Loire Cycle Path, Orléans – Saint Nazaire

Hotel (example): L'hôtel des Cèdres

The first day is perfect for kicking off your cycling tour. The Loire Cycle Route is exceptionally well-marked, completely flat, and boasts excellent path conditions, showcasing its charm from the very beginning. Along the way to Blois, you’ll enjoy stunning river views, elegant villas, and charming small castles. In Blois, highlights include the château, the magnificent cathedral, the beautifully restored old town, and the iconic stone bridge spanning the Loire.

Hotel (example): Ibis Styles Centre Gare Blois

Today, you’ll be treated to fascinating views of the golden-hued sandbanks of the Loire and the region’s distinctive cliff dwellings. Halfway through your journey, you’ll encounter the most regal of all Loire castles: Château d’Amboise. This majestic residence once hosted five kings and a Roman emperor. It also draws attention as the final home of a 16th-century genius—Leonardo da Vinci—whose manor here is open to visitors. From there, you’ll continue cycling along the banks of the Loire to reach Tours.

Hotel (example): Hotel Hampton by Hilton Tours

With Villandry Castle and its beautiful gardens, an impressive highlight awaits you after the first few kilometres of cycling, before you pass the next castle, Lengeais, on the banks of the Loire. Once used solely for military purposes, its watchtower offers a spectacular view of the river. Passing through charming villages and along quiet country roads, you’ll reach your destination for the day: Chinon, with its impressive hilltop fortress.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rive Sud

You bid farewell to Chinon and its winding medieval alleyways, following the Vienne River to the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin. Just before reaching your destination, a special highlight awaits: the bike path takes you right through the mythical cave dwellings of Souzay. Then, cap off the day with a sweeping panoramic view of the Loire Valley from the majestic Château de Saumur.

Hotel (example): Hotel Kyriad Saumur Centre

Just a few kilometers into today’s ride, you’ll immerse yourself in the vineyards along the southern banks of the Loire. The bike path winds gently through rolling hills, right through the heart of the wine country. Back along the river, you’ll pass through picturesque medieval villages on your way to the next highlight: the lively university town of Angers, full of charm and character.

Hotel (example): Hotel Le Progres

Angers lies on the Maine, the last major tributary of the Loire before it flows into the Atlantic. You’ll cycle along the river to its confluence with the Loire at La Pointe-Bouchemaine. Nestled at the foot of a dramatic slate and granite ridge lies Savennières, home to the region’s oldest church and renowned for its crisp, fruity white wines—a perfect place to pause and visit a local winery. From La Poissonnière, the route leads along scenic dikes to the picturesque town of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.

Hotel (example): Logis Hotel Hostellerie de la Gabelle

Another day along the Loire lies ahead, with ever-changing landscapes accompanying your journey. The river now officially enters Brittany, carving its way through slate and granite cliffs. A few climbs await, but the Loire continues to guide you all the way into the heart of the historic city of Nantes. Although the Atlantic Ocean is still about 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, its influence can already be felt—and seen—along the way.

Hotel (example): Mercure Grand Hotel

The river grows wider, and the landscape becomes increasingly tranquil. You’ll follow the Loire downstream through quiet villages all the way to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean. Only the impressive bridge over the river separates you from Saint-Nazaire. Be sure to visit the Atlantic shipyard, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding facilities, or explore the massive submarine bunker—which you can even cycle through.

Hotel (example): Comfort Hotel de l'Europe

Hotel (example): L'hôtel des Cèdres

The first day is perfect for kicking off your cycling tour. The Loire Cycle Route is exceptionally well-marked, completely flat, and boasts excellent path conditions, showcasing its charm from the very beginning. Along the way to Blois, you’ll enjoy stunning river views, elegant villas, and charming small castles. In Blois, highlights include the château, the magnificent cathedral, the beautifully restored old town, and the iconic stone bridge spanning the Loire.

Hotel (example): Ibis Styles Centre Gare Blois

Today, you’ll be treated to fascinating views of the golden-hued sandbanks of the Loire and the region’s distinctive cliff dwellings. Halfway through your journey, you’ll encounter the most regal of all Loire castles: Château d’Amboise. This majestic residence once hosted five kings and a Roman emperor. It also draws attention as the final home of a 16th-century genius—Leonardo da Vinci—whose manor here is open to visitors. From there, you’ll continue cycling along the banks of the Loire to reach Tours.

Hotel (example): Hotel Hampton by Hilton Tours

With Villandry Castle and its beautiful gardens, an impressive highlight awaits you after the first few kilometres of cycling, before you pass the next castle, Lengeais, on the banks of the Loire. Once used solely for military purposes, its watchtower offers a spectacular view of the river. Passing through charming villages and along quiet country roads, you’ll reach your destination for the day: Chinon, with its impressive hilltop fortress.

Hotel (example): Hotel Rive Sud

You bid farewell to Chinon and its winding medieval alleyways, following the Vienne River to the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin. Just before reaching your destination, a special highlight awaits: the bike path takes you right through the mythical cave dwellings of Souzay. Then, cap off the day with a sweeping panoramic view of the Loire Valley from the majestic Château de Saumur.

Hotel (example): Hotel Kyriad Saumur Centre

Just a few kilometers into today’s ride, you’ll immerse yourself in the vineyards along the southern banks of the Loire. The bike path winds gently through rolling hills, right through the heart of the wine country. Back along the river, you’ll pass through picturesque medieval villages on your way to the next highlight: the lively university town of Angers, full of charm and character.

Hotel (example): Hotel Le Progres

Angers lies on the Maine, the last major tributary of the Loire before it flows into the Atlantic. You’ll cycle along the river to its confluence with the Loire at La Pointe-Bouchemaine. Nestled at the foot of a dramatic slate and granite ridge lies Savennières, home to the region’s oldest church and renowned for its crisp, fruity white wines—a perfect place to pause and visit a local winery. From La Poissonnière, the route leads along scenic dikes to the picturesque town of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.

Hotel (example): Logis Hotel Hostellerie de la Gabelle

Another day along the Loire lies ahead, with ever-changing landscapes accompanying your journey. The river now officially enters Brittany, carving its way through slate and granite cliffs. A few climbs await, but the Loire continues to guide you all the way into the heart of the historic city of Nantes. Although the Atlantic Ocean is still about 70 kilometers (43 miles) away, its influence can already be felt—and seen—along the way.

Hotel (example): Mercure Grand Hotel

The river grows wider, and the landscape becomes increasingly tranquil. You’ll follow the Loire downstream through quiet villages all the way to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean. Only the impressive bridge over the river separates you from Saint-Nazaire. Be sure to visit the Atlantic shipyard, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding facilities, or explore the massive submarine bunker—which you can even cycle through.

Hotel (example): Comfort Hotel de l'Europe