Nevers to Orléans Self-guilded Cycling Tour 

Arrival in Nevers

Visit the charming town of Nevers, its pottery workshops where its typical 'Blue of Nevers' was created in the 16th century and the Ducal Palace, considered to be one of the first of the Loire Châteaux, which was the home of the counts then the Dukes of Nevers

Nevers to La Charité sur Loire (or Raveau) | 45kms

To start the first Loira à Vélo trail, reach Cuffy which is the official starting point of the cycling tour of Loire. Continue to the monastic city of La Charité-sur-Loire where you ride on the oldest Loire River bridge (16th century) to reach the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Church

La Charité sur Loire (or Raveau) - Sancerre (or Cavignol) | 31kms (or 39kms)

Ride through the 'Loire Valley National Nature Reserve' and admire the vineyards and the bell tower of Pouilly sur Loire Church. Proceed between fields and woods towards the famous Sancerre vineyards. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Sancerre Blanc with a typical Chavignoi goat cheese! From Sancerre, overlooked by its 15th century 'Tour des Fiefs' dungeon, a beautiful over the valley is waiting for you

Sancerre (or Chavignol) to Briare | 50kms

Leave Sancerre riding along the tow-path of the Canal Latéral towards Bannay then Cosne sur Loire, a flowered city offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire River. Still follow the Loire à Vélo cycling paths to Belleville sur Loire, Beaulieu sur Loire and Briare. Bordered by 72 Lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its 'canal bridge' is one f the must-see monuments, a unique structure of its king and for good reason, until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe!

Briare to Sully sur Loire | 41kms

Ride over the Loire River using the 'canal bridge' then proceed to Saint Bisson sur Loire and its medieval Château which has made catapults and canons its speciality. Then reach the nice city of Gien and enjoy its exceptional panoramic view. Proceed to Sully sur Loire and its remarkable midieval Château, surrounded by moats overlooking the Loire River

Sully sur Loire to Orleáns | 50kms

Here again, enjoy panoramic views until Saint Benoit sur Loire and its 11th-13th centuries abbatial church, one of the most remarkable Romanesque church of France. Ride to Châteauneuf sur Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century before ending your tour in Orléans, the 'City of Art and History' delivered by Joan of Arc form the English siege on 1429

Departure during the day.