The Loire Cycle Path to the Atlantic

As the former capital of the Kingdom of France, Tours serves as the perfect starting point for your Loire cycle tour to the Atlantic. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic old town, where numerous buildings, elegant patrician houses, and monuments offer a glimpse into the city's rich and glorious past.

Your first stage of your bike tour along the Loire Cycle Path to the Atlantic takes you to two magnificent castles. Begin your journey along the River Cher, reaching Villandry Castle, renowned for its stunning terraced gardens, fountains, and meticulously designed vegetable gardens. From there, continue to Langeais, where you can explore the impressive château and enjoy panoramic views from its fortified tower. Finally, cycle through quaint villages and peaceful roads to reach Chinon to conclude your day's adventure.

Cycle along the Vienne River from Chinon to the charming village of Candes-St. Martin. Wander through its narrow streets, lined with picturesque houses, and make your way up to the plateau above the village. From here, enjoy a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers. Continuing your journey, you’ll reach Souzay-Champigny, where you’ll cycle through the heart of former cave dwellings, offering a unique and intriguing experience. Finally, the majestic Château de Saumur awaits you, perched high above the town. Known as the "white town" for its buildings with limestone tuff façades, Saumur is today's captivating destination.

Leaving Saumur, cycle through the picturesque vineyards of Anjou on the southern banks of the Loire. The route leads you through charming villages with medieval churches, past the remnants of ancient castles, and alongside grand villas. In Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire, stop by the Loire Odyssey information center to learn more about the river that gives your cycle tour its name. Continuing along the Maine River, you’ll arrive in Angers, home to the impressive Château d'Angers, with its formidable 17 towers. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of this lively cultural city.

If you haven't had the chance to visit the Château d'Angers the day before, be sure to explore it in the morning. Here, you'll find the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a 14th-century masterpiece and the largest tapestry ever woven in Europe. From Angers, follow the Maine River back to the Loire, then continue toward Savennières, renowned for producing some of France's finest and most expensive white wines, made from the Chenin Blanc grape. Don’t miss a visit to the village of Béhuard, beautifully located on an island in the Loire. Your journey then leads you over dykes to the charming town of Ingrandes-sur-Loire. Finally, in St-Florent-le-Vieil, take in a stunning panoramic view from a high vantage point overlooking the old town.

Your cycle tour continues along the Loire Cycle Path through the picturesque Loire Valley, but as you leave St. Florent, the landscape begins to change. The valley narrows, and the Loire forces its way through towering slate and granite cliffs, signaling that you’ve entered Brittany getting closer to the Atlantic. The cycle path crosses the river several times including a few challenging climbs, each rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Your journey culminates in Nantes, the historic capital of Brittany. Here you can visit the final castle at the Loire river cycle path before it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

As you follow the ever-widening Loire River, the landscape becomes increasingly serene. Cycling through numerous charming small villages, you’ll eventually reach the seaside resort of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Just a few kilometers further lies your destination for the day, Saint-Nazaire. A shared transfer will take you across the impressive but busy bridge. Once in Saint-Nazaire, take time to explore this fascinating town in the Loire Delta. Don’t miss a visit to the Atlantic shipyard and the historical submarine bunker.

After breakfast, your memorable Loire cycle tour comes to a close. However, if you wish to extend your time by the Atlantic, we would be delighted to arrange additional nights for you, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning coastal views and vibrant surroundings.