Loire by bike, between Tours and Nantes
The Loire Valley by bike is an exceptional itinerary for many reasons. Accessible to all, it invites you to discover the cultural and heritage richness of the Valley of the Kings with magnificent panoramas around the river. Discover the French part of Eurovelo 6 and the towns of Tours, Chinon and Angers. Taste renowned wines and visit renowned castles on this unforgettable cycling trip.
Highlights of the tour :
- Tours, Chinon, Angers and Nantes
- Fontevraud Abbey
- Villandry Castle and Gardens
- Royale Fortress of Cihnon
- Château de Saumur
- Château d'Angers
- Château d'Angers
Day 1 : Arrival in Tours
Tours, the capital of Touraine is built on the banks of the Loire, visit its historic city center and admire its half-timbered houses.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 2 : Tours - Chinon / 59 km
You will cycle along the Loire to the Savonnières caves. Visit the Château de Villandry and its Renaissance gardens, built on 3 levels, its architecture is unique in Europe. Enjoy your evening in Chinon
Overnight in Chinon.
Day 3 : Chinon - Saumur / 38 km (+10km to go to Fontevraud)
You cycle along the Vienne River, and a short detour takes you to Fontevraud. There, you can visit the Royal Abbey, the largest monastic complex in Western Europe. Built in 1101, the abbey was used as a prison in the 19th century before becoming a cultural center in 1975. You continue your cycle tour towards the Loire, passing through the village of Montsoreau before reaching Saumur, also known as "the White City."
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 4 : Montreuil Belley loop tour / 44 km
The cycling loop between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay partly follows the Loire à vélo route through the vineyards of the Saumur region. Leaving Saumur, you cycle along the Loire before heading into rolling countryside, passing châteaux, picturesque villages, and troglodyte caves. On your way to Montreuil-Bellay, you pedal through vineyard areas. Take the time to visit the Château de Montreuil-Bellay.
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 5 : Saumur - Angers / 57 km
Along the Loire Valley, you cycle through charming villages to Angers, the capital of the Dukes of Anjou, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's castle, its gardens (including the university's botanical garden), and the historic old town.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 6 : Angers - Montjean sur Loire / 38 km
This cycling stage takes you along the Loire River, through scenic landscapes of bocages and vineyards. The cycle path runs beside the river, providing beautiful views of the Loire islands and charming villages. As you near Montjean-sur-Loire, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the old quarries and the suspension bridge.
Overnight in Montjean-sur-Loire.
Day 7 : Montjean sur Loire - Nantes / 64 km
Arrive in Nantes, where the new cycling paths make this part of the journey especially enjoyable by bike. Take the time to explore the quays of old Nantes, visit the Machines of the Isle of Nantes located on the former shipyard, discover the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, or wander around the old fishing village of Trentemoult.
Overnight in Nantes.
Day 8 : Nantes
The tour ends after breakfast, and departure follows. There is the option to book an additional night in Nantes or Tours. Alternatively, you can also book a train ticket back to Tours.
