The Loire by Bike with the Bicyclette Verte

The Loire by Bike is undoubtedly the most famous French cycle route. The first section was inaugurated in 2008. Since then, the route has seen an increase in the number of visitors almost every year.

The Loire by Bike is an exceptional signposted cycle route that crosses one of the most beautiful valleys in France! This cycle path runs from Nevers (Nièvre) to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (Loire Atlantique). The cycle route follows the course of the river and passes through cities that have shaped French history, such as Orléans, Tours, Angers, and Nantes.

But how many kilometers is the Loire by Bike route? This French cycle route offers 900 km of discovery through the Loire Valley, from château to château on high-quality cycle paths.

Why cycle the Loire?

1. The Loire Valley Châteaux by Bike

The Loire Valley is the cradle of the French Renaissance. It was in the Loire Valley that the influence of the Italian Renaissance began to appear as early as 1515. As a result, many châteaux were built in this recognizable style. These are some of the must-see Renaissance châteaux of the Loire Valley by bike:

• Chambord and its national estate
• Royal Château of Amboise, in the heart of the city
• Château de Chenonceau, built partly on a bridge. It is nicknamed the "Château des Dames" (Ladies' Castle) because it was built, landscaped, transformed, and decorated by very different women.
• Azay-le-Rideau Castle, restored and modified in the 19th century
• Villandry Castle and its incredible gardens

If you want to cycle the Loire Valley for its castles, we recommend:

• Visit the Loire Valley castles by bike in 3 days: The Loire Valley by Bike, Blois, and the Château de Chambord
• Take your time to explore the Loire Valley castles by bike: The Loire Valley by Bike from Orléans to Tours in 6 days

2. The Loire Valley by Bike and these cities that have shaped French history

The Loire Valley by Bike also boasts a rich history and important cities in the history of France. Today, most of these cities, in addition to offering remarkable heritage, are lively towns with charming and pleasant city centers. They often serve as stops and starting or finishing points for our Loire Valley by Bike tours. From an accessibility point of view, they are well served by train.

We can also mention:

• Orléans, capital during the Merovingian era and home of Joan of Arc
• Tours and its surrounding area were long the favorite residence of the Kings of France
• Saumur, an ancient medieval city of influence with no fewer than 64 listed historical monuments
• Angers, cradle of the Plantagenets, a European intellectual center in the 15th century, and today renowned for its relaxed lifestyle
• Nantes, later the Breton capital, site of the promulgation of the Edict of Nantes, which ended the Wars of Religion, and today a major cultural city

3. The Loire by Bike and its Vineyards

If the Loire by Bike is dotted with châteaux, it is even more so with vineyards. With no fewer than 60 appellations, the Loire Valley is a vast wine-growing region with varied terroirs and very different wines. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a connoisseur, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this fascinating and highly cultural world. Whether it's the sparkling wines of Vouvray, the reds of Touraine, Saumur-Champigny, or the Muscadets of the Nantes hillsides, there's something for everyone! More information at vinsdeloire.fr

4. The Loire, Europe's last wild river!

The Loire à Vélo is so popular because it has remained largely wild. Unlike other rivers, its course is virtually unaltered by human development. This means that its bed is natural and changes naturally over the years. In many places, seasonal floods can be seen inundating the plains, and an unregulated flow that varies with the seasons and the tides.

This is a major advantage because it provides:

Exceptional biodiversity among fish, waterbirds, and migratory birds
Unspoiled river landscapes with shifting sandbanks, wooded islets, "backwaters," and natural banks

Did you know? The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for these reasons!

5. The Loire by Bike, a Connected Route

The Loire by Bike is part of the broader European cycle route "Eurovelo 6." This cycle route connects the Black Sea to the Atlantic (3,650 km), passing through 10 countries and some of Europe's most beautiful rivers. The Danube and the Rhine are other waterways that mark this European cycle route. If you'd like to cycle the Danube, check out our dedicated page: The Danube by Bike.

Connections with other cycle routes:

• The Loire by Bike is also connected to La Vélodyssée between Nantes and Saint-Brévin-les-Pins.
• Between Angers and Saumur, the Loire by Bike shares a route with the Vélo Francette, which then heads towards Niort and the Marais Poitevin before ending in La Rochelle.

Why travel with the Bicyclette Verte on the Loire by Bike route?

Choosing to travel with La Bicyclette Verte means ensuring a stress-free journey and creating wonderful memories during a fully-serviced trip. It also means choosing over 30 years of expertise in cycling. All our trips along the Loire have been around for decades and are only getting better every year.

To make your trip easier, we provide you with quality, perfectly maintained bikes, as well as all the necessary equipment: helmets, panniers, locks, etc. In addition, our team will be happy to provide you with personalized advice on the best routes to take and must-see sites to visit.

If you're traveling with family, the Loire à Vélo is an ideal option. The cycle paths are safe and child-friendly, and many fun activities are offered along the route. Your children will be able to have fun while discovering the history and nature of the region.

So don't wait any longer, choose La Bicyclette Verte for a unique and unforgettable experience along the Loire by bike. Whether you're looking for relaxation, discovery, or thrills, we have the perfect itinerary for you. Book now and get ready to pedal toward new horizons!

And if you'd like to learn more about the Loire by bike, our Cartovelo bookstore is the perfect place to find all the information you need. You'll find detailed maps, tourist guides, travel stories, and much more. Everything you need to best prepare for your cycling adventure along the Loire.

The official website of La Loire à Vélo is also very well done: loireavelo.co.uk