The Loire by bike, a route between Cuffy and Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
The Loire by Bike is one of the most famous cycling routes in France. The route connects Cuffy à Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, spanning over 900 kilometers, following the course of the Loire River and crossing a region rich in heritage. The Loire by Bike attracts thousands of cycle tourists every year, both beginners and experienced riders.
The royal Loire cycle route
Along the way, you’ll pass through towns and villages, several of which have been awarded the “Towns and Regions of Art and History” label. At each stage, the river guides you through a variety of settings: vineyards, forests, historical monuments, or even a bike ride along the banks of the Loire.
You’ll also pass through iconic cities such as Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc; Blois with its royal castle; Tours, the capital of Touraine; Saumur with its troglodyte houses and cavalry; Nantes, an ancient port and cultural city; and Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, the arrival point on the Atlantic.
This Loire by Bike route follows part of EuroVelo 6, a European cycle route that connects the Atlantic to the Black Sea. The route is most often traveled in an east-west direction, from Nevers to Saint-Nazaire, following the river’s descent.
What to see on the Loire by bike?
The main tourist attractions in the Loire Valley by bike:
- The Loire Valley châteaux by bike: Chambord, Blois, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau… for any history lover, for those who love beautiful buildings, or for those who dream of living like a king and queen.
- The landscapes of the Loire Valley: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a diversity of countryside, vineyards, forests, and sandbanks.
- The cities of Art and History: Orléans, Tours, Saumur, Nantes… rich in museums, Renaissance architecture, and cultural festivals.
- The fauna and flora: while cycling along the water, you may spot herons, beavers, or terns.
How to plan your route on the Loire by bike?
Several options are available depending on your level and preferences:
- A 5- to 15-day tour, with accommodation in a hotel, B&B, or campsite.
- A tailor-made trip, choosing iconic stops such as “The Loire Valley Châteaux by Bike in 5 Days” between Tours and Angers.
To best plan your trip, we recommend the specialized cycling guides, topographical guides, and detailed Loire Valley cycling maps available on Cartovelo or to go on La Bicyclette Verte (a cycle travel agency).
The cycle guide on the Loire Valley offers:
- Detailed maps: each guide includes a PDF or paper map of the Loire à Vélo, with route sections, route types, accommodations, points of interest, and useful services for cyclists.
- Step-by-step accommodation selection: find addresses in the guides: campsites, hotels, lodges, and B&Bs suitable for cycle tourists. Ideal for planning your stages in advance. Or for even more convenience, you can organize your tour with La Bicyclette Verte.
- Technical advice for proper equipment: the guide includes recommendations on choosing a bike, luggage, maintenance, tools to bring, and physical preparation according to the length of your stay.
- Practical information: there to find water, where to eat, how to get to a train station, or what to do in case of an unforeseen event. The guide answers all your questions for your worry-free Loire à Vélo itinerary.
Routes connected to the Loire by bike
The Loire à Vélo is not a road trip in isolation! It intersects with several other Loire cycle routes that allow you to extend or personalize your cycling trip.
These intersections open the way to multiple long-distance route combinations, ideal for cycle tourists seeking adventure.
Don’t hesitate to discover our complete selection ofcycling maps and guides in France.
