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View over the Loire to Touraine

Loire Cycle Path, Tours – Saint Nazaire

Wild-romantic all the way to the sea

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
143  kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
View over the Loire to Touraine

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.

Itinerary at a glance

The charm of the cities of Nantes, Chinon and Angers, the idyllic nature at the unrestrained Loire and the many castles characterize this tour. The maritime Saint-Nazaire and the Atlantic bay of La Baule are the worthy destination.

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

Day
08

Departure or extension

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.

Hotel (example): Hampton by Hilton

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.

Hotel (example): Ibis Styles

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): 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 Hostellerie 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

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Medium

You cycle on asphalted and gravelled cycle paths, partially also along side roads. There are only a few ascents worth mentioning to be tackled along the very well signposted route, occasionally you may encounter some headwind.

Difficulty level

Medium

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

Sustainably on the go

Our contribution to climate protection

143 kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
With a cycling holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.
Accommodation (39%)
Meals (22%)
Transport (38%)
100%

Our rental bikes

Eurobike unisex rental bike with 21/24 gears
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
Eurobike Men's Rental Bike with 21 gears
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
Eurobike Rental Bike PLUS
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
Eurobike e-bike rental from KTM
Unisex Electric Bike 8-speed
Hub gears

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
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance!
  • Return transfer by minibus to Tours or Orleans every Saturday morning, costs EUR 105 per person to Tours, EUR 129 to Orleans, for every own bike additional EUR 39,-, reservation is necessary, to be paid in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Orléans, Tours or St. Nazaire train station
  • Airport Paris
  • Parking in Tours: Hotel parking garage, costs approx. EUR 15 per day, public garage, costs approx. EUR 12 per day
  • Parking in Orléans: public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 5 per day
  • The return journey by public transport on weekends from St. Nazaire via Tours to Orléans, is possible without changing trains, free bike transport

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!

 

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

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 or St. Nazaire
  • Paris airport
  • Parking in Tours: Hotel parking garage, costs approx. EUR 15 per day; public garage, costs approx. EUR 12 per day
  • Departure by train from Saint Nazaire to Tours on weekends is possible without changing trains, free bike transport, duration approx. 3 hours

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!

 

Travel stories for this tour

Personally on site for you

Julia Bann

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Julia Bann
Team Leader of Eurobike Travel Specialists
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
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