©Loire à Vélo de Montlouis à Amboise|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

The Loire by bike

Welcome to one of France’s most beautiful cycle routes! In the heart of the Loire Valley countryside, La Loire à Vélo offers you a superb 900km journey, at your own pace. Amboise and its châteaux, the vineyards of Montlouis-sur-Loire, the half-timbered houses of Tours, the gardens of Villandry, the château of Azay-le-Rideau, the royal fortress of Chinon… When planning your stay in Touraine, as well as the distances involved, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for sightseeing. By all accounts, you’ll need it!

The Loire à Vélo - a unique route

Pedal along France’s first signposted and safe cycle route! The project was initiated in 1995 by the Centre Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire regions, to form the western section ofEurovélo 6. This major route runs alongside 3 of Europe’s great rivers (the Loire, the Rhine and the Danube), crossing France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.

From the foothills of the Massif Central to the beaches of the Atlantic, La Loire à Vélo hugs the banks of Europe’s last great wild river (as well as the banks of the Cher, near Savonnières). Along almost 900 km of cycle route, discover an exceptional diversity of landscapes, between nature and heritage.

New: the Loire à Vélo pass!

Offered by the Tours and Orléans Tourist Offices, the Loire à Vélo pass (24h: €59 / 48h: €105 / 72h: €135) gives you exclusive offers and preferential rates for bike hire, tours, restaurants… Travel smart!

Information and booking

©Loire by bike city of Tours|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

Cyclistes sur Loire à Vélo de Montlouis à Amboise — ©Loire à Vélo de Montlouis à Amboise|ADT Touraine - JC Coutand

Essential steps

In addition to the places already mentioned in the introduction, stop off at the châteaux of Langeais andUssé, theTouraine Aquarium and the Ile de la Métairie. If you deviate from the main route via signposted branches, you can reach the Château de Chenonceau and the Cité royale de Loches, the Château de l’Islette, the Cité Rétro-mécanique Maurice Dufresne and the Haute Couture gardens.

Extend your cycling experience by catching up with other major itineraries such as the Cyclo Bohème, Cœur de France à vélo (Val de Cher – Canal de Berry) or Saint-Jacques à vélo. And note that in Chinon, a greenway leads to Richelieu’s “ideal city”, passing through the fairytale gardens of the Château du Rivau.

There are also a number of art installations along the way, such as Jordane Saget’s installation on the route past the Château de Villandry (photo below).

Caves Ambacia

Visit the famous caves to enjoy special events, taste and buy some of the finest vintages of Touraine and Loire Valley wines. Themed tasting...

Amboise

©Loire à vélo Villandry by Jordane Saget|ADT Touraine / Jean-Christophe Coutand

What is the most beautiful part of the Loire à Vélo in Touraine?

It’s a frequently asked question, but a difficult one to answer! In Touraine, cycling the Loire à Vélo route takes you to the heart of the Loire Valley and its great châteaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In just under 100 km, you’ll reach the ramparts ofAmboise, the lively heart of the city of Tours, the entrance to the gardens of Villandry and the walls of the royal fortress of Chinon. All great stops!

Between Amboise and Candes-Saint-Martin, the route reveals its most beautiful features. Admire the sun’s reflection on the white tufa facades as you walk along the wild banks. At Bréhémont, the panorama of the royal river will take your breath away. The most beautiful cycle paths then take you to Rigny-Ussé, where the castle looks like something out of a fairytale.

Stop off at Savonnières to discover the petrifying caves, before heading on to the remarkable gardens of Villandry. On this stretch, troglodyte villages and terraced vineyards add an authentic touch to your cycling tour.

For a unique experience

Cross the river for free in a traditional boat at La Chapelle-sur-Loire: the Vents d’Galerne boatmen will tell you their stories of the Loire.

Live the experience

As well as the châteaux, you’ll pass through a number of vineyards along the way. It’s up to you to improvise a wine-tasting break in the tourist cellars of Amboise, Montlouis, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon or Bourgueil!

More info

Where to stay on the Loire à Vélo route?

Enjoy the comfort of accommodation designed with cyclists in mind! Campsites provide shady pitches, while bed and breakfasts offer secure garages for your bikes. You’ll be spoilt for choice: opt for an unusual night in a canal boat on the Loire, an authentic stay in a rural gîte or the charm ofa boutique hotel.

Each establishment offers a range of dedicated services: energetic breakfast, repair area, laundry and even luggage transport. The owners are true ambassadors for the region, sharing their invaluable advice on the most beautiful routes and hidden treasures. Many of them have been awarded the “La Loire à Vélo” label. They offer services tailored to the needs of cycle tourists, and are located less than 5 km from the route.

Accueil Vélo accommodation

COMING BY TRAIN DURING THE SUMMER

Take your bike in specially equipped carriages as part of the Train Vélo Loire operation. Please note: booking is compulsory at weekends and on public holidays (€1 charge, in addition to your ticket), and recommended on other days.

An easy cycling route for the whole family, with the kids!

Bring the whole family! Thanks to its flat, safe and signposted route, La Loire à Vélo is accessible to everyone. From the age of 7 or 8, the experience is possible, with stages of 20 to 30 kilometres per day. Of course, the youngest cyclists can also make the trip, using a cargo bike or a specially adapted trailer. Whatever their age, you’ll love the fact that they can collect “La Loire à Vélo” stamps in the passport dedicated to the itinerary, available from most of the Tourist Offices along this beautiful route.

And of course, with children, take the opportunity to combine a visit to the châteaux of the Loire with the adventure of cycling as a family. It’s a fun way to visit France and its wonderful heritage!

To get to your starting point, or to get back (if you need to collect your car, for example / practical information: link to parking areas in Tours), the rail links pass through the stations at Orléans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Chinon, Saumur, Angers and Nantes.

©Velos Rigny Usse Tours|ADT Touraine - Jean-Christophe COUTAND MEHEUT

When should you cycle the Loire?

It’s a magnificent sight all year round, but certain periods are particularly good for exploring. In the spring, the mild temperatures and awakening nature create an ideal setting for cycling. Summer remains the most popular season, particularly in July and August, when the castles are at their busiest.

If you want to take full advantage of the scenery and enjoy the sights in a more relaxed atmosphere, choose the months of May-June or September-October. The autumn colours sublimate the banks of the Loire, while the cool mornings invite you to set off at first light. The more adventurous will even appreciate winter, when the wild river reveals a different, more mysterious face.

Practice

Short of equipment? As well as electrically-assisted bikes, bike hire companies can provide accessories such as children’s trailers for families. If you want to travel light, baggage transfer services (Bagafrance…) from one accommodation to another make your adventure even more comfortable. Last but not least, the sites you visit offer a system of lockers for your luggage, and the city of Tours has secure cycle parking facilities.