La Loire à Vélo
La Loire à Vélo follows the majestic Loire River through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Loire Valley, offering cyclists an enchanting journey through France's most celebrated château country. This section of EuroVelo 6 winds through six French departments, connecting Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast to the historic heart of France, passing royal castles, ancient vineyards, and charming riverside villages.
As Europe's most frequented cycle route with 1.2 million travelers annually, La Loire à Vélo combines exceptional infrastructure with unparalleled cultural richness. The route stays close to the Loire riverbanks for most of its length, ensuring cyclists remain immersed in the valley's unique landscape throughout their journey.
Essential Route Information
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate - suitable for families and recreational cyclists
- Terrain: Predominantly flat with gentle rolling hills
- Surface types: Mix of dedicated greenways, quiet shared roads, and low-traffic routes with some cycle lanes
- Route type: Primarily traffic-separated paths and quiet country roads
- Recommended direction: Flexible - equally enjoyable in both directions
- Recommended bike: Touring or hybrid bike ideal for mixed surfaces
Route Infrastructure & Navigation
La Loire à Vélo boasts some of France's finest cycling infrastructure, with hundreds of kilometers of carefully planned paths. The route prioritizes cyclist safety and comfort through dedicated greenways that follow historic towpaths and railway lines, complemented by quiet country roads that showcase the region's agricultural heritage.
Navigation remains straightforward thanks to consistent waymarking throughout the Loire Valley departments of Cher, Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, and Loire-Atlantique. Eleven additional cycle loops branch off the main route, providing access to major Loire châteaux and allowing cyclists to customize their itinerary based on cultural interests.
Key Attractions Along the Route
The Loire Valley's reputation as the "Garden of France" becomes evident as cyclists encounter an extraordinary concentration of Renaissance châteaux and historic sites:
- Loire Valley Châteaux: Royal castles showcasing Renaissance architecture in tuffeau limestone
- Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud: Historic royal abbey complex near the route's eastern section
- Château d'Angers: Medieval fortress with famous Apocalypse Tapestry
- Troglodyte caves: Ancient dwellings carved into limestone cliffs
- Loire vineyards: Century-old wine estates offering tastings and cellar tours
- Loire islands: Natural reserves with preserved flora and fauna
- Historic Nantes: Former Breton capital with rich maritime heritage
Accommodation Options
The Loire Valley's tourism infrastructure provides cyclists with exceptional accommodation choices throughout the region. Hundreds of professionals hold the "Accueil Vélo" certification, ensuring specialized services for cycling tourists.
- Accueil Vélo certified establishments: Dedicated cyclist services including secure bike parking and repair kits
- Châteaux hotels: Historic properties offering luxury accommodation within cycling distance
- Rural gîtes: Traditional countryside lodging perfect for multi-day tours
- Riverside camping: Well-equipped sites along the Loire with cyclist facilities
Access & Transportation
Getting There
The Loire Valley's central location and excellent rail connections make accessing La Loire à Vélo straightforward from major French cities. The dedicated "Train Loire à Vélo" service operates year-round on the Orléans-Tours-Nantes-Le Croisic line, specifically designed to accommodate cyclists and their bicycles with simplified boarding procedures.
Getting Back
Regional TER trains throughout the Loire Valley accept bicycles, though summer reservations become mandatory and cost a small fee from May through September. Cyclists should avoid peak commuter hours in the morning and evening on weekdays and remove panniers before boarding to ensure smooth travel.
Practical Considerations
La Loire à Vélo's popularity stems partly from its accessibility and comprehensive support infrastructure. The route connects seamlessly with other major French cycle routes including La Vélodyssée toward the Atlantic coast and various regional networks extending into neighboring regions.
Service availability remains excellent throughout the Loire Valley:
- Bike rental and services: Available in all major towns with one-way rental options
- Baggage transport: Professional services between accommodations
- Tourist information: Accueil Vélo certified offices providing route guidance and practical assistance
- Emergency repair stations: Strategically placed along the main route
Regional Connections
La Loire à Vélo forms the centerpiece of an extensive cycling network throughout the Pays de la Loire region. The region maintains thousands of kilometers of marked and secured cycling routes, allowing cyclists to extend their Loire Valley experience through diverse landscapes from Atlantic beaches to intimate river valleys.
Popular extensions include following the Mayenne River northward via La Vélo Francette, exploring the Sarthe Valley through La Vélobuissonnière, or continuing toward Brittany along the Canal de Nantes à Brest. Each connection maintains the same high infrastructure standards and cyclist-friendly services that characterize the main Loire route.
Final Tips
La Loire à Vélo rewards cyclists with an perfect introduction to French cycle touring, combining world-class infrastructure with unmatched cultural richness. The route's gentle gradients and excellent facilities make it ideal for first-time cycle tourists, while the château loops and wine estate visits provide enough depth to satisfy experienced travelers.
Plan for flexibility in your itinerary to fully appreciate spontaneous discoveries along the way, whether that means an impromptu château visit, a vineyard tasting, or simply lingering beside the Loire's ever-changing waters. The valley's timeless beauty and cycling-friendly infrastructure ensure that La Loire à Vélo delivers an unforgettable experience regardless of your pace or particular interests.
