Pedal along the last wild river of France
From Nevers to the Atlantic, over 900 kilometres of cycle paths hug the Loire. Crossing two French regions and six French counties (départements), one beautiful landscape follows another along the route. While others whizz along the Loire-side roads, by bike, time slows down. Cycling through Touraine, the route is sublime. The French Valley of Kings incites you to linger in front of unique sights, with châteaux and royal gardens strongly evoking the past.
On this entirely free, well-signposted route, cycling enthusiasts can also discover the beauty of the Loire’s natural landscapes and the villages beside the great river, built from tufa limestone, the white stone so characteristic of our region.
This cycle route is unique – the Loire and its heritage are the main threads
Along the Loire à Vélo route there are a few extra well-signalled detours to allow you to explore towns close to the cycle path. In the Touraine Nature area, there are two such signposted detours.
The first takes you to Langeais, the château in the centre of town making such a remarkable impression on visitors. Sit down at a nearby café terrace to take in the view… and to admire one of the oldest drawbridges still in operation in France.
The second takes you to Bourgueil, surrounded by vineyards. Enjoy a stop among the vines, or venture into the centre of town, perhaps to try out the vintages on offer at the Maison des Vins…
Sit down a while at a Langeais café !
Services for cyclists to make your journey easier
La Loire à Vélo isn’t simply a lovingly laid-out cycle route; it also encompasses a range of facilities to simplify cyclists’ lives. All along the route, many services are available: cycle hire and repair companies; accommodation awarded the Accueil Vélo label (ensuring cyclists a specially geared welcome!); regional trains accepting bikes… The Langeais and Bourgueil Tourist Offices are happy to help too, awarded the Loire à Vélo welcoming label as well.
So why not get on your bike and set out on a cycling adventure along the Loire à Vélo route !
- ADDITIONAL ADVICE: WHEN TO GO ?!
You can tackle La Loire à Vélo at any time of year, but some periods are easier than others, for example between April and June :
– The weather is generally mild then
– Accommodation is often cheaper mid-season
– You avoid the busy summer holiday period
– The tourist sights are open, but not mobbed !