Jump to content
Jump to footer
Book now
To the online version
Many small boats on the shore of a watercourse of the Brière marshes

Loire Cycle Path, Orléans – Saint Nazaire

Wild-romantic all the way to the sea

10 Days / 9 Nights
Medium
Many small boats on the shore of a watercourse of the Brière marshes

Royal, romantic, idyllic, vibrant, relaxed - our 10-day cycle tour along the Loire, which starts in melodious Orléans and ends in picturesque Saint Nazaire on the Atlantic coast, is all this and much more. Explore with us the famous castles, the artistic gardens, the wildly beautiful landscape and the great cities. But don't forget the pleasures of the French way of life!

When people think of Orléans, they often associate the originally Celtic city with Joan of Arc, who saved the city in 1429. The eventful history is reflected in many sights, such as the Cathedral. Linger a little at the delightful Place du Martroi before setting off with your energies charged.

Blois, Tours, Chinon, Nantes and, last but not least, Saint Nazaire: on your journey you will discover beautiful, lively cities where French traditions blend beautifully with modernity. France is world famous for its cuisine and Loire Valley for its regional specialities. Taste tarte tatin, quince jelly, goat cheese and, as you get closer to the Atlantic, the specialities of the sea and, of course, the first-class wines.

  • The impressive cultural monuments of the Loire castles: Around 400 castles make this region so unique and spectacular. You will get to know the Cháteau d'Amboise, among others, which was converted from a medieval fort to a Renaissance château and where Leonardo da Vinci also spent some years. The castles of Villandry, Lengeais and Saumur are also on the route.
  • Idyllic natural experience: The few climbs on the tour provide magnificent views of the Loire Valley. The Loire is not slowed down by any dams or locks here; it is one of the last rivers to flow completely freely. From Nantes onwards, you can increasingly notice the maritime influences before the wildly beautiful Atlantic coast spreads out before you.
  • Lively French towns: explore Blois by coach, visit one of the wine cellars around Chinon, stroll through the alleys of Saint-Florent-de-Vieil and visit one of the world's largest shipyards in Saint Nazaire - one thing we can promise you: you will come home with countless memories.
  • A bold leap into the waves of the Atlantic: Beautiful seaside resorts, sandy and rocky coastlines - at this point, the Atlantic not only invites you to swim, but also to linger. If possible, add a few more days to your beach holiday...

The route runs mostly along cycle paths or quiet side roads, the quality of which is very good. We provide you with detailed travel documents that will help you to easily reach all destinations. The tour is suitable for cyclists of all abilities, the 40 to 75 km long stages have only a few steep inclines.

  • Tips, tours and interesting facts about the Loire Cycle Path can be found here.

Itinerary at a glance

Sample hotel: 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): Anne de Bretagne

 

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.

Sample hotel: 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.

Sample hotel: 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.

Sample hotel: 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.

Sample hotel: 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.

Sample hotel: 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. 

Sample hotel: 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.

Sample hotel: Comfort Hotel de l'Europe

 

 

Day
10
Departure or extension

Itinerary at a glance

Start in Orléans - enjoy the wildly beautiful nature of the Loire Valley. Around 400 châteaux characterize the region, and the cities, such as Chinon and Blois, are in no way inferior. Finally, do you dare to jump into the Atlantic Ocean?

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

Day
10
Departure or extension

Route information

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.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***-Hotels (French classification)

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

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
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
Unisex Electro bike 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
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 |
51 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • EUROBIKE developed route
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (GE, EN)
  • Navigation-App and GPS-data is available
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance!
  • Return transfer by minibus to Tours or Orléans every Saturday morning, costs per person to Tours EUR 95,- or to Orléans EUR 119,-, costs for your own bike EUR 29,-, reservation is necessary, to be paid in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Orléans, Tours or St. Nazaire train station
  • Airport Paris
  • Garage approx. EUR 7,- per day in Orléans
  • Hotel underground car park approx. EUR 50,- per week in Tours. No reservation possible/necessary
  • On weekends direct train connections, bikes can be taken free of charge, from St. Nazaire via Tours to Orléans

Thinigs to note

  • For this trip, high quality 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 €20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as mentioned
  • 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 Orléans every Saturday morning, costs per person to Tours EUR 99,- or to Orléans EUR 125,-, costs for your own bike EUR 39,-, reservation is necessary, to be paid in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Orléans, Tours or St. Nazaire train station
  • Airport Paris
  • Garage approx. EUR 10,- / day, no reservation possible
  • On weekends direct train connections, bikes can be taken free of charge, from St. Nazaire via Tours to Orléans

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 €20 per room.

From our Cycling Blog

Julia Bann

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Julia Bann
Team leader Eurobike
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Call now
One click to vacation bliss
 
I am looking forward to your message!
Contact form

4.75 out of 5 stars

4 ratings
5
75%
4
25%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Load more

Other tours that might interest you

from
€1,239
Book now Book
You now receive special conditions when you book a trip.