Cycling the Loire Valley is the chance to experience classic French culture at its absolute best. This idyllic corner of the country was once the playground of French kings, a fact you can’t escape thanks to countless enchanting castles found rising majestically between the Loire River and its many world-class vineyards.
A network of well-signposted, largely traffic-free cycling routes now connects these cultural wonders. This extensive cycling infrastructure has firmly established the Loire as a must-visit destination for all kinds of cyclists.
Located in the heart of the Loire Valley is the well-connected city of Angers, arguably one of the best bases for a multi-day cycling trip of the Loire. From here you can connect onto no less than three famous cycling routes: the Loire à Vélo, Vélo Francette and Loir Valley by Bike. To find out more about cycling in Angers, we chatted with Olivier Bouchereau from the Angers tourism board, who also organises the Nature is Bike gravel event held in Angers in June (more on that below!).
We start by finding out about what makes cycling the Loire Valley a must-do for cyclists. We then dig into why Angers’ cycling scene is so good, including practicalities for bike hire, cycling friendly accommodation and the best time to cycle the Loire Valley.
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, the Loire Valley rightly earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status back in 2000.
There are 22 castles in total to discover and the magnificent medieval Château d’Angers, set in the heart of Angers city centre, should be high on your to see list (more on that below!)
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 in recent years. In fact, the Loire à Vélo is now France’s best-known cycle route, attracting approximately one 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.
Why visit the medieval city Angers on your Loire cycling holiday?
Angers is a bustling, modern city with a rich historic past.
Angers is a great cycling base
Sitting at the confluence of the River Maine and River Loire, Angers sits at the western edge of the Loire Valley. The historic city of Angers’ impressive medieval heritage makes it a unique base for those looking to experience an authentic, lesser-known corner of the Loire.
The city of Angers also sits at the crossroads of three major Loire Valley cycling routes, the Loire à Vélo, the Vélo Francette and the Loir by Bike. This means that if you base yourself here, there are absolutely tons of options for cycling in and around Angers. You’ll find more about each of these routes below.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the tourist board is keen to attract cyclists and the staff in the major tourist offices in Angers are trained to help cyclists. They should therefore be able to point you in the right direction if you have queries. You can find details of the different tourist offices in Angers here. They also run a bike concierge service, which could well be useful during your stay.
Excellent transport links
For visitors coming from the UK, Angers is easily accessible from the Channel ports. For example, Saint-Malo and Ouistreham are both typically only 2 hours 40 minutes drive from Angers.
Angers is also easily accessible from France’s capital Paris, making it a great start or end point for your bike tour of the Loire Valley. For those arriving by public transport, excellent train connections are available from both Montparnasse and the Charles de Gaulle Airport, reaching Angers in under two hours.
If you’re planning on driving, there is also a free car park in the city centre. The name of the big square is Place de la Rochefoucauld. You can find more information about parking in Angers, here.
Angers also offers plenty to keep you entertained off the bike.
City of art and history
Before the French Revolution, Angers was the capital of the province Anjou, and this former medieval stronghold is still evident across the city today. This makes it a beautiful place to stay for a few days.
Angers is a prestigious ‘city of art and history’. The city’s crowning cultural jewel is the world’s largest medieval tapestry, which is 103 metres long (and 4.5 metres high!). The Apocalypse tapestry can be seen in the Château d’Angers and since 2023 has been listed as a Memory of the World Register by UNESCO.
The Castle of Angers is also a medieval masterpiece. This fortified château is one of the best preserved in France, complete with gorgeous, manicured gardens – perfect for a post ride wander.
France’s greenest city
It might be a bustling urban city, but Angers is also a green city, with 1,500 acres of parks and green spaces. On average there is 100 sqm of green space per inhabitant. This incredible stat has earned Angers the title of ‘France’s greenest city’ for four years in a row.
Angers is also home to Europe’s first theme park dedicated to plant life, the Terra Botanica Theme Park. A staggering 275,000 plants can be found here, including countless fun, interactive plant exhibitions designed to entertain and inspire.
All in all, it’s a great place to visit on a cycling tour of the Loire Valley or to base yourself in for a cycling holiday.
What are the best long-distance cycling routes in the Loire region?
The city of Angers sits at the crossroads of three major Loire Valley cycling routes. This makes Angers a great place to stay when tackling one of them, with many bike-friendly hotels to choose from (see below!) and handy train links with capacity for bike storage during the summer months, enabling you to easily get back to Angers when/ if needed.
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 impressive 800-kilometre Loire à Vélo is the ultimate option. This route encompasses the western section of the EuroVelo 6 route, taking you from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. Despite its length, the route is gentle and could be tackled in a week by a fit cyclist, or over a few weeks, with the family in tow.
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. And Château d’Angers of course.
More information
You can find out more about the Loire à Vélo here.
This map shows Angers’ proximity to La Loire à Vélo.
La Vélo Francette
The 630-kilometre La Vélo Francette route offers an epic place-to-place journey starts 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.
This map shows Angers’ proximity to La Vélo Francette.
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 350-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.
Just north of the city of Angers the Loir Valley by bike joins the Vélo Francette cycle route, before culminating in Angers.
More information
You can find out more about the Loir Valley by Bike route here.
This map shows Angers’ proximity to the Loir Valley by Bike.
What are the best day rides from Angers?
For those keen to cycle Angers, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking on a satisfying day out on the bike from the city. Here are a few options to get started exploring the Loire Valley by bike…
La Loire à Vélo – Easy
Angers provides the perfect base to take in a section of the popular place to place cycling route the Loire à Vélo . This gentle 34 kilometres 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 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.
Are there any cycling events held in Angers?
Nature is Bike is a fun festival for cycling lovers, that takes place from 13 – 15 June, 2025. 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.
Now in its fourth year, 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 six group rides which take in different routes around Angers and offer varying degrees of challenge and adventure! The route options this year include:
- GRAVEL LOIRE LEGEND: Test yourself on not one but two routes, by combining the 300 kilometres and 200 kilometres routes (found below). You have in 36 hours to complete the challenge.
- LEGEND300: The classic Nature by bike ride covering 300 kilometres.
- DEFI200: An entry level ultra experience covering 200 kilometres, with no time trial attached.
- BIKEPACKING: A 2 day bikepacking experience covering 280 kilometres.
- GRAVEL100: A 100 kilometres Sunday leg stretch.
- GRAVEL70: A 70 kilometres ride offering an excellent opportunity to experience gravel riding by yourself, or join with a friend!
More information
To find out more about the specific Nature is Bike rides and how to register go here.
Part 2: 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 taking place during the middle of the month, the end of June sees the 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.
Angers
While in 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 Angers and 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.
For those looking to base themselves in the city of Angers, you have several cycling friendly options to choose from, ranging from hotels to bed and breakfasts and campsites. Head to this dedicated website for cyclist-friendly accommodation in Angers and select the ‘cyclists welcome’ box to find accommodation to suit your needs.
A final tip: don’t forget to try and book accommodation in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
Tell us about bike rentals in Angers
Angers is a great place to explore by bike and there are several bike shops found throughout the city. This makes Angers a good choice for someone starting out on their cycle tour of the Loire Valley, looking to hire a bike for the day, or in need of a repair/ replacement during their stay here.
Popular options include Cycles Cesbron, located a short walk from the nearest train station at Angers . Their bike fleet includes e-bike options, a tandem, cargo bike and children’s bikes, as well as road cycling and gravel bikes.
They also have a full range of handy accessories such as panniers and bike trailers. Please note bookings should be made in advance of arrival; this is particularly important during peak season.
Looking for more Loire Valley bike hire options? Across the river in Angers is Espace 2 Roues, which also has a full fleet of bike hire options, including road bikes, that can be hired for a range of days or weeks.
Are there bike shops elsewhere 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 based in Angers or elsewhere 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 Angers from the UK/abroad
Getting to Angers is easy.
If choosing to come by car from the UK, the city is just a two-hour drive from the Saint-Malo port, and a lengthier drive of six hours for those arriving in Calais. There is a large free car park in the centre of Angers (Place de la Rochefoucauld) where you can park if this isn’t available at your accommodation. You can find more information about parking in Angers, here.
For international visitors flying into France, the most local airport to Angers is one hour away in Nantes. From here you can take a short train ride to Angers. If you’re flying into Paris there are also several easy train options connecting the capital with Angers.
How to get around Angers
The city is very well connected by a tramline which you can take your bike on. Be warned, this excludes peak times, so plan accordingly!
The Loire à Vélo Train also connects many of the major cultural hubs along the Loire Valley, including Angers, Tours, Nantes and Orleans. It has dedicated space for cyclists, which increases during the summer months. Take note! If you are travelling during this time with a bike trailer or tandem head to the Train Loire à Vélo signage where this extra space on the train can be located.
The Loire Bike Train runs at certain times of the day, so check the timetable and plan your journey accordingly. See this handy flier for more useful information.
Part 3: 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 Angers (and other prominent towns and cities along the Loire River) 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! You can visit the distillery and enjoy a guided tour.
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!
Local food and wine at Restaurant Odorico Hotel d’Anjou (© Alexandre Lamoureux)
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, other noteworthy places include the fairytale-like Château du Plessis-Bourré. Located just north of Angers, this fine château is surrounded by wide moats filled with water and comes complete with drawbridges. Fun fact: this impressive castle has been used in several French films!
Needing a break from all the castles? The Doutre district in Angers is home to the striking 11th century Hôpital Saint-Jean. This medieval building is a sight to behold and The jean Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum can now be found here.
Wine lovers could also combine weaving through vineyards with a visit to a local wine cellar. Take a look at these options near Angers to get started.
Savennières vineyards in autumn (© Alexandre Lamoureux)
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?
A huge thank you to Olivier for sharing these insights. Angers certainly sounds like a fabulous place to stay in during your Loire Valley cycling trip – or indeed to base yourself in for a week or more of cycling.
If you book a trip to Angers or the Loire, do let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you get on!
If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out 7 best regions for road cycling in France and 9 best bike hotels in France.
Got a question for Olivier?
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Olivier Bouchereau is Press Manager at Destination Angers. He lives in the Loire region and is a keen road and gravel cyclist. Olivier plays a key role within the organisation team of Nature is Bike, Angers' annual gravel cycling festival. He is a big fan of Loire Valley food and wines and is always happy to share tips with visitors to Angers - and fellow cyclists in particular!
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Destination Angers was set up to enable more people to enjoy the many wonders this medieval city in the Loire Valley has to offer. Their website comes packed with handy information to help you explore here.
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