Loire Cycle Path | Discover cycle tours with Eurobike

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Short information about the Loire cycle path

In the past, the wild and romantic Loire has been a muse for many writers, painters and musicians, who were inspired by the beauty of one of the last unregulated rivers in Europe. The picturesque Loire Valley is known worldwide not only for the Loire itself, but also because of its many enchanting castles. And also for us cyclists, the Loire has not gone unnoticed. The famous cycle path starts in the centre of France, near Nevers and ends on the Atlantic coast in the small town of Saint-Nazaire. You have to cover about 700 kilometres of cycling if you want to say that you have cycled the entire Loire Cycle Path.

The most beautiful stages and tours on the Loire cycle path

Castles on river Loire

This cycle tour is an absolute must for every passionate cyclist. Start your cycling holiday through the garden of France in the historic city of Tours. From there you cycle along the picturesque Loire to discover the enchanting castles of the valley!

All details, stage locations, dates and prices for the travel options Castles on river Loire, 8 days, and Castles on river Loire, 10 days can be found here.

Loire & Atlantic Sea

Once again, Tours is the starting point for our cycle tour along the Loire. Pass fairytale castles and flowering gardens and discover enchanting places like Chinon, Nantes and Saint Nazaire.

If you are curious about the Loire & Atlantic Sea, 8 days, or Loire & Atlantic Sea, 10 days, please click here.

A cyclist sits on a stone wall in front of Chenonceau Castle on the Loire River

Castles on the river Loire

8 Days

18 ratings

Many small boats on the shore of a watercourse of the Brière marshes

Loire Cycle Path, Orléans – Saint Nazaire

10 Days

6 ratings

Loire Cycle Path, Tours – Saint Nazaire

8 Days

7 ratings

The course of the Loire

The source of the Loire

The source of the Loire is located in the French Massif Central, in the central south of France. There, the Loire runs north, then to the northwest, where Nevers meets the largest tributary. This is where the official Loire cycle path begins.

River length

The picturesque Loire is exactly 1004km in length from its source to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, you don’t ride the entire length on the bike.

Cycle Path

The Loire Cycle Path runs mostly on paved side roads and cycle paths. The official Loire cycle path is marked with clearly visible signs, green bordered, with the logo “La Loire à vèlo”. The course and the quality of the cycle paths are ideally suited to bring cyclists of all levels safely to their destination on the Atlantic coast.

Height profile

Questions and answers about the Loire Cycle Path

Where does the Loire Cycle Path start?

The Loire Cycle Path starts near Nevers and finally ends on the Atlantic coast in Saint-Nazaire.

How long is the Loire Cycle Path?

The Loire Cycle Path is approximately 700 kilometres long.

When is the best time to travel the Loire Cycle Path?

The ideal time to travel the Loire Cycle Path is between April and October. In the months of April and May, it is still rather quiet on the Loire. In contrast to July and August, these two months are particularly popular for cycling tourists.

For which target group is the Loire Cycle Path suitable?

The Loire Cycle Route is classified as a medium tour. You cycle mostly on well-maintained, asphalted paths and small side roads. Sometimes short climbs await you, but you can also push your bike without any problems. These cycling tours are especially suitable for cycling beginners with good physical condition, families with older children and above all for cyclists where fun and enjoyment are very important.

How long are the daily stages on the Loire Cycle Path?

On the daily stages of our cycling tours along the Loire Cycle Path, you cycle between 50 and 70 kilometres per day.

Which hotels/accommodation do you stay in on the Loire Cycle Path?

On our cycling tours along the Loire Cycle Path you will stay in well-selected, cosy and beautiful hotels and accommodation.

What are the special highlights on the Loire Cycle Path?

On our cycle tour of the Loire castles, one highlight follows the next. The castles of Langeais, Ussé, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau and many more form "La Route Royal". Fairytale architecture and impressive landscapes await you on this delightful cycle tour.

From Tours to Saint Nazaire or Orléans to Saint Nazaire, you will be rewarded with the beautiful Atlantic Ocean at the end of your journey. Until then, you will cycle past magnificent castles and through beautiful natural scenery and lively French towns.

The most beautiful towns along the Loire Cycle Path

Orléans

It is a beautiful city – no argument. Orlèans – it’s the place on everyone’s lips! In the past, Orlèans was one of the major trading cities of Western France, but today industry and tourism are the most important to the economy. Among the most famous sights are the beautiful Sainte-Croix d’Orleans Cathedral and, of course, the Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, the house used by the French national heroine during her stay in Orlèans.

Tours

The university town of Tours is the starting point of the most popular tours in the Eurobike programme. Tours is not only perfect for cycling, tourists from all over the world visit the town because it is an ideal location from which to visit the castles of the Loire Valley. Medieval streets, bustling weekly markets and typical French bistros invite you to linger.

Maison de la France

Chinon

The quaint little town of Chinon may seem familiar to you. Maybe you know it through the impressive ruins of Chinon? Or because of the excellent wines that come from this area? Or you may have heard of the Loire, because Monsieur Claide and his daughters were based there in the film. For whatever reason you have heard of Chinon, we love this delightful city are it is one of our favourite stops along the Loire Cycle Path.

CDT Touraine

Angers

The venerable city of Angers, whose historic centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a lot to offer the art and culture loves among you. A whole range of interesting museums, the old town and surrounding castles offer visitors to Angers an appealing programme to pass the free time after bike rides.

Nantes

The well-known city of Nantes is the capital of the Pays de la Loire. Nantes was once the capital of historic Brittany, but today, strictly speaking, it no longer belongs to Brittany. This stage destination will enchant you with its historic past.

Saint Nazaire

The romantic town of Saint Nazaire on the French Atlantic coast is the culmination of our cycle tours along the Loire. It enchants with a range of sights and a unique charm that only the vast sea can give you.

SIREN

Vineyards in Chenonceaux along the Loire cycle path

Useful information about your cycling holiday along the Loire

Cuisine of the Loire

Good food and excellent wines are to be found along the Loire. So you can consider a cycle tour along the Loire a culinary adventure. The region’s specialities include the world famous Tarte Tartin, goat cheese Crottin de Chavignol – which has a protected Denomination of Origin, and one of the very big, old white wines, the Chenin Blanc. Look forward to the finest French cuisine and fine wines!

Picnic with a perfect view of one of the castles of the Loire

Weinradel

The climate along the Loire

The weather along the Loire is perfect for cycling. Pleasant temperatures, paired with breezes blowing in from the Atlantic can be enjoyed as you pass the grapevines of the region. From spring to warm autumn, we can recommend travelling in almost every month.

Did you know…

…that the famous Tarte Tatin was invented by two sisters and was actually an accident? The apple pie fell out of the mould and the sisters simply put it back in. A star was born!
…that the Loire is the biggest river in France, which flows towards the Atlantic?