The Loire by Bike
A 900 km cycle route, it runs along the river from its source to its estuary, from Cuffy to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. It is the most popular cycle route in France, allowing cyclists to admire the wild landscapes of the Loire and discover the rich heritage of the Loire Valley. Its route passes through historic cities such as Orléans, Tours, Blois, Saumur and Angers, offering multiple access points.
Montsoreau-Gennes Loire Valley
Over around thirty kilometres, this route takes you through picturesque villages, vineyards as far as the eye can see and peaceful banks of the Loire. Departure from Montsoreau, famous for its castle-museum of contemporary art, where you can enjoy a cultural visit before setting off on your bike.
Just upstream, don't miss the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, with its tuffeau houses and its collegiate church.
Then continue to Saumur, where you can admire its imposing castle and perhaps take a gourmet break in one of the many local restaurants.
Finally, arrive at Gennes Val de Loire, a site rich in history with its Gallo-Roman remains and preserved natural landscapes.
Throughout your getaway, ride with peace of mind: bicycle service areas, charging stations, repair shops, etc. Everything has been designed for your comfort!
Travel light
To make your experience even more enjoyable if you are riding for several days, take advantage of the luggage transfer services available along the Loire à Vélo allowing cyclists to travel light, transporting their belongings from one accommodation to another, making long stages easier without the weight of bags.
Also, for those who want to explore different sections without making long journeys by bike, the TER (Regional Express Train) is an excellent option. You can easily take your bike on a TER to reach a different starting point or return to your starting point after a day of excursion.
Ideas for day trips
From Saumur to Montsoreau : an easy 12km route, ideal for a family outing. Enjoy the vineyard landscapes and views of the Loire, with a possible visit to the Château de Montsoreau on arrival or a good meal at the excellent restaurant Le Ververt.
From Saumur to Brézé : a 10 km journey south, leading to the fascinating Château de Brézé with its dry moats and troglodyte underground passages.
Around Saumur : several loops are available to discover the surroundings of Saumur. Immersion in the local terroir, with wine tastings along the way, discovery of abbeys and Châteaux of the Loire, stroll in the heart of the troglodyte treasures of Saumur, etc. Find all the details on the Tourist Office website.