Tips for cycling the Loire Valley

Table of contents

This guide contains a lot of useful information. To help make it more digestible, we’ve broken it down into several parts:

• Part 1: Why visit?
• Part 2: Cycling routes
• Part 3: Day rides
• Part 4: Events
• Part 5: Practicalities
• Part 6: Tips

Part 1: Why cycle the Loire Valley

The legendary Loire Valley is part of the wider Pays de la Loire and Central Loire Valley regions in the northwest of France.

The Pays de la Loire section spans 280 kilometres (173 miles), and includes several French departments, including (from west to east) the Loire-Atlantique and Anjou (home to Angers). The Central Loire Valley includes Touraine, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Cher and Nièvre.

What the Loire Valley lacks in iconic mountain climbs, it more than makes up for with its treasure trove of impressive châteaux, world class wine, olde worlde towns and villages. Cycling the Loire Valley, on its well signposted cycle paths, provides the perfect pace to see quintessential France come to life.

Idyllic landscapes

The Loire Valley is home to France’s longest river, its namesake, the River Loire. On its 1,000+ kilometre journey from its source in the Central Massif to the Atlantic Ocean, this river weaves its way lazily through the central Loire Valley, past towns and cities including Angers, and through the Atlantic Loire Valley. Its final destination is through coastal landscapes where it finally meets the sea at the port town of Saint Nazaire.

Thanks to its plentiful vineyards and rolling, rural fields that border the Loire River, this lush, verdant valley has often been fondly referred to as ‘the garden of France’. Many of us have probably already had a taste of the Loire, with several very famous red and white wines produced here, including the delicious Savennières wine from close to Angers.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Loire Valley has significant historical importance. From the Middle Ages and throughout the French Renaissance, its unique geographical features made it highly attractive to the French Monarchy, with the former Kings of France choosing to build their lavish homes here.

The result? Impressive châteaux are found around every bend of the River Loire. In recognition of this rich heritage and undeniable romantic charm, a 280-kilometre stretch of the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

There are 22 major châteaux in the Grands Sites du Val de Loire network to discover, including some of the Loire Valley’s most famous landmarks, such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and the Royal Château of Amboise.

Paradise for easygoing cycling holidays

Well-marked, safe and largely flat cycling routes have seen cycling become a popular way to explore the Loire Valley. Launched in 2005, the Loire à Vélo celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 and now attracts around 1.9 million cyclists each year.

However, the Loire à Vélo is only the beginning of the cycling routes the Loire offers; the long-distance Vélo Francette and Loir Valley by Bike routes are also excellent and there are many day loop rides to explore. Keep reading for our suggestions on the best cycling in the Loire Valley.

The abundance of traffic-free cycle paths and quiet, minor roads ensure navigating the Loire and its variety of landscapes by bike is relatively straightforward. For beginners and families, as well as those simply seeking a gentle cycling journey with plenty of sightseeing, there’s lots to love about cycling the Loire River. Most people just ride sections of these long-distance routes; though of course the option is always there to ride the full distances!

The Loire Valley has a strong cycling culture and this means that there are many dedicated services that make cycling here straightforward and easy to organise. For example, the Loire à Vélo Train connects Orléans, Tours, Angers, Nantes and Le Croisic and provides both easy boarding for bikes and more space for cyclists during the summer months. More on that below.

Part 2: Where should you base yourself in the Loire Valley?

The best base depends on which section of the Loire you want to explore.

Orléans and Blois work well for the eastern stretches and famous châteaux, while Tours sits centrally on the route.

Saumur and Angers are useful options further west, and Nantes works well for the lower Loire and the ride towards the Atlantic.

Angers remains a useful stop for cyclists because the Loire à Vélo, Vélo Francette and Loir Valley by Bike meet in or close to the city.

Rail connections between many of the major towns and cities also make it easier to build a point-to-point itinerary or return to your starting point by train.

Part 3: What are the best long-distance cycling routes in the Loire region?

The Loire Valley is crossed by several major long-distance routes.

Each long-distance route offers something a little different for those eager to explore this corner of France. The tricky part is picking between Loire Valley bike tours – hopefully the information below will help you decide which one (or more than one!) is right for you.

La Loire à Vélo

For cyclists eager to take in all the Loire Valley has to offer, the main linear Loire à Vélo route runs for 630 kilometres between Cuffy, near Nevers, and Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, with additional loops and variants extending the wider network. It forms the westernmost section of EuroVelo 6, which continues across Europe towards the Black Sea. The route is generally gentle, making it suitable for a multi-day tour or shorter sections.

The Loire à Vélo closely hugs the River Loire, exploring a mix of quiet paved roads and traffic free cycle paths, with some gravel paths along the way. It takes in multiple impressive cities, including Nantes, Tours, Orléans, Blois and Angers, which are found in between pleasant stretches of quiet, picturesque countryside.

The best thing about the Loire à Vélo? You’ll enjoy your pick of châteaux on this route, with so many to see along the way… popular options include the Château de Chambord (the biggest château in the Loire) and Château de Villandry, which is famous for its Renaissance gardens featuring striking geometric patterns.

More information

You can find out more about the Loire à Vélo here.

La Vélo Francette

The 600-kilometre La Vélo Francette route offers an epic place-to-place journey starting at the ferry port in Ouistreham in Normandy on the English Channel. It snakes its way south through rural Western France, picking up the Loire Valley route in the city of Angers.

From Angers, cyclists then head east along the Loire River for a significant chunk of this journey. You’ll cycle towards the picturesque town of Saumur, before departing the Loire River on route to the Atlantic Sea and La Rochelle, where the Vélo Francette finishes.

The terrain of the Vélo Francette is mostly flat, with excellent cycling infrastructure along the route – making it a great option for a variety of cyclists.

The scenic stretch along the Loire Valley is arguably one of the highlights of the Vélo Francette. There are many historic sights of interest worth visiting, including the fairytale castle, Château de Saumur, which grandly rises from the banks of the River Loire and is surrounded by vineyards.

More information

You can find out more about the Vélo Francette here.

Loir Valley by Bike

Tucked away a little further up from the River Loire, the Loir Valley by Bike is a unique cycle route (and the first of its kind in France) designed to follow a river from its source to confluence. This 320-kilometre route can typically be tackled in a week for those who cycle regularly.

Starting at the source of the Loir River (not its big sister the Loire!), you’ll head south on a mix of undulating roads with little traffic and cycle paths. Along the way you’ll weave through peaceful French towns and the rural countryside of the Loir, passing many orchards, fields of crops and vineyards.

Your journey will witness the River Loir join the River Sarthe, before this meets the River Maine, the main tributary flowing through Angers and into the River Loire.

More information

You can find out more about the Loir Valley by Bike route here.

La Vélobuissonnière

La Vélobuissonnière is a 230-kilometre long-distance cycle route linking Alençon in Normandy with Saumur in the Loire Valley, via Le Mans. The route is also known as the V44 and is fully signposted in both directions.

The route combines quiet country roads and traffic-free greenways as it passes through the countryside of the Sarthe and Anjou. Highlights along the way include the Alpes Mancelles, Le Mans, La Flèche and Baugé-en-Anjou, before the route reaches the Loire at Saumur.

The northern section between Alençon and Beaumont-sur-Sarthe has more pronounced hills and is better suited to cyclists with a good level of fitness. South of Le Mans, the terrain becomes flatter, with a mixture of quiet roads and greenways leading towards Saumur.

At Saumur, La Vélobuissonnière connects with the Loire à Vélo, making it possible to combine the two routes as part of a longer cycling journey.

More information

You can find out more about La Vélobuissonnière here.

Part 4: What are the best day rides in the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley offers day rides all along the river, from gentle sections on the Loire à Vélo to longer vineyard and gravel loops. The routes below are examples from the western Loire around Angers.

La Loire à Vélo – Easy

This gentle 34-kilometre ride follows the idyllic riverbanks of the Loire and can be easily savoured over a few of hours – perfect for beginners and families looking to take it easy and sightsee along the way. The 15th century castle keep of Les Ponts-de-Cé can be found along the route.

More information

You can find out more about the La Loire à Vélo day route here.

Vineyard circuit – Moderate

For a bigger day out on the bike, this route enables you to break out from the banks of the Loire River in search of famous vineyards. This includes exploring The Layon, a famous sweet wine region. At 87 kilometres and featuring hillier terrain, this route is for cyclists with a good level of fitness.

More information

You can find out more about the Vineyard Loop route here.

Gravel bikepacking adventure – Moderate/challenging

For a longer gravel option, this 100-kilometre route starts from Angers and embarks on a gravel adventure through the Loire, Layon and Aubance hillsides. It can be completed over one or two days (depending on your fitness ability and personal preference).

More information

You can find out more about this gravel bikepacking adventure here.

For more gravel routes around Angers, take a look here.

Gravel riding loop – Challenging

Especially designed for fit, experienced gravel riders who are looking for a big day out on their bikes in the Loire Valley! This 107 kilometres circular route takes in hilly landscapes of vineyards and forests, providing panoramic views of the Loire. You’ll also get your fill of history with highlights including the Château de Brissac, France’s tallest castle (which has a whopping 7 floors!).

More information

You can find out more about the Gravel Riding Loop route here.

We know several operators in this region, so if you’re looking for support, fill in this enquiry box and we will try and connect you.

Part 5: Are there any cycling events held in the Loire Valley?

Nature is Bike

Nature is Bike is a fun festival for cycling lovers. It’s located by the beautiful Lake Maine, close to Angers city centre and was born out of a love for gravel riding and the stunning natural surroundings of Angers and the Loire region.

The festival aims to bring all kinds of cyclists together for an action-packed weekend of bike rides, inspiring talks, music and biking brands – all centred around a buzzing village of stalls and entertainment.

What makes Nature is Bike Angers so special is its commitment to combining a passion for cycling with the greatest respect for the environment. In 2022, it was awarded the “Eco-engaged Event” label and across the festival, you will encounter innovative initiatives to reduce waste and provide energy.

A key part of the Nature is Bike weekend is the opportunity to take part in group rides which take in different routes around Angers and offer varying degrees of challenge and adventure, usually ranging from 50 to 300 kilometres!

More information

To find out more about the specific Nature is Bike rides and how to register go here.

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Anjou Vélo Vintage

Anjou Vélo Vintage, held in Saumur, celebrates retro cycling with organised rides, period clothing and vintage bikes. The 2026 event included routes from 30 to 65 kilometres, with food stops, tastings, music and entertainment along the way. There is also a vintage village with a retro fair and bicycle market, making it as much a cycling festival as a day out on the bike.

Event dates and ride formats can change from year to year, so check the official event websites before planning your trip.

More information

You can learn more about Anjou Vélo Vintage here.

Fête du Vélo en Anjou

Fête du Vélo en Anjou is an annual cycling event celebrating riding along the Loire. The event is designed as a sociable day out rather than a race, with traffic-free routes and activities along the river.

The 2026 edition was due to take place on 21 June, with a 90-kilometre route between Angers and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. However, the event was cancelled because of forecast extreme heat. Check the official event information for future dates and route details.

More information

You can find out more about Fête du Vélo en Anjou here.

Festival International du Voyage à Vélo

The Festival International du Voyage à Vélo focuses on travelling and exploring by bike. The 2026 event takes place in Angers on 24 and 25 October.

The festival was originally planned for February but was postponed because of flooding. Its programme includes films made by cycle travellers, alongside talks, practical workshops and exhibitors. It is particularly relevant for cyclists interested in cycle touring and longer journeys by bike.

More information

You can find out more about the Festival International du Voyage à Vélo here.

Part 6: Practicalities for a Loire Valley cycling trip

When to go on your cycling tour in the Loire?

The Loire Valley typically benefits from a temperate climate most of the year. In theory you could cycle year-round here, but the likelihood of adverse weather conditions is a lot higher during the winter months.

For the best chances of dry and warm weather that’s perfect for an idyllic Loire Valley cycle trip, we suggest visiting between April to October. Typically, early spring and early autumn temperatures are at their most pleasant and comfortable for days in the saddle. Late spring is particularly enchanting, with the local scenery and castle gardens in full bloom.

For the ultimate time to visit, June has more than just great weather to offer cycling lovers to the region! Alongside the Nature is Bike festival in Angers, the end of June sees The Anjou Vélo Vintage festival bring a buzzing atmosphere and vintage bike fun to the local town of Saumur.

Of course, things can really heat up in late summer in the Loire, especially during July and August. In recent years, temperatures have soared to over 40°C /104°F. This can make cycling here a challenge, especially with young children in tow.

Is the Loire suitable for family cycling?

A myriad of traffic-free cycling routes, quiet roads and lots of cycling infrastructure ensure the Loire is an excellent base for a family cycling holiday.

Vélo Francette

The Vélo Francette is a particularly good option; it uses a former towpath that’s been converted into a dedicated traffic-free cycling path.

Around Angers

Around Angers, there are some great family-friendly cycle route options. For example, this 40 kilometre along the Loire river and the Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire gardens (more details here) and this 26 kilometre route from Angers along the greenway towards Montreuil-Juigné, including a section of the famous Vélo Francette cycle route (more details here).

Other routes

You’ll find many other stretches of traffic-free cycling suitable for families on other routes in the Loire Valley, including on the Loire à Vélo and Loir Valley by Bike. Though both these routes also feature some stretches shared with traffic, which less confident families may struggle with.

Are there cycling friendly places to stay in the Loire region?

The Loire Valley is blessed with lots of cycling friendly places to stay, that are used to catering specifically to cyclists’ needs.

One thing to look out for are places certified as “Accueil Vélo”. This certification means they have met specific criteria for welcoming cyclists. To qualify they must be no further than 5 kilometres from a dedicated cycle route. They also come with special equipment and facilities for cyclists, including secure bike storage, repair kits, bike hire and washing facilities – in fact everything you need for biking the Loire Valley with ease.

A final tip: don’t forget to try and book accommodation in advance, especially during the busy summer months.

Where can you hire a bike in the Loire Valley?

Well established cycling routes and cycle tourism along the Loire Valley ensure it is relatively easy to find both bike rental and repair shops here.

You won’t have to look far if you encounter a mechanical along the way, or you want to start your Loire Valley bike tour elsewhere. Most bikes shops are typically found in the many major towns and cities located along the Loire River.

You can find more options for Loire bike rental, here.

Are there any companies offering luggage transfer services in the Loire?

With several multi day Loire cycling routes available to choose from, you may be eager to enjoy more freedom on the bikes and travel lighter each day.

Loire by bike take the hassle out of these planning logistics and offer both luggage transfer, as well as bike and passenger transport, if needed. Send them an enquiry and ask for a quote to get started. There’s more information here.

It’s always worth checking with your chosen accommodation too! Some bike friendly hotels here may offer luggage transfers as part of their services for cyclists, though in recent years the number has declined.

What are your packing tips for cyclists visiting the Loire?

The Loire Valley’s famously mild climate and continental location means you should pack accordingly for warm days on the bike. Light layers are a good plan, and a protective waterproof jacket should be packed in case of any sharp showers, especially in spring.

The warmer summer months can really heat up, so don’t forget your suncream, sunglasses and bug spray to protect against any mosquitoes.

Please refer to our packing guide for further suggestions on what to pack for a cycling holiday.

How to get to and from the Loire Valley from the UK/abroad

The best way to reach the Loire Valley depends on where you plan to start riding. Paris has rail links to several Loire Valley cities, including Orléans and Tours, while Nantes is a useful gateway for the western end of the route.

If you are travelling from the UK by car, the northern French ferry ports provide onward road access to the region. It is worth choosing your arrival point around the section of the Loire you want to ride rather than treating one city as the default start or finish.

How to get around the Loire Valley

The Loire à Vélo Train connects many of the major towns and cities along the route, including Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Saumur, Angers, Ancenis and Nantes. At weekends, services also continue towards the Atlantic coast, including Saint-Nazaire, La Baule, Pornichet and Le Croisic.

In 2026, bike reservations on the Loire à Vélo Train are compulsory from 1 May to 27 September and cost €1 per bike per train, in addition to your passenger ticket. Spaces can fill up, so it is worth booking ahead, particularly during busy periods.

On the dedicated Train Loire à Vélo, tandems and folded trailers are accepted in the designated bike area, provided the bike is no more than 240 centimetres long. Cargo bikes are not accepted. Rules can be different on other TER trains, so check that your chosen service is a Train Loire à Vélo before travelling with a tandem or trailer.

It is also worth arriving early and removing panniers and other accessories from your bike before boarding. This makes it easier to load bikes and helps maximise the available space.

Bike reservation rules vary depending on the service and time of year, so check the latest requirements and timetable before travelling.

You can find current Train Loire à Vélo timetables, reservation information and bike carriage rules here.

Part 7: General tips for your Loire trip

Food and drink in the Loire

Good news, foodies! Gastronomic delights abound in the Loire Valley. Walk into any wine bar in towns and cities across the region and you’ll find plenty of excellent wines made from grapes grown in the rich, fertile soil here.

With a vineyard never far out of sight, this prestigious wine region boasts many revered wines that are loved the world over. The dry white Savennières is a particular highlight, alongside another popular French white, Saumur. As for lovers of a fruity red wine, tasty Anjou Villages also hails from the Loire Valley.

Not such a fan of wine? Angers is also the proud producer of the world famous liqueur Cointreau and its distillery can be visited.

France is of course also known for its food and alongside the usual boulangeries to satisfy your daily pastry needs, there are several regional Loire delicacies worth a try. Rillettes are a tasty, pâté-like savoury spread made from shredded pork or poultry and are traditionally served with delicious crusty bread.

Fresh vegetables, including carrots, asparagus, mushrooms and shallots, are grown here and can be found in the many bustling markets. Cherries and Reine-Claude plums are commonly found in spring.

For dessert, Pâté aux prunes is a plum pie made with un-pitted greengage plums, a variety that is emblematic of Angers and the surrounding area. Those with a sweet tooth will also love Quernons d’Ardoise. These caramelised nuts come dipped in blue coloured chocolate and make a dangerously delicious cycling snack!

Culture

Keeping entertained off the bike will certainly not be a problem whilst cycling in Loire. As we’ve mentioned previously, the Loire Valley is a melting point of eclectic French history! Sampling the regions many unique castles is therefore a must when visiting, so do try to factor in some time in to check out a few.

Aside from some of the impressive castles already mentioned, there are plenty of other places to build into a cycling itinerary. Depending on your route, you could stop at smaller châteaux, explore historic centres in places such as Tours, Saumur or Angers, or combine a vineyard ride with a visit to a local wine cellar.

Language

Whilst French is the primary language, the Loire’s high tourist footfall means you’ll likely encounter most people speak good English.

That said, it’s always worth familiarising yourself with a few of the basics, and a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture as you explore. Here’s some to get started:

• Bonjour: Good morning.
• Bonsoir: Good evening.
• Merci: Thank you.
• S’il vous plaît: Please.
• Où sommes-nous?: Where are we?
• Pourriez-vous m’aider?: Can you help me?

What’s next?

With long-distance routes, riverside riding, châteaux and vineyards to explore, the Loire Valley has plenty to offer whether you’re planning a multi-day cycling trip or picking a base for day rides. Hopefully this guide has given you a useful starting point for planning your own trip.

If you’ve cycled in the Loire Valley, do let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you get on!

Looking for further inspiration? Don’t miss:

• Our pick of the best regions for road cycling in France, for more ideas on where to ride across the country
• Best bike hotels in France, featuring cyclist-friendly places to stay.
• Where to cycle in May, for inspiration on your next cycling trip including the Loire Valley
• Gravel cycling in France, for an ultimate guide
• River cycling, including 8 of the most beautiful river cycling routes