Self-guided cycle tour from Tours to Saint-Nazaire along the Loire River. Medium difficulty with daily stages up to 65 km on asphalted and gravel paths. Highlights include châteaux Villandry, Langeais, and Saumur, cave dwellings of Souzay, vineyards, and historic cities Chinon, Angers, and Nantes. The route follows the Loire through changing landscapes to its Atlantic mouth at Saint-Nazaire, featuring the Atlantic shipyard and submarine bunker.
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France’s longest river is also one of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe—wild, beautiful, and captivating is the landscape between Tours and Saint-Nazaire. Magnificent castles like Villandry and Saumur, with their architectural charm and splendid gardens, lie along your route. Stroll through colorful markets and savor aromatic local specialties as you rest in the idyllic Loire villages. The region’s vineyards shape both the landscape and the cuisine, and you’ll cycle repeatedly through gentle rolling wine hills. The larger towns of Angers and Nantes enchant with their picturesque old towns. Finally, you’ll reach Saint-Nazaire and the spectacular Atlantic coast.
The 1st stage leads directly past two castles before you head to Chinon as your destination for the day. While the town is familiar to many from the film "Monsieur Claude and his Daughters", the old town is simply a wonderful place to stroll and explore. Via Saumur, the route continues to the university town of Angers.
Incidentally, first-class vines thrive along the Loire (and have done so since the Middle Ages!), from which internationally renowned wines are pressed. The penultimate stage destination is the sixth largest city in France: Nantes. Here, history and modernity come together to form a harmonious symbiosis. Across a 720-metre bridge, you will finally reach Saint Nazaire, which is of great economic importance due to its harbour and shipyards.
The impressive cultural monuments of the Loire castles: A few kilometres after Tours, Villandry Castle awaits you, which is particularly famous for its six ornate gardens and the oriental salon. The castles of Saumur and Lengeais also exude French charm.
Idyllic natural experience: The untamed nature of the Loire makes it a spectacle. The charming Loire Valley and the numerous tributaries, plus the varied landscape between wine-growing areas and the Atlantic coast - you will hardly be able to get enough of the beauty of this corner of the world.
Vibrant French cities: Have a café au lait in a bistro and linger, then stroll through the old alleyways and absorb the culture and architecture. Immerse yourself in the "savoir vivre", the famous French way of life.
A bold plunge into the waves of the Atlantic: The ocean is considered wild and refreshing here, yet it shows itself to be so inviting that you simply have to dare to take a dip. The coastline is not to be neglected either, with wooded dunes, rocky coves and small beaches making bathing a picturesque experience. Tip: The bay of La Baule is worth a trip!
The well-designed and easy-to-follow cycle stages are between 40 and 65 kilometres long. The route has only a few, small climbs - in return, you will enjoy the views. There may sometimes be a headwind on the Atlantic side.
Tips, tours and interesting facts about the Loire Cycle Route can be found here.
Itinerary at a glance
The charm of the cities Nantes, Chinon, and Angers, the idyllic nature along the untamed Loire, and the many castles shape this tour. As you travel through the lovely river valley, you’ll pass countless vineyards producing world-renowned wines—be sure to stop at a winery to sample the distinctive wines of the Loire region. The maritime town of Saint-Nazaire and the stunning Atlantic Bay of La Baule provide a fitting finale. Immerse yourself in the celebrated “savoir vivre” through art, gastronomy, and culture.
Your journey begins, and the first highlight awaits: the magnificent Château de Villandry with its beautifully landscaped gardens. Following the banks of the Loire, you'll soon arrive at the next château—Langeais. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The charm of the cities Nantes, Chinon, and Angers, the idyllic nature along the untamed Loire, and the many castles shape this tour. As you travel through the lovely river valley, you’ll pass countless vineyards producing world-renowned wines—be sure to stop at a winery to sample the distinctive wines of the Loire region. The maritime town of Saint-Nazaire and the stunning Atlantic Bay of La Baule provide a fitting finale. Immerse yourself in the celebrated “savoir vivre” through art, gastronomy, and culture.
Your journey begins, and the first highlight awaits: the magnificent Château de Villandry with its beautifully landscaped gardens. Following the banks of the Loire, you'll soon arrive at the next château—Langeais. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ll cycle mostly on asphalted and well-maintained gravel paths, with occasional stretches on quiet side roads. Each stage covers up to 65 kilometers (about 40 miles), allowing plenty of time to enjoy the region’s highlights. The well-marked route features only a few moderate climbs, but in return, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. Occasionally, you may encounter some headwinds as you make your way toward the Atlantic.
Prices & Dates
Prices per person in EUR
Our rental bikes
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel
High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry
Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm
43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel
High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame
Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm
56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel
Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame
Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm
46 cm |
50 cm |
51 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm
Unisex Electric Bike 5/8-speed
Hub gears with freewheel
High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry
Body size approx. 148 cm - 195 cm
46 cm "xs" |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Services & Information
Further details about this tour
Included
Accommodation in 3***-hotels (French classification)
Breakfast
Welcome briefing (English)
Luggage transfer
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Service hotline
Optional
Printed route book, per room EUR 20
Bike rental, including rental bike insurance!
Return transfer by minibus from Saint Nazaire to Tours every Saturday morning, costs EUR 115 per person, EUR 45 extra for your own bike, to be paid in advance, reservation is necessary
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Arrival by train to Tours (www.sncf-connect.com)
Paris airport and by train to Tours, duration approx. 2 hours (www.sncf-connect.com)
Parking: chargeable hotel garage, approx. EUR 15 per day, public garage, approx. EUR 12 per day
Departure by train from St. Nazaire to Tours, duration approx. 3 hours with 1 change in Gare De Nantes (www.sncf-connect.com)
Thinigs to note
Please note that for this trip high quality, but slightly different from the description, rental bikes are provided by our local partner.
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Services & Information
Further details about this tour
Included
Accommodation in 3***-hotels (French classification)
Breakfast
Welcome briefing (English)
Luggage transfer
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Service hotline
Optional
Printed route book, per person EUR 20
Bike rental, including rental bike insurance!
Return transfer by minibus from Saint Nazaire to Tours every SAT morning, costs EUR 119 per person, EUR 49 extra for your own bike, to be paid in advance, reservation is necessary
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Arrival by train to Tours (www.sncf-connect.com)
Paris airport and by train to Tours, duration approx. 2 hours (www.sncf-connect.com)
Parking: chargeable hotel garage, approx. EUR 15 per day, public garage, approx. EUR 12 per day
Departure by train from St. Nazaire to Tours, duration approx. 3 hours with 1 change in Gare De Nantes (www.sncf-connect.com)
Thinigs to note
Please note that for this trip high quality, but slightly different from the description, rental bikes are provided by our local partner.
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Active vacations are among the most environmentally friendly and healthiest ways to travel. Traveling on two wheels means moving in a climate-conscious way while conserving resources.
Our carefully selected accommodations, like us, are committed to lived sustainability. They are deeply rooted in their regions, work with local suppliers, provide attractive employment opportunities for local residents, and thereby strengthen local value creation.
With the Eurobike On Tour app, we offer a digital version of our travel documents, allowing you to navigate confidently while on the road. By moving to digital formats, we help conserve valuable natural resources.
Eurobike has been certified as a sustainable tour operator with the internationally recognized Travelife certification. To achieve this, more than 261 requirements were carefully met.
Even though hiking vacations are among the most climate-friendly forms of travel, they still generate CO₂ emissions. These are carefully measured using the “Carmacal” calculator. Through our commitment to selected climate protection projects, we aim to give something back to the environment.
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Immerse yourself in the Italian dream of la dolce vita, or let yourself be drawn along the beautiful Blue Danube—your next dream cycling tour is waiting for you. Book our top tours for 2027 now!