The Loire à Vélo, an exceptional route that is constantly evolving
The Loire à Vélo now comprises over 900 km of developed and signposted routes, linking the Loire estuary at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins to Nevers. It crosses two major regions – the Centre-Val de Loire and the Pays de la Loire – and runs alongside Europe’s last wild river.
The route passes through or serves many iconic towns and cities, such as Orléans, Blois, Tours, Saumur, Angers and Nantes.
Every year, more than a million cyclists – both French and international – now take this route. This success is down to the quality of the facilities (greenways, quiet country lanes), as well as the diversity of the landscapes: vineyards, forests, charming villages and the unique panoramas of the Loire Valley.
A tailor-made holiday for the whole family
Much like the Way of St James, the Loire à Vélo is perfectly suited to an ‘à la carte’ exploration. There’s no need to cover the 900 km in one go: you can tailor your trip to suit:
. the length of your holiday
. the age of the children
. your fitness level
. the places you’d like to visit
Some families opt for a few days’ touring holiday, whilst others prefer to set up camp at a campsite and go on day trips. The stages are generally short and accessible, with little elevation gain, making the route ideal even with young children.
Discovering the Valley of the Kings
The Loire à Vélo cycle route crosses the famous Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover some of France’s most beautiful châteaux:
. Château de Chambord, the most majestic
. Château de Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher
. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, elegant and romantic
. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, famous for its garden festival
. Château de Cheverny, which inspired Moulinsartimage
These visits provide a pleasant break during the journey and offer cultural stops suitable for the whole family.
Campsites tailored to cycle tourists
All along the route, more than 70 campsites with the Accueil Vélo label welcome travellers and offer services perfectly suited to the needs of cyclists and families. We explain the Accueil Vélo label here
Among them, several sites ideally situated along the Loire à Vélo route allow you to stop off in the best possible conditions. This is particularly true of Camping Les Saules, right next to the Château de Cheverny, which is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding châteaux.
Further west, Camping du Port Caroline charms visitors with its natural setting on the banks of the Loire and its facilities designed for cyclists.
In Montsoreau, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, Camping L’Isle Verte offers a particularly pleasant stopover between the Loire and the vineyards.
These campsites offer flexible accommodation, ranging from traditional pitches to fully equipped rentals, as well as special packages for cycle tourists for a night or two, ideal for a touring holiday.
Easier stays with camping networks
Some establishments have even joined forces to offer packages even better suited to cyclists. This is the case with the Anjou Bivouac association, which brings together several campsites strategically located along the Loire à Vélo cycle route in Maine-et-Loire:
. L’Isle Verte Campsite
. Port Caroline Campsite
This network allows holidaymakers to benefit from a streamlined experience, with consistent stops, standardised services and, in some cases, luggage transport solutions between the different sites.
Travel light and stress-free
To complement these services, many campsites and local partners also offer:
. bike hire (including electric bikes, children’s bikes and trailers)
. luggage transport from one campsite to another
. personalised advice on itineraries
These services make organising your holiday much easier, particularly for families, and allow you to enjoy the experience to the full without any logistical hassles.
Off the beaten track: the ‘bicyclette buissonnière’
The Loire à Vélo is a backbone… but it also invites you to explore! Don’t hesitate to veer off it to discover:
the vineyards of Saumur-Champigny or Sancerre
charming villages such as Montsoreau
the slate quarries of Trélazé near Angers
You can also enjoy a unique break by boarding a gabare or a toue, traditional flat-bottomed boats, for a peaceful exploration of the Loire from the water.
A nature-based and sustainable destination
The Loire à Vélo is fully committed to sustainable tourism. As you cycle, you take the time to discover a preserved area rich in biodiversity. Many sections run alongside protected natural areas where it is not uncommon to spot birds, beavers or fish.
What’s more, local authorities are continuing to improve the route: new links, better signage, tailored services… The experience becomes more comfortable and accessible every year.
Practical tips to help you prepare for your trip
To make the most of your adventure, here are a few recommendations:
. opt for spring and summer, though autumn also offers stunning colours
. book your accommodation in advance during the high season
. make sure you have a helmet, a water bottle and a repair kit
. Download maps or apps dedicated to the Loire à Vélo
An adventure to experience… and relive
Whether for a long weekend or several weeks, the Loire à Vélo is a destination to be discovered gradually. Each section has its own character, landscapes and treasures.
It’s an invitation to slow down, share moments with your family and explore one of France’s most beautiful regions in a different way. One thing is certain: once you’ve started, you’ll want to come back… again and again🚴 ♀️