional bathroom, our rooms offer everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Hotel le Progrès *** (Angers)
In the middle of the Loire Valley, discover Angers, a cosmopolitan and cultural city. The hotel is located 5 min walk from the city center of Angers, Le Progrès offres you a pleasant and comfortable stay in a family atmosphere. Near the hotel you will find everything that makes the attractiveness of a city.
Hôtel Au Poisson d´Argent ( Le Mesnil en Vallée)
The Poisson d’Argent is an ideal halt between Nantes and Angers for cyclists who travel on the Loire à Vélo route. You will love our rooms overlooking the Loire and our restaurant with seafood specialties and fish. A Logis Hotel, the Poisson d’Argent proposes its business stopovers and half board formulas.
Hôtel Voltaire Opéra (Nantes)
Le Voltaire Opéra, a charming three-star independent boutique hotel, nestled in a beautiful 19th-century building in the heart of the Graslin district, welcomes you to a refined environment that blends chic and elegance.
Hotel le Petit Trianon ** (St-Brevin-les-Pins)
The hotel Le Petit Trianon is situated near the sea and the beach, even as the city centre, located in Saint Brévin les Pins. It offers a privileged location.
SELECT HOTELS
B&B Côté Jardin (Nevers)
This b&b has been created in a 1936 mansion, entirely renovated. It is ideally located in the city center of Nevers opposite Roger Salengro park. The house is located 100m from the Sainte-Bernadette shrine, and the Ducal Palace and the Cathedral are on the other side of the Park.
Hôtel Mille et une Feuilles** (La Charité-sur-Loire)
Located in the city of Charité-sur-Loire which is well known for its priory built in the 11th century and for being The city of books, this hotel have dedicated each room to a French writer. Inmers yourself in the heart of books and workd throgh a unique decoration.
Hôtel Le Panoramic*** (Sancerre)
Hotel Le Panoramic, with its breathtaking views over the Sancerre vineyards, it is like a real-life tableau that you will want to come and discover time and time again. A stone's throw from the old town of Sancerre and famous wine villages, such as Chavignol, the hotel is an integral part of its region and a proud representative of the local heritage.
Hôtel Domaine des Roches (Briare)
A true showcase nestled in the heart of a 13-hectare park of hundred-year-old trees, this former home of the founders of Briare enamels is a unique property, home to marvelous 19th century mosaics.
Hôtel Burgevin*** (Sully sur Loire)
Discover the hotel’s location, its proximity to the Loire river, the Sully-sur-Loire castle. Various activities such as hiking, cycling, hunting and fishing. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a course less than 3 km from the hotel.
Hôtel Oceania Orléans *** (Orléans)
With its family history and strong Breton roots, Oceania Hotels is both a characterful and highly individual brand. Avoiding the standards of hotel chains, designing tailor-made spaces, transforming comfort into conviviality and offering truly unforgettable stays form nothing short of our daily commitments,
Hôtel Mercure Blois Centre (Blois)
A perfectly renovated hotel with a unique handcrafted decoration. Located in the heart of the city centre, our hotel in Bles allows you to reach the royal castle, the Saint-Louis cathedral and the Maison de la Magie in just a few minutes on foot.
Hôtel Bellevue (Amboise)
At the feet of the Amboise Royal Castle, the Bellevue Hotel has an exceptional location in the heart of the historic center of the town. This offers you the opportunity to discover the castles of the Loire Valley and the rich heritage of Touraine. Also enjoy the “Lounge B.”, the hotel's wine bar and restaurant where you can relax in a casual atmosphere.
Hotel Auberge Le Colombien*** (Villandry)
Here, at the confluence of the Cher and the Loire, on the route of the Loire à Vélo, Sylvain and his team offer you a fine gourmet stopover with a traditional restaurant, a brasserie, a bar, terraces and cosy rooms. The welcome is warm and sincere, simple and authentic.
Hôtel Anne d'Anjou**** (Saumur)
Stay in a historic monument, admire the sunrise over the Loire, sleep in a room with Louis XVI decoration, relax in a jacuzzi while looking upon the Château of Saumur or even enjoy a gourmet and refined breakfast in a pleasant interior courtyard. The hotel Anne d’Anjou, The Originals Collection opens its doors to you for a stay you won’t forget!
Hotel de France**** (Angers)
Easily recognizable in Angers thanks to its Haussmannian facade, the Hotel de France is a hundred-year-old prestigious hotel establishment. This hotel has been owned for several generations by the Bouyer family who have been able to develop it and adapt to the needs of its customers.
Hôtel Au Poisson d´Argent ( Le Mesnil en Vallée)
The Poisson d’Argent is an ideal halt between Nantes and Angers for cyclists who travel on the Loire à Vélo route. You will love our rooms overlooking the Loire and our restaurant with seafood specialties and fish. A Logis Hotel, the Poisson d’Argent proposes its business stopovers and half board formulas.
Hotel Graslin*** (Nantes)
Located in the heart of the cultural center of Nantes, just a step away from the passage Pommeraye, of Cambronne Court and the Theatre, the Best Western Hotel Graslin will know how to seduce you by its refinement and its peaceful atmosphere.
Hotel le Petit Trianon ** (St-Brevin-les-Pins)
The hotel Le Petit Trianon is situated near the sea and the beach, even as the city centre, located in Saint Brévin les Pins. It offers a privileged location.
PRACTICAL INFO
You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April and October.
The international Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the north and Orly in the south are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to Nevers, see below.
Arrival in Nevers
From Paris, you can take a train to Nevers (approx. 2h). For time tables and further information look at the website of the SNCF or TER-SNCF
Departure from Saint-Nazaire
On the end of your trip you can take a train from Saint-Nazaire. For time tables and further information look at the website of the SNCF or TER-SNCF
From Paris to Nevers (approx. 2h40 - 250 km/155 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
Parking informations on request
HYBRID RENTAL BIKE
VELO DE VILLE, 21 speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
ELECTRIC BIKE RENTAL
ARCADE E-Bike 7 speed, system Bosch 400WH
The bikes come with pannier, handebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
INCLUDED
Included
- 14 nights' accommodation with breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
- Access to the trip in GUIBO, the digital guidebook and navigation App
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Transport to first and from last accommodation
- Trains, busses or any transport wherever necessary
- Other Lunches & Dinners
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, additional transfers, etc
- Hybrid bike rental
Extras
- Single Room Supplement
- Solo Traveller Supplement
- Upgrade Supplement hotels 3/4*
- Additional nights
- Transfer to first and from last accommodation
- Hybrid bike rental
- E-bike supplement
- Shipment of printed documents to the first accommodation
REVIEWS
The Loire Valley by bike
Contact
-
Edificio Sovega bajo, Crta General s/n
33554 Arenas de Cabrales
Asturias , Spaininfo@s-capetravel.eu
+34 (0) 985 846 455
UK call free 0800 707 44 35 -
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)