Loire Cycle Path, Orléans – Saint Nazaire

Hotel (example): Des Cedres

The first day is perfect for the start of the cycle tour. Perfectly signposted, leading on flat terrain throughout and featuring best trail conditions the Loire-cycle path presents its best side. Beautiful views onto the river, the off majestic villa and little palaces keep you on your toes en route to Blois. Apart from the palace the cathedral, the beautifully restored historic centre and the stone bridge across the river Loire are especially worth a visit.

Hotel (example): Ibis Styles Centre Gare

Fascinating views onto the gold-shimmering sandbanks of the Loire and with the characteristic cliff dwellings of this region are lying in front of you. Half way along the route the most royal palace of all Loire-palaces awaits: Amboise palace. It was home to five kings and one Roman emperor. Also a genius from the 16th century, Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last few years here in Amboise, draws attention to it. You can also visit his manor. You proceed along the shores of the Loire until Tours.

Hotel (example): Hampton by Hilton

The river Cher, a Loire tributary, leads you directly to Villandry palace with its terraced gardens. Certainly, you should not miss paying a visit to this famous installation. Every visitor will be amazed by the shadowy footpaths, the flower-bedecked bowers, the fountains and the artistically laid out vegetable gardens. Some kilometres further on you will exchange the bank of the Cher for the bank of the famous Loire. And again you will be tempted by the next castle – Langeais. From the top of the fortified tower (this castle exclusively served for military purposes) you will see the river and its whole surroundings lying in front of you. Via small villages and on side roads you will reach today’s Day Finish – Chinon, impressing visitors with its mighty castle complex.

Hotel (example): Ibis Styles

You leave Chinon with its medieval alleyways and follow the river Vienne to Candes-St. Martin. A charming stroll through the village up to the highest point of the hill enables an impressive view onto the confluence of both rivers Vienne and Loire. Shortly before arriving in Saumur there is a special highlight. The bike path leads right through the mystic rockhouses of Souzey. We highly recommend another panoramic view onto the vast Loire-valley later from Saumur palace.

Hotel (example): Hotel Kyriad Saumur Centre

After some kilometres you enter the vineyards situated at the southern shores of the Loire.  On gentle hills you cycle right through the wineyards. Back again at the coast you cycle through quiet, medieval villages towards your next big Day Finish Angers. Be inspired by the lively university town situated at the Maine. In case this tour is too strenuous for you, you can bypass the route by train from Saumur onwards.

Hotel (example): Le Progres

Angers is situtated on the river Maine, the final significant tributary of the Loire before the Atlantic. You follow this river until is joins the river Loire at La Pointe-Bouchemaine. You continue along the foot of a slate-granite massif until Savennières featuring the oldest church of the region. Some of the best wines of the Loire-valley are grown here, fruity, dry white wines – we recommend a visit to one of the vintners. From La Poissonnière the route leads you via dykes with wonderful views onto the river Loire into the trim little town  Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.

Hotel (example): Logis Hostellerie la Gabelle

Another day along the Loire river through continuously changing scenery awaits. The Loire now finally enters Brittany and carves through slate- and granit rocks all the way to Nantes. The cycle path changes the side of the river several times, which also includes tackling a few smaller ascents – which again rewards you with beautiful views. The Loire ‚escorts‘ you into the centre of the historic capital of Brittany, Nantes. Although the Loire estuary into the Atlantic is another 70 km away the influence of the sea is already noticable and visible. 

Hotel (example): Mercure Grand Hotel

Now the river becomes ever wider, the scenery increasingly placid. You proceed through little villages always  to the Loire ending in the Atlantic Ocean. Only the impressive bridge over the Loire River seperates you from Saint Nazaire. Visit the Atlantic shipyard, which is one of the largest ship building corporations in the world, or the submarine bunker, which is also accessible by bike.

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